Nadia Ali is somewhat like the unicorn of the EDM scene: she's female, of Pakistani descent, a prominent vocalist in a DJ-dominated genre, and a critically acclaimed songwriter. As Reema Kumari Jadeja has observed, her ethereal and soulful vocals provide a level of emotional depth that isn't traditionally found in EDM or electronica: "masterfully encapsulating euphoric and melancholic, Ali’s signature music style sees Eastern mystique caressed with intelligent Electronica and fortified with Soul". Ali's atypical brand of electronic dance music is easier to understand when one notes her musical influences. Despite having worked with top DJs like Armin van Buuren, BT, Avicii, Morgan Page, and Starkillers, she lists another set of musicians as inspiration: Stevie Nicks, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Madonna, Sade and Bono.
"Something to Lose", a 2006 non-album single, showcases Ali's ability to immaculately mesh a seductive club-ready melody with emotionally intelligent lyrics. Produced by John Creamer & Stephane K, the track is a duet with Rosko, each playing the romantic blame game while churning up an infectious rhyme scheme - against an uptempo beat that will help heartbroken clubbers achieve sublime catharsis on the dancefloor. The track may seem to vindicate Ali's position as the 'used' woman in the relationship, but Rosko's retorts prevent any easy conclusion from being made:
'Nadia:Anybody knows when, you use me,You'll lose meYou're never gonna learn till,You lose me, you lose me
Do I look to youLike something to lose?Or am I to you onlySomeone to use?
You dream like a kingBut your pride is a foolI'm not the one whose egoIs so easily bruised
Rosko:You say you are too strongTo be used, looking like a victimAt me the accused
Nadia:But wait, I didn't want it this way
Rosko:But you're making me wrongAnd it's not about blame.'
Lyrics: Lyricsmode
