Getting Closer to Tabitha Nauser

Singaporean singer-songwriter Tabitha Nauser opens up about her career and reinvigorates her determination for her craft as the city’s shining pop starlet. Here she is with the new Braun Büffel Jolie accessories.

Dress, 16ARLINGTON at NET-A-PORTER, Jolie Small Top handle bag, BRAUN BÜFFEL.

Focus. That is what Singaporean singer-songwriter Tabitha Nauser has. And as a result of her determination, we follow her vision. For the past decade, Nauser has entranced us with her voice — it was at Singapore Idol where we first got to know her. She followed up with a number of outstanding projects— ultimately, she has exceeded expectations and is more than a singer. In a similar vein to other artists who have found their voice through sheer hard work, Nauser — through her independence from major labels — has set the example for future female artists.

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Dress, SELF-PORTRAIT at NET-A-PORTER, shoes, ROGER VIVIER, Jolie Small Shoulder bag, BRAUN BÜFFEL.

You first captured our hearts on Singapore Idol, but tell us about the real you. How did you arrive at music?

It’s crazy to think that that was over 13 years ago! That was my entry into the music industry here in Singapore and subsequently overseas. But I had been singing for years before that — in my bedroom, at school events, mini talent shows, family events. It was only until after Singapore Idol that I realised I could take music seriously as a career, but a lot of time had passed after school and I actually had to find a way back into the industry. I tried my hand at anything and everything I knew I could do. TV hosting was first, then modelling, live events hosting, theatre acting — anything that I thought would give me an edge into the music industry. Radio was one of the last jobs I had before pursuing music full-time. I wasn’t hearing any of the stuff I would normally listen to and so I worked with the station to create a show that only featured R&B and Hip Hop music. I was so proud of that show and of the show name — 'Turn Up with Tabitha'.

What was great about that gig was learning the commercial side of music, the stuff that happens behind the scenes that you don’t really think about when making music. I believe that gave me an advantage when it came time to create my own music. For example, something as simple as getting the listeners’ attention within six seconds of a song starting, doesn’t change 90 per cent of how you create music, but knowing that 10 per cent definitely helps!

After that, I got lucky and signed to Sony Music Entertainment Singapore and I’ve been doing music full time ever since. My journey was never a straight line, and I definitely wasn’t an overnight success story, but I’m here now and I’m happy that I am still here after 13 years!

Do you remember the first time you heard your music on the radio?

Sadly, no I don’t! I don’t remember the exact moment, but I know it must’ve been in a cab or something. I joke about this a lot with my close friends, but it’s actually a little sad. There are a lot of things in the early parts of my career that I don’t really remember. And I think it’s because I was so focused on getting from point a to point b that I never stopped to smell the roses. So really, thank goodness for pictures and videos, and my friends reminding me! I’m being much better about taking in and embracing moments as they happen, instead of speeding past things.

Were you the type of kid who was always singing?

Yes, I was! I did it for myself because I enjoyed it. It made me happy. I would listen to different singers on repeat and try to learn their runs and rifts to challenge myself and I felt such a rush when I finally got it right. But as a kid I was extremely shy. So any moment where I had to take the singing outside of my little bubble, I panicked. My family was extremely supportive, and was always trying to get me to take part in shows, or perform at family events and I used to get the worst anxiety! I wouldn’t say I’ve gotten over it now, but I’ve definitely become much better at hiding my nerves. Fake it till you feel it, baby!

Last year, in the midst of the pandemic, you released a series of singles. What did you learn from that experience?

That not having the backing of a major label makes the whole thing very expensive! Especially when there’s a pandemic and you’re not getting any income during that time! I was pulling from my savings to get through the pandemic, as I’m sure a lot of other artists and creatives were doing. It was tough, and to be 100 per cent transparent, a lot of the stress came from the financial side of things. But creatively, I had never felt freer. I had parted ways with Sony just six months before, so I was a newly independent artist and that was super exciting to me.

I felt a new wave of motivation and love for the craft, and I was ecstatic to meet new people, create, and explore both myself and my sound again. The catalogue of singles I released during the pandemic ranged from UK garage to soul R&B, to EDM, to bubble-gum pop — all so very different from what you would typically come to expect from me as an artist. It’s been a great learning experience because I got to step out of my box.

Are you working on new material?

Always! There is this constant production line of music, and the music is getting tweaked and worked on throughout the year. It’s funny because people assume if you haven’t put anything out, that means you’re just sitting at home watching TV or something? Like, no! Making music takes time. Making music takes life experiences and living. Me, at this point in my journey, I’m working on what direction I’d like to take moving forward. It feels like the start of a brand new chapter. Personally, I’ve grown tremendously, I’m finally in a great place and so happy with the work that’s taken to get me here. I’ll be going back to London in a few weeks to finish off more music, so I’m excited to explore that and see where it takes me.

Is there a memory that makes you completely happy?

Anytime I’m with my partner and my dogs, we’re laughing. I have so many memories of that and it’s the best feeling in the world.

Define your sense of style.

My style is definitely rooted in streetwear. I grew up in the late ’90s and early 2000s and a lot of what I define as cool, I still take from that era – like oversized boyfriend fits. I love unique industrial pieces as well. I think my style has definitely evolved over the years and I now seek pieces that help embrace my body and provide comfort as well.

What do you think of the Braun Büffel bags you’re carrying for today’s shoot?

They’re such great timeless pieces that you can keep for years to come, and I think that’s so important with the discussion of sustainability. You want to make sure that you can use an item at least 30 times before adding it to your wardrobe, and you can definitely do that with these pieces because of how versatile they are. I’m loving bright pops of colour recently and so the yellow bag has my heart!

Do you feel an expectation to be active on social media?

Yes, all the time! It’s sometimes painful! (laughs) I’m waiting for the day I can be done with everything and just go hide in a cabin in the Swiss mountains with my dogs.

What might you do differently about the way your life has turned out?

Probably too many things to mention here. (laughs) But I’ve learnt to make the most of things, be content with the choices I have made, and learn to make better ones down the line.

What is the most important thing a young musician should know?

Be very protective of your space. Who you allow into your circle and who you give your time and energy to is so important. Keep strong women close to you and remember to always be inquisitive and willing to learn.