Today we’d like to introduce you to Nemisye
Hi Nemisye, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hello, my name is Nemisye.
I’m an independent artist originally from Marietta, Georgia. I’d say I’ve been singing since I was 16, but I’ve been listening to jazz since I was a baby. I grew up a theater kid, but over time, I realized I was more drawn to singing than being a triple threat. My singing journey really began when I joined chorus at 16. I always knew I could hold a note, but I didn’t fully step into that power until I had the courage to perform at the school talent show the following year.
I remember randomly picking Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” throwing on a Party City top hat and an oversized chorus tux, and singing my little heart out. That performance reached the hearts of the parents in the audience and marked the moment I knew I had something special. I’ve always been an old soul.
Growing up, I didn’t fit in much. I had one or two good friends, but mostly acquaintances. I was one of the few Black kids at my school, and even among them, I didn’t quite belong. I dressed grunge, wore piercings, and was labeled an “Oreo.” And as many queer individuals know, even theater spaces aren’t always safe — I was bullied there too. So where do you go when you’re struggling with your sexuality, your gender, and your identity as the “weird Black kid”?
My answer? Music.
My adolescence wasn’t my prime, but I got through it thanks to the music I carried with me. My mom was a huge rock fan, so I grew up on Fleetwood Mac, Metallica, and Pearl Jam. My sisters followed suit, but I gravitated toward jazz. That love for jazz eventually led me to artists like A Tribe Called Quest, Westside Gunn, and Queen Latifah. I remember scatting along to the saxophone in “U.N.I.T.Y.” and chanting “Bonita Applebum, you gotta put me on” on the school bus.
What drew me to that classic New York boom bap sound was how it sampled jazz. I loved the contrast of hard-hitting drums with smooth horn lines. I started freestyling over instrumental beats and layering my own scat melodies. That blend of jazz and hip-hop became my sonic foundation.
I went on to attend Kennesaw State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in jazz vocal performance. And that’s where Nemisye was born — not just an alter ego, but everything I wanted to be as a teen. Unapologetically myself. I used to be a pushover, but through my art and the healing of past traumas, I created my own “villain origin story.” Not to wreak havoc, but to reclaim my identity.
That mindset birthed my debut single, “I Am Nemisye,” where I wrote, “Vengeance will be mine, I shall rectify, I’ll take back what’s mine.” People hear “villain” and think destruction, but for me, it’s about rebirth. It’s about becoming who I was always meant to be.
After college, I started experimenting more. I wondered what a jazz singer would sound like over a boom bap beat, or how jazz vocals might sound over a soft rock instrumental. People often try to put jazz in a box — think tuxedos and cringey Sinatra impressions — but jazz is versatile. And so am I.
In my music, you might hear a scat solo over a pop track, or smoky jazz vocals on an alternative rock record. Songs like “Jazz Hands” mix jazz and boom bap, while “Peppermint Schnapps” blends jazz with a more alternative, soft rock edge. I don’t fit in one genre — and I don’t want to.
As someone who was once overlooked, bullied, and treated like an underdog, I’m learning to trust my voice. That’s why every one of my songs sounds different: because I am different, and I embrace that. My music is a melting pot — rooted in jazz, but fearless in exploration.
The name Nemisye comes from the Greek goddess Nemesis — a reminder that the best revenge is success. I used to see my uniqueness as a weakness, but now I understand that being different is my superpower. For anyone still in school or well into adulthood who feels like they don’t belong: I see you. You matter.
My mission as Nemisye is to give a voice to the unheard and to make the unseen feel seen. I don’t believe in gatekeeping. I want to extend the table so we can all have a seat, because there’s enough room for everyone to win.
Even though the journey of an artist can be long and draining, I’m dedicated to this life. Creativity is my purpose. I’m not here to blend in — I’m here to break molds. The shy kid who used to hide behind his long hair, flannel, and dirty glasses has evolved.
I am Nemisye. I walk my own path — and I believe I’ll get where I’m going, on my own damn time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road?
Definitely not. I’ve faced bullying, isolation, and the struggle of feeling like I never fit in — not at school, not even in theater spaces. As a queer Black kid with a love for jazz and grunge, I was often labeled and misunderstood. Music became my escape, my healing, and eventually my identity. Even now, as an independent artist, I face the challenges of self-doubt, financial pressure, and carving my own lane. But every struggle shaped Nemisye — and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
’m Nemisye, an independent artist known for blending jazz with hip-hop, rock, and alternative sounds. I love performing — the adrenaline rush feels like a sport. I’m like a sprinter about to kick ass in the 100-meter dash. I live for that moment, keeping people on the edge of their seats. I specialize in raw, genre-bending music that entertains but also speaks truth. What sets me apart is my ability to mix old-school jazz technique with modern vibes, all while staying fluid in my identity and fearless in my sound.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
The thing I love most about Atlanta is that it’s a city full of dreamers. The artist community here, for the most part, is open, supportive, and inspiring. I always feel the most seen when I’m surrounded by other creatives — watching them embrace their art gives me the confidence to keep going. My advice for finding a mentor or networking? Stay open and stay present. You can always learn something from another artist, no matter where they are in their journey. Building real connections starts with genuine appreciation and shared passion.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nemisye
- Facebook: @nemisye
- Youtube: @nemisye
Image Credits
Tomsche
