We had the good fortune of connecting with Nadia Elise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nadia, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from a town in Texas called Spring Branch. I grew up in a beautiful neighborhood right across the elementary and middle school I went to. My favorite show was Hannah Montana and I loved belting my heart out in the car to sad Adele songs. (I still do honestly.) My parents quickly saw how much I loved to sing and started encouraging me to audition for solos for my school’s choir and theatre programs. Safe to say I loved singing with a microphone in my hand. When I started high school, I found myself longing to fit in and blend. I never really blended perfectly. I soon realized that it was a good thing to stand out. My choir teacher would always point out how I was the only girl she could hear in my section. She moved me to varsity choir the next year. I really loved choir, so sad Covid ended it a bit early for me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My mood can go from 0 to 100 in an instant when I write a good hook—it’s clear I have a strong passion for songwriting. I also thrive on creativity with my peers, bouncing ideas off them, embracing new perspectives, and seeing something beautiful emerge from nothing in a matter of minutes.

I started releasing music in 2021, but it wasn’t until this year, 2025, that I began performing my own songs live. I’m still very new to the world of gigging, but my friend saw something in me and helped me get started, and I’m incredibly grateful to him for that. A big shoutout to Jacob Barton—he’s an amazing guitarist! (@jacobbgiggin) My very first gig was at Deya’Soul Backyard Jams, held right in the headliner’s backyard. It was an amazing experience; there’s truly nothing better than sharing the stage with people who are just as passionate about music as you are.
My biggest challenge so far has been keeping up with everything. I love the “go, go, go” lifestyle, but it can definitely take a toll on my home life. Sometimes, I even wish I could just take a pill to get all my daily nutrition so I could keep working. (I promise, I’m getting better at managing it!) My planner has truly become my best friend.
Something else I struggle with is self doubt. Sometimes, I find myself doubting my own talent or intelligence when compared to the musicians I work with, mainly because I’m so new to gigging. However, my friends always remind me of my abilities and how I deserve to be taken seriously. The music industry has changed so much; artists often have to sell their own tickets just to get paid for their work. As a small artist, I initially didn’t feel I “deserved” to be paid, but I always felt my band did. I’m extremely thankful to have people by my side who support my music and play for me, even when the money isn’t there.

My Hopes for My Music
My deepest hope for my music is that it can resonate with other girls/boys/humans in the same profound way other musician’s music impacted me. Their songs often felt like they were written just for my experiences, providing comfort and understanding when I needed it most. I aspire to create that same connection. I have countless stories simmering within me, and I’m eager to share them, exploring each narrative from different perspectives.

You’ll get a taste of this very soon with my upcoming album, “HomeWrecker.” This project is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a raw and honest exploration of complex emotions and situations that many of us navigate. Through “HomeWrecker,” I aim to convey themes like the often-unhealthy side of idolization, the persistent longing to stay relevant in someone’s mind even after a connection fades, a world that constantly pushes us to measure ourselves against others, and the painful realities of cheating. Ultimately, I want my listeners to find a piece of themselves within these stories, realizing they’re not alone in their experiences and feelings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My Ideal Denton Day with My Best Friend
If my best friend from high school came to visit me here in Denton, Texas, our first stop would absolutely have to be Taqueria Guanajuato for what I consider to be THE BEST tacos in town. I actually stumbled upon this gem after a particularly long night of… dancing! I’d highly recommend she try the Tacos De Birria or any of their incredible street tacos. And no visit is complete without their amazing avocado salsa and a refreshing Horchata.

After we’ve eaten in all that delicious food, I’d want to take her thrifting. I genuinely believe Denton has some of the best thrift stores I’ve ever been to. Seriously, every time I go, I come home with giant bags of clothes that I probably didn’t actually need, but definitely wanted! At least I’m saving money, right?

By then, my caffeine-addicted self would likely be craving a trip to Dutch Bros. I’m still on the hunt for my perfect drink there, but it’s always an adventure trying new concoctions. To cap off our fun-filled day, there’s nothing I love more than ending a long day unwinding at the movies!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Start of My Musical Journey
As a birthday gift, my dad got me a VERY cool keyboard, and that’s when I started writing songs about longing and heartbreak—you know, as every 16-year-old girl does. My music was heavily influenced by what I was hearing around me: Etta James, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Fleetwood Mac, and so much more. For another birthday, my dad gifted me studio sessions to record my first three songs. I love you, Dad! Without him, I don’t think the music gene would even be in my body. He was always playing guitar and writing new songs; in fact, some of my songs incorporate old melodies he created when I was little.
I’m incredibly thankful God blessed me with the family I have. We were never perfect, but that’s okay. My mom is truly the most precious blessing in my life. I’d get too choked up if I went on, but she deserves the world. I hope one day I can buy her a house in Puerto Rico.

Website: https://nadiarodriguez.my.canva.site/nadia-elise-music?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeRJTCiIw8ZZ9JzJh7LQ_KahjhuRT4TNxYSRackAqdOYIQCXJ3anQbNooWUvQ_aem_LjwwHdgQBWEmWHXv50-tFQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadiaelise_music?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=Mm82ZnpmZ2Vjamlh

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCog6nLgwIxYUKlvtlSk_Ykw

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2yiaBWduXSksktY0E0ZOAo?si=0Hj_dbprSLisN2oGvgyslQ

https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nadia-elise/1582332241

Image Credits
@rkmkphotography
@jtc.outlet

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.