Shara Nova, a classically trained vocalist and self-taught multi-instrumentalist, has been recording dazzling, shapeshifting music as My Brightest Diamond since 2006., and has been an ardent performer of new work. Over the years, the band has released five groundbreaking albums, each showcasing a different musical landscape while always centering on Nova's distinctive voice.
Her journey took an unexpected turn in July 2023, when within hours of learning about Sinéad O'Connor's passing, a fierce storm plunged her Detroit home into darkness. As the city held its breath, Nova sat with her guitar, reflecting on O'Connor's iconic SNL performance where she repurposed Bob Marley’s "War" to address child abuse, urging viewers to “fight the real enemy.” Inspired by this act of artistic courage, Nova poured her emotions into a raw demo – the title track "Fight the Real Terror" – which opens her new album, Fight the Real Terror, in its original form. Shara wrote and recorded these songs between July 26 and August 13, 2023. Traveling from her home in Detroit to Chicago, she worked with Tom Schick at Wilco’s studio, The Loft, for five days. More than just a collection of songs; Fight the Real Terror is a call to action, and a testament to the transformative power of music. Nova's powerful vocals and genre-bending compositions are simultaneously intimate and expansive, urging listeners to confront their fears, embrace their vulnerabilities, and fight for a better world.
Nova is a Kresge Arts fellow, a Carolina Performing Arts Creative Futures fellow, a Knights Grant recipient, a United States Artists fellow, and a New Music USA 2022 recipient.