After making a name for herself working alongside the likes of Burna Boy, Emily Sandé and Jamala with graceful vocals, NIA has unveiled her debut single ‘111’. The track is the first insight into the artist’s forthcoming EP ‘Freefall’.
The Bulgarian artist uses the debut to set the scene for a personal and warming alternative R&B sound. Opening with a gentle but attention-grabbing piano and string ensemble, audiences are then let go into a gorgeous neo-soul soundscape, with gentle electric guitar, bass, and keys. The hazy atmosphere ebbs and flows with orchestral moments and further sultry instrumentation.
Above all this comes the lead vocal, the centrepiece of the elegant tapestry NIA creates. Washing over listeners with tender harmonic layers, with an almost whispered wistfulness sprinkling the arrangement. Swelling with grooves and raw musicianship, it’s an enticing first look at the newcomer.
NIA shares, “After graduating I was going through a rough period, trying to figure out my personal and career paths. Writing 111 was a message to myself, to keep going and focus on what’s coming rather than being guilt-trapped in the past. I wanted to illustrate the raw ups and downs of the journey, leading up to a free mind.”
‘111’ is out now!
