Singer-songwriter Nadia Ali, who rose to prominence when she performed the hypnotic vocals on Iio’s hit ‘Rapture’, has teamed up with Starkillers and Alex Kenji for the hot new dance track ‘Pressure’.

We chatted to Nadia about how 'Rapture' launched her career, the loyalty of her gay fans, success and her upcoming solo album.

Stop or confirm (or start) a rumour about yourself...
People always get my background confused. I was born in Libya to Pakistani parents and was raised in Queens, NYC since I was five.

We absolutely love your new track 'Pressure' here at GaydarRadio - how did the collaboration with Starkillers and Alex Kenji come about?
Nick (Starkillers) is a friend of mine and did a number of remixes for me throughout the years. Eventually we got around to making original music together and recorded a bunch of song ideas on Christmas Eve in 2009.  'Pressure' was one of them. We loved it and then I introduced Nick to Alex Kenji. Nick sent the track to Alex and Alex added his touches to the track.

"As a songwriter, it gives me chills to hear thousands of people singing the words that I wrote - 'So much pressure, so much heat, so much hussle, they want me'."

What are you most proud of about the track?
I think the message in the song is one that everyone can relate to. As a songwriter, it gives me chills to hear thousands of people singing the words that I wrote - "So much pressure, so much heat, so much hussle, they want me".

You've got quite a big gay following - what does the support of the gay community mean to you?
I am often amazed at how loyal my gay fans are. They are always at the front of the audience and I feel they are some of my most enthusiastic fans around.

So, when did you first realise that you could really sing?
I was about 9 years old and was singing 'Vogue' by Madonna out loud. A school friend said, "Hey Nadia, you should sing, you have a nice voice".

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
The key to success is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration.

'Rapture' is such a dance classic! What does that song mean to you and do you ever tire of hearing it?
I am proud of the first song I ever released. It started my career and is a classic song for many in my industry. I am very grateful for how organic the process of creating it was and how much it was praised through the years.

"I am often amazed at how loyal my gay fans are. They are always at the front of the audience and I feel they are some of my most enthusiastic fans around."

Michael Stipe has described his sexuality by explaining that, for every 10 people he is attracted to, 7 are guys and 3 are girls. How about you?!
I am attracted to the male form through and through. [Smiles].

Who's your girl crush?
Not sure if I have one - I have a lot of love for women, though.

Do you hit the gay clubs a lot on a night out?
To be honest, i hardly go out if I am not performing at a club!

Finish the sentence: A good night out starts with...
A good meal.

It ends with...
A prayer.

What comes first for you - sex or love?
Love of course.

What's coming up for you?
I have a new song with Spencer and Hill called 'Believe It' which I feel will be a strong one. There's also a collaboration with Sander Van Doorn and Sydney Samson entitled 'Rolling the Dice'.

Anything to add?
My next main focus is recording my second solo dance album. It will be high energy and I'm gonna try out a lot of new vocal ideas on it.

'Pressure', the new single from Nadia Ali, Starkillers and Alex Kenji, is released on 14 November 2011.  Find out more at www.nadiaali.com.