Ian Arden looks at the many sides of Nadia in his latest single and video — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
It’s interesting when the same word has different meanings in different language — an idea Toronto folk artist Arden explores in his new song. In Russian, Nadia means “hope,” while in Arabic it means “delicate.” The title character in his new song and accompanying music video represents both of those words‚ while describing someone who has been suffering for too long.
“The music video and the song depict a beautiful, innocent young maiden … She represents the muse that has guided me throughout my life,” says Arden.
Arden started to focus inspiration for his music on mental health after he noticed how people around him were struggling. Nadia is a song that sounds like the 20th century but remains current and impactful, thanks to its slow yearning and captivating chorus with a polished and modern folk sound. With a focus on mental health, Arden speaks to the many things he’s learned — such as there’s light at the end of the tunnel for those having a hard time.
“The song taught me to not be silent about mental health and to speak my truth. I take away from it the knowledge that I can firmly stand for what I believe,” he says.
Nadia is the first single from the EP Songs For Rebecca, a work centred around stories of trying to live in the modern world and those struggles. Arden’s first release has a list of guest appearances from local artists and blends pop and folk with songs that have the power to uplift anyone.
After moving to Toronto from his Monteal home, Arden’s father made him recite lyrics to songs from artists like Leonard Cohen, Paul Simon and Bob Dylan to help him learn English and overcome his stammer. Although the process was unscientific, and maybe a little scarring, those influences can be heard throughout the album in its poetic lyrics and progressive folk elements.
Hear Nadia above, listen to Songs For Rebecca below, and meet Ian Arden at his website and Instagram.
