Debi Nova: If I weren’t a singer I’d be an astronaut

Up for a stellar night? The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science will host its 13th annual Galaxy Gala: Aqua Lumiere on Saturday at the Hilton Miami Downtown. Proceeds go toward the highly anticipated, state-of-the-art facility still under construction in downtown Miami’s Museum Park.

Hosted by NBC 6 Chief Meteorologist John Morales, the evening will also feature a performance by Latin Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Debi Nova.

You were born in Costa Rica and now live in L.A. You must like the warm weather.

I’m all about the tropical weather, which is why I love Miami. I love the mix of cultures, the ocean, and I can get to see the part of my family that lives there.

What will your set be like?

It will be a solo acoustic performance on piano of two songs from my most recent album, Soy. I’ll do Emergency and Por Ultima Vez.

Who inspires you in your career?

Women do! Ever since I was a teenager, I remember obsessing over female singer/songwriter/musicians. Artists like Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Stevie Nicks, Aretha Franklin, and jazz greats like Ella and Sara Vaughn shaped me musically and never cease to inspire and amaze me.

When did you realize what you wanted to do for a living? How did you start?

I think I was around 14 years old when I was in music school in Costa Rica. I got my first so-called job in music for a rock band there called Gandhi. Being on stage was the most empowering and beautiful feeling.

You’ve worked with various artists including Britney Spears on “Lace and Leather” and Sean Paul on “International Affair.” Who is your dream collaboration?

There are so many talented people I hope to work with in the future so it’s hard to only pick one. But I must say collaborating with Franco Devita on Si Quieres Decir Adios and Ricky Martin on I Don’t Care were life altering experiences.

What is your latest project?

We are one single away from closing out the cycle of my second album, Soy. My plan is to start working on my third album in the second half of the year.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you want to be?

An astronaut — which is why I’m super excited to perform at the Galaxy Gala. Or a big-wave pro surfer.

MADELEINE MARR

This story was originally published April 17, 2015 at 10:26 AM with the headline "Debi Nova: If I weren’t a singer I’d be an astronaut."