Hi again to all of you shiny people out there,

I guess all of you can somehow relate to this: you know exactly what you love doing but you are actually terrified of going after it.  And yes, that was me – until last year. Ever since I can remember, I dreamed of singing songs to encourage people to make the best of themselves and to help make this world a better place. And, let’s be honest: looking at the competitive system that we are caught up in, this is not easily achieved. To me it feels like we are always under competitive pressure regarding identity, social status and success. And I believe that this kind of competition has a damaging and negative effect on all of us. I mean, how could it not? Up until last year, I had never had the courage to write or sing my own songs. I was just too afraid to fail or that my songs wouldn´t be good enough. But then I asked myself: What does “to fail” actually mean? Or what exactly would it be that wouldn´t be “good enough”? That was when I realized that I was not only stuck in this competitive system in terms of my studies, my looks or whatsoever. But that this pressure actually prevented me from doing what I love. I mean how could it not be “good enough” or how could I fail if I pursued what I actually love doing? So last summer, while I was writing my Master Thesis, I said to myself: “Nina, you know what? Just do it!” And so I wrote “Time to Shine” which is also what the song is basically about. I would like to encourage all of you people out there to pursue what you actually love doing. I know, this is definitely easier said than done, but so rewarding.  After all, it is your life and this is your moment. So, go out there and shine your light. ‘Cause it is time to shine’