Photography by Paul Mesnager
New Vibes/اجواء جديدة gives a snapshot of emerging and established independent, experimental, and underground sound artists and projects in their own words <3
Yara Said — aka Noise Diva — is a Syrian-Dutch multidisciplinary artist, DJ, and producer based in Amsterdam. Working across genres, sounds, and influences, she uses her feminist alter ego to convey an array of emotions and make spaces to practice politics. Below, she tells us more about what she’s working on and what’s on her mind these days.
Tell us a bit about yourself…
Noise Diva here. I’m an artist and researcher. I started my creative career as a painter — I was three years old when I started painting, and I knew I was good at it that young. But with music, it was different — I loved it, but I always lacked the accessibility and necessary educational environment.
I arrived to Europe to study a master’s in fine art and design, and became a multidisciplinary artist.
Photography by Paul Mesnager
How do you describe your sound?
Noise Diva is a feminist alter ego that encourages women and vulnerable voices to express themselves. I don’t really bother describing my sound—I leave that to the critics. I know I feel an array of emotions – I love to dance, and I live for music – and I have people to defend… and that’s my sound.
Can you tell us about your latest project, and what you’re looking forward to?
My latest project focuses on sad club music. For me, the club is a space to practice politics, to process our reality, not to hide from it.
I’ve been focusing on pop music and developing my sound design and music engineering skills. I’m working on a sick Reggaeton/Dance Hall EP — I cannot wait to share it with the world. And, “girls do cry” sequel is out (diva tears) 🙂
What is one of your tracks that you connect with the most at the moment? Can you tell us more about it?
Definitely “my heart is ok.” I made it as a reaction to all the sadness and pain my friends are going through. I wanted to release a sound that is thoughtful and caring.
Photography by Paul Mesnager
Who are you listening to these days?
I have been non-stop listening to Judeline, especially one track called “Zahara.” Another big inspiration is Sandy Chamoun and her group Sanam. Their latest project is fantastic.
Reflect with us, is there something on your mind you’d like to share?
Go dance! Go to parties, take a friend who likes to dance (do not use drugs, you have enough happiness inside, you just need to learn to unleash it), and shake that body until you feel the dopamine moving through you. We only live once.
And, of course, FREE PALESTINE. The colonizer lives off our idea that the future is blocked, and I say to them go to hell — as long as my legs can hold me, I will celebrate this life. 
Photography by Paul Mesnager