Sometimes an artist comes along with a story so real that it feels like they’re speaking directly to you. That’s exactly the vibe you get with nothhingspecial, the German artist making waves with her heartfelt music and down-to-earth personality.
The story behind her stage name isn’t as profound as people might expect. “People always expect some profound story,” she laughs. “But honestly, it’s super random. I made an Instagram account when I was 12 to post my photography 2015 Tumblr aesthetic vibes and named it ‘nothingspecial’ because I wasn’t doing anything original. When that was taken, I added an extra ‘h’.” Fast forward a few years, and the name stuck as she started uploading covers, creating a YouTube channel, and writing original music. “By then, it just felt right,” she adds.
Music has always been her thing. As a self-described highly sensitive person, she says music has been magical and mesmerising to her since she was a kid. “I remember watching Hannah Montana and thinking, ‘That’s who I want to be!’.” She spent hours with her sister, pretending to perform on stage. By 14, she was writing her first instrumental on the piano, and it hit her hard: “I was literally crying tears of joy. That’s when I knew: this is what I’m meant to do.”
Growing up in Germany had its ups and downs for her as an artist. “I mostly listened to international music,” she says, but she’s grateful for the opportunities Germany offers. “It’s the fourth-largest music market in the world, and there’s government funding and programs for new artists.” That said, living in a small town made things tricky. “I didn’t know anyone making music, so I started posting online,” she explains. Moving to Bonn in 2019 changed everything. “I finally met like-minded people, started a band, and got to play live shows.” Her advice? “If you’re determined, you can make it happen. Don’t let comparisons or doubts hold you back.” Her influences are as eclectic as her sound: Fall Out Boy, Twenty One Pilots, Florence + The Machine, The Neighbourhood, “they’ve all shaped me,” she shares. More recently, she’s been inspired by Sofia Isella: “Her songwriting is out of this world.” Creating music professionally has brought its own set of challenges, though. “I used to write more freely when there was no pressure,” she admits. “Now, with TikTok and everything, staying relevant is tough. But I treat it like a job: posting regularly, planning ahead. It helps keep things balanced.”
Her single Howling has been a standout moment, both for her and her fans. “It’s one of my favorite songs ever,” she says. Written during a time of big life changes, the track is about trusting your intuition and listening to your higher self. “I kept looking for answers externally, only to find out that I had them all along inside of me. I just had to tune into my body and listen. Sometimes your gut knows more than you do,” she explains. She adds a deeper layer to the song, saying, “Almost 80% of our bodies are made up of water. If something in the water is ‘howling,’ you know it’s important to listen.” The message has resonated deeply with her listeners, making it a track that holds a special place in her heart.
Looking back, her career so far has been filled with exciting milestones. “Playing my first live show, being featured on BBC Radio 1, signing with a US label, going to LA for the first time, meeting so many incredibly talented people, the list goes on,” she says. Grateful for every experience, she’s excited to keep building on these moments.
Her music dives deep into personal themes like depression, spirituality, trauma, and female rage. These raw, introspective elements come naturally to her. “I just write about what I feel and think about a lot. You’ll stumble across internal monologues and emotions I deal with,” she adds. As the music industry evolves, she admits to being both excited and cautious: “I really hope things slow down a bit and become more authentic again”. She has discovered recently that while trends don’t particularly excite her, she’s inspired by emerging artists: “Sofia Isella, Erin LeCount, and Asal are incredible,” she shares. Collaborating with Ryan Tedder, a long-time inspiration, would also be a dream to come true. “His songwriting has always inspired me. He’s just the best,” she gushes.
What’s next for her? “New music! Very soon,” she teases, buzzing with excitement for the future. For other young artists trying to make it, her advice is heartfelt: “Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show it. Your authenticity is your superpower. Set goals, break them into steps, and just start. You don’t need crazy skills or connections just go for it. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and don’t stress about being perfect. Enjoy the ride!” She emphasizes the importance of trust and growth. “Don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on improving your craft and trust your instincts. Even if it feels scary or like you’re not ready, just take that leap. You’ll learn and grow as you go. And, most importantly, have fun while doing it. It’s supposed to be a joy, not a burden.”
nothhingspecial proves that staying true to yourself and working hard can take you far. Her story is a reminder that even in an industry that moves fast, there’s always room for realness and passion. I am excited to see what’s next for her - and something tells me, it’s going to be extraordinary.
You can find nothhingspecial on Instagram and Spotify
WORDS AND PHOTOS NATHALIE ULBRICHT
TALENT NOTHHINGSPECIAL
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