Safia Nolin is a Montreal artist who continues to make her mark in the French music scene with her unique, intimate album “UFO Religion”. At 33 years old, she defines herself as an “extraterrestrial” in the music industry, blending poetic and political elements in her work.
In a recent interview, Safia shared her journey into music, starting at the age of 15 when she learned to play the guitar online. Her musical influences range from Elliott Smith to Taylor Swift, although she finds Swift’s current music lacking depth. Safia’s music is characterized by its melancholic, folk-inspired nature, presenting a contrast to her outgoing personality.
With a keen eye on current social and political issues, Safia views her music as inherently political, particularly drawing inspiration from her experiences as a member of marginalized groups. Her album “UFO Religion” touches on themes of alienation, the end of the world, and hope, reflecting the tumultuous times we live in.
Despite her intimate and introspective music, Safia’s personality remains candid and bold, a facet that surprises many of her listeners. She explores the impact of online hate speech in her project “Surveillée et punie”, turning negative comments into a therapeutic artistic endeavor.
Safia’s artistic horizon extends beyond music, drawing inspiration from horror films, video games, and the work of artists like Junji Ito. She also explores literary works, finding solace in the words of Quebecois author Nathalie Plaat.
As an advocate for marginalized voices, Safia recognizes the growing importance of artists using their platform to address social issues. She recommends indie folk group Rosier, Antoine Corriveau’s album “Oiseau de nuit”, and the duo Bibi Club as notable Quebec artists to watch.
Recently seen performing with her wife, French singer Pomme, Safia teased their upcoming collaboration on her new album of covers, “Reprises vol.3”. The duo will cover the iconic French song “Sous le vent” by Céline Dion and Garou, showcasing their harmonious partnership. Despite this collaboration, Safia usually prefers to keep her personal and professional relationships separate.
With her unique blend of introspective music and bold personality, Safia Nolin stands out as a compelling voice in the diverse Canadian music scene.
