Born in Brooklyn and raised throughout New York City and Long Island, Nova The Vagabond is one of the most talented up and coming artist on the East Coast. Growing up, he moved from place to place, but two locations left the biggest impact on him: East New York, Brooklyn, and Roosevelt, Long Island, the community he proudly represents today.
Music became part of Nova’s life at an early age. Before getting behind the production software, he spent time learning to play guitar, developing an early appreciation for creating music. Around the age of 13 or 14, he began experimenting with FL Studio, which was introduced to him by his father, ProjectPorter. What started as an interest gradually developed into a passion and eventually became a creative outlet that allowed him to express himself through both production and songwriting.
Growing up across New York, Nova spent much of his time at Hempstead’s Kennedy Skate Park, also known as KP, and Roosevelt Park. In the city, he could often be found around Atlantic Terminal, Jay Street, and 34th Street in Manhattan. These different environments and experiences helped shape his perspective and contributed to the artistic identity he continues to develop.
When it comes to musical inspiration, Nova draws influence from a diverse range of artists and groups, including Joey Bada$$, Griselda, Urban Architects, ProjectPorter, MF DOOM, and Kendrick Lamar. Their individual approaches to hip-hop have helped influence his own creative direction.
Describing his sound as Neo Boom Bap and Alternative Hip-Hop, Nova approaches music with a vision that goes beyond simply making records. He wants his music to capture the feeling of a watercolor painting, highlighting the beauty of his neighborhood through sound. It’s an artistic perspective that allows him to bring his surroundings, experiences, and imagination together while developing a style of his own.
His latest releases continue to reflect that creative direction. His most recent single, “Raw Papers,” features his longtime friend and collaborator RiverCurll, with production handled by his father, ProjectPorter. He also released “Velt Boyz,” a collaborative album with RiverCurll, with both artists contributing to the project’s production and engineering. Earlier this year, Nova released two EPs, “Rév Ble” and “Foot Notes,” further expanding his catalog.
With more music on the way, Nova is preparing to release his upcoming single, “Wild Flowerz,” on the 21st. As he continues building his catalog and developing his sound, he remains connected to the people and places that helped shape his journey.
Nova also makes it a point to recognize the people who have played important roles in his development. He gives special recognition to his father, ProjectPorter, for teaching him much of what he knows about music production, the business, and songwriting. He also credits his childhood friend RiverCurll for being a genuine supporter and walking alongside him throughout the journey. FigaroGreenwald, also known as SexySex, receives recognition for supporting his art since the early stages, while Queens rapper K.Sparks holds a special place in his story as the first artist to purchase one of his beats and eventually release a record with him.
