Meet Nadia Kodes of New York City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nadia Kodes.

Hi Nadia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a singer-songwriter and pianist from Saint Petersburg, Russia. I began my career in 2011 with the release of my demo album Life is Simple, inspired by my childhood hero John Lennon and the simplicity and sincerity of his solo work. It started as just piano and vocals, but soon grew into a full rock band. We performed successfully for the next few years, winning national competitions and recording several albums.

In 2016, I became a grand finalist on the MTV show Casa Musica. Around that time, I also began writing movie soundtracks and songs for other artists.

Everything changed for me in 2017, when I released an acoustic cover of Type O Negative’s “Anesthesia” on YouTube. The video resonated with metal fans around the world and was warmly received – even by Type O’s drummer, Johnny Kelly. This moment led to the release of my tribute album Acoustic Rust, featuring eight acoustic renditions of songs by the Brooklyn gothic metal legends.

Soon after that, I began collaborating with American artists. My 2022 single Traitor was produced by an LA-based musician Marko Jankovic. In 2023, I released the single Forever Haunt with the Florida gothic metal band October Noir – we now have two songs together. They are incredible!
I also released “What Is Freedom Anyway?”, a single produced by a Nashville-based instrumentalist David Walker.

I’ve always dreamed of coming to America and started learning English at a very young age. That dream finally came true last year, which also marked the release of my new album Pitch Dark, Red Light. This record defines a new era for me and represents who I am today – melodic and melancholic rock songs about life, meaning, and self-discovery.

Now based in New York, I’m applying for a talent visa and working to continue my musical journey here in the U.S.

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?
I’ve faced many obstacles and struggles along the way. The constant cycle of competitions, auditions, and chasing success in the music industry took a serious toll on my mental health. I was diagnosed with depression and felt like a failure. It took me years to find myself again and start feeling whole.

For a long time, I couldn’t find my sound or my audience. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I finally discovered a community where I felt truly understood.

I’ve also gone through a lot personally – difficult relationships, a deep sense of loneliness, and major life changes. I’ve changed countries, lost friends, and had to say goodbye to my beloved cat, who meant the world to me. Right now, my entire life fits into one suitcase.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I sing, write melodies and lyrics, produce, and play piano. I’m best known for my piano-driven rock tracks, pure voice, and raw emotional expression. My sound has often been compared to artists like Tori Amos and Amy Lee.

What sets me apart is the sonic world I’m able to create with minimal arrangements – I can sound like a full band, even with just piano and vocals. My voice is my biggest asset. People often tell me my songs make them cry, and that they’re deeply emotional.

My music is a blend of eternal sadness and hope. I truly believe we can find our light by embracing our darkness. I’m most proud of my latest album, “Pitch Dark, Red Light”. Those seven songs tell the story of how I changed my life, found inspiration, and overcame my fears.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
I’ve learned a lot of lessons, but the most important one is this: no one is coming to save me but that’s okay. My life truly began to shift the moment I looked in the mirror and made the decision to be happy.

I wrote down a list of my fears and started facing them, one by one. I tried scuba diving. Took acting classes. Spent my birthday alone. Learned how to say “no.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://nadiakodes.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadiakodes
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kodesmusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nadiakodes