Meet The Team: Nina

Name:

Nina

Smule Name:

VE_Nina_MOF

Tell us a little about yourself... where were you born, where did you grow up, married with children?

I was born and raised in Sweden but currently residing in Colorado, United States. I am divorced with 5 children, two no longer living at home. My daytime job is as a dental office manager. I have one sibling; a younger brother. Although we didn't grow up in a musical home, my brother and I are both musically inclined. I played violin ages 9-11 but focused on singing after that. Although I never took any proper vocal lessons, I always enjoyed music class in school. I have been singing in several choirs for 12 years now and we perform regularly.

Do you remember the first CD/cassette (or vinyl) you bought?

Yes, I remember my parents buying me my first CASSETTE! It was 1983-84 and Carola had taken home the victory for Sweden in the 1983 Eurovision Song Contest. Of course, I wanted her first album when it came out. I remember clearly that the cassette cost my parents SEK 53 (Swedish Krona)!

What are your favourite genres and eras of music?

I love a lot of 80s and 90s music and like something in almost every genre so my musical taste is rather diverse. I also enjoy ethnic sounds and you will sometimes catch me listening to music such as Arabic pop music. I love Najwa Karam and Ragheb Alama, for instance. I also enjoy choral music and getting to listen to and/or sing the Major Works by J.S. Bach et al.

You've been both a contestant in Vocal Edge, and now a judge for more than two seasons. How would you describe the competition to those considering auditioning from May 2nd?

It really is a competition like no other. It is not simply about picking a winner. It is almost like a boot camp for singers. I certainly gained a lot from being a competitor in Season One. I picked up new skills and it also helped opening up musical horizons for me. I gained more confidence in my singing ability not only in my preferred genres but as a whole. This competition will definitely push you outside your comfort zone and make you a better singer/artist. Being a judge, I get to experience all of this from the perspective of a judge and it is very rewarding to see how people grow and develop. My advice would be to throw caution to the wind and jump in to this wholeheartedly- 100%. Be open to trying new things and to coaches' feedback. "Whether you think you can - or can't- you're right"

One final thing... chocolate or fruit?

FRUIT