Be prepared to fall deep for the LA-based enchantress, NIIA, who crafts songs that are like concoctions; full of romanticism, humour and soul. We get to know the singer as her new album drops at midnight...

Even though NIIA isn’t a freshman in the scene, she is certainly one to watch. The LA-based singer has been co-signed by some OG’s such as Wyclef Jean whom she has had strong ties with since the mid-2000s. The artist who has forged a unique sound in the arena of “trip-hop” has released a vibey new single called “Whatever You Got” which comes before her highly anticipated sophomore album ‘II La Bella Vita’. The wait is almost over for you romantics out there as NIIA’s album drops at midnight.

 

Think of a revised Montell Jordan – Get It On Tonite instrumental with smooth femme vocal tones. The hypnotic beat against the soulful vocals is slow enough for you to take it in the lyrics and fast in enough to make you two-step. “You can go ahead and waste all of my time, need a little bit of you in my life” are some toxic love song lyrics that we have all related with at some point.

 

The single sets the tone for some of the themes you can expect to see on the album, NIIA details “‘I was all about falling in love, and how scary but exciting it is to find someone and build a life with them. ‘II: La Bella Vita’ is about the downfall of a relationship,” says NIIA. “The cold reality of ‘where did the love go? Why did it fall apart?’ Going through emotions like anger, bitterness, sadness, and how you move through the stages of grief and recovery to keep going.

 

We got to know the enchantress and we think you should too, so dive into our latest Internet Crush with NIIA below!

If you could summarise it, what would be the story of how you became a musician?
My entire family is musical. I’m just one of many. I’d say it’s due to good genes, pure luck and putting in my hours. I also had a family that supported and encouraged me throughout it all.

How would you describe your sound?

Timeless with a twist. It reminds you of the past but feels present too. A jazz singer on a spaceship that has entered a tropical star storm.

What are some of your first memories of music?

I used to sit under my mom’s piano while she gave piano lessons to teenagers in our living room. I remember saving my money to go buy new sheet music to play instead of the music I was supposed to be practising. I also remember my first solo was in the 5th grade. I sang “To Sir With Love” and threw up before and after.

What’s the best part of being an artist? The worst?

The best part is I get to do the thing I love most. Music, singing, writing. The worst part is breaking down doors to get support from the industry to champion your art and help spread it. Also getting on the “right” playlists.

What is something that not many people would know about you?

I don’t like attention at all and I’m extremely private. I’ve been told people are also surprised I drink beer and I’m athletic. I was on the varsity basketball and still have a great lefty layup.
What energy do you want to give off when you perform live?

Vulnerability and strength.

What are you most looking forward to in 2020?

My new album and rescuing a new pup. Going back to Italy too.

What does being in love feel like for you?

I’m a true romantic but I’m also a water sign so it’s usually torture but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I love being in relationships. I feel that I learn more about myself when I’m with someone.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Stop comparing yourself and just keep working harder. Write about what you know.

Do you have a favourite lyric you’ve written right now?
Too many to list and it changes daily. Right now I’m into this lyric, “I’m a sad bitch sun, a dumb bitch moon, wish I was a bad bitch rising, keep on fighting”.

If you could say one thing to baby NIIA, what would it be?

Stop listening to people, and stop tweezing your eyebrows and wear more sunscreen.

Dig into 'Obsession' by NIIA as we wait for her album at midnight!