Nina Bergman is a force to be reckoned with. The songwriter, actress, model, activist and most recently, lead singer of hard rock band Letters From The Fire, is working on a new album (see below for the first track off it) , shooting the upcoming “DOOM” movie and continuing her work advocating for animal rights. Bergman’s classical roots in ballet fostered a disciplined work ethic that she carries over into her music and beyond. We chatted with the multitalented front-woman about her childhood, first album with Letters From The Fire and continued support of animal rights.
Untitled: You are a former ballerina! How did you transition into music?
Nina Bergman: I’ve been singing my whole life but I did opera and musical theatre; that’s what I studied at NYU. Then I started boxing to get away from the classical world both in ballet and music. One day while I was sparring, I heard Nine Inch Nails for the first time. That was it for me—I knew what I wanted to do!
What was it like growing up in Europe?
I grew up in Denmark, which is an amazing place to grow up because it’s very safe. I was independent at the age of 7. I’d bike wherever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I was working as a performer then and making money. If I wasn’t performing anywhere, I’d perform on the streets in the center of Copenhagen and make money that way. I was free to do and be whatever I wanted. After that, I went to the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow for a year at 15-years-old, which was the opposite: crazy strict and disciplined! That’s where I learned what “working hard” means. It was my bootcamp for life!
Can you give us some insight into your upcoming album?
The album is very diverse! I have so much to say and feel so many different things like most of us. Instead of picking one mood for the record, we decided to go with the songs that really moved us. That’s why the record has so many colors. There’s something for everyone on this record yet it comes from the same place, so it’s all tied together.
How would you describe your musical style?
It’s raw, real, fun, in your face and solution-based (I hate whiny songs). It’s rock with a pop sensibility, and has an electronic element. We call it future rock. It’s everything I’d want to listen to and buy.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Nine Inch Nails, Linkin Park, U2, classical music, lots of smaller indie bands and anyone telling the truth.
You are outspoken in your support for animal rights. Can you tell us about your work for the cause?
I’m a hardcore vegan. I don’t eat my friends. And I don’t participate in animal cruelty. I didn’t know I was supporting animal cruelty by drinking milk and eating cheese. Once I worked as an undercover animal rights activist and learned about factory farming, which [comprises] 99% of all meat and diary. I saw the worst animal abuse, and it’s legal. If people know what they’re consuming that’s one thing—but most people have no idea. It’s my mission in this life to make people aware of it. I won’t stop until every cage is empty. That’s my mission. Many people are going vegan for health reasons and for the environment. It’s a win-win, a no brainer if you ask me!
Besides your album, do you have any projects in the works that you can tell us about?
I work as an actor as model as well! I’m currently shooting the new “DOOM” movie for Universal Pictures! And I have some really great projects that’s being released this year that I can’t talk about yet. It’s an amazing time right now for both me and the band. All our hard work seems to be paying off this year!
