'5 Questions With': Nia Wyn
"I grew up in a Northern seaside town where the music scene mostly consisted of bands and singers doing covers in the local pub. A lot of long-haired lads in skinny jeans playing guitars. Performing in those places as a teen did give me the confidence to start playing in front of others..."
It’s been a while since we caught up with Welsh singer-songwriter Nia Wyn (read all about it HERE) - ever since then, she’s released her single ‘Muzzle‘, she’s been up to more great things musically. From releasing an EP ‘Take A Seat‘, to collaborating with Shuko and planning a tour with Paul Weller, Nia has been busy plotting the next steps for her ever-growing music journey.
Today, she released her brand new single ‘What Did You Expect‘.
‘I wrote this song about a friendship that broke down… it’s been years and has taken time to process what happened, but I needed to express the sense of loss and disappointment I was feeling.’, she says.
The track once again displays the singer’s gorgeous soulful vocals and her striking storytelling skills and again prove that she is one of the most exciting up-and-coming talents out there. We spoke to her about the new release, growing up in Wales and more.
Read the full interview below…
EQ: You were born and raised in Wales, what was it like growing up there and getting into the music scene?
N: I grew up in a Northern seaside town where the music scene mostly consisted of bands and singers doing covers in the local pub. A lot of long-haired lads in skinny jeans playing guitars.
Performing in those places as a teen did give me the confidence to start playing in front of others, and people up there love live music but admittedly it was a bit hard not feeling a part of something bigger in a way that was more my scene, especially being a (very) young female solo artist. In part that’s why I was so keen to come to London, to grow up and see what was out there in the music world. However, cities in the south like Cardiff have a lot more live music, opportunities, artist collectives and a more diverse range of genres being made and played. Whenever I’ve visited down there I’ve always been impressed by how active the scene is - it would be great to see this kind of thing grow in the north of Wales too. Not gonna lie though, I may be out of touch with the current music scene in North Wales and perhaps there is more there now so don’t come at me!!
EQ: Your upcoming single has been produced by Shuko, how did that come about and what was it like working with him?
N: I’ve known Shuko for a few years now and we’ve kept in touch over time - we did a track last year called ‘I Ain’t Finished Yet’ with Manchester rapper KinKai. We’ve also got something very special coming out later on in the year. I think musically we understand each other very well, when I bring an idea to him he just gets it. He has a strong work ethic too. The importance of that can’t ever be understated when it comes to a working relationship in music. We have been working remotely, so sending things back and forth a lot. Looking forward to hopefully getting into the studio together at some point, but it’s great and a nice surprise when you can gel with someone that well even when you’re not in the same room (or country!).
“It took me a while to get comfortable writing about personal life experiences and allowing myself to be vulnerable and open. Now I am as honest as I can be in my writing, and probably write more often from my own perspective than others.”
- Nia Wyn
EQ: When writing a song, do you usually base it on personal life experiences or whatever comes to mind? What is your creative process?
N: When I first started songwriting, I definitely I shied away from writing about myself and wanted to focus on telling stories about other people. I think it was probably deflection - it took me a while to get comfortable writing about personal life experiences and allowing myself to be vulnerable and open.
Now I am as honest as I can be in my writing, and probably write more often from my own perspective than others. Maybe I should experiment and try the other way a bit too, see what happens.
My creative process has probably changed a bit having been home so much the past year - I tend to write my lyrics alone, even if I go to the studio with someone to write something new. Helps me focus more to be in my own space. I’m lucky to have a home set-up where I can produce my own ideas, map them out (using Logic). These days the music tends to come first before the lyrics, but in the past I’ve done both at the same time so it varies.
EQ: You’ve got a headline show coming up in November, what can your fans expect from a live show from you?
N: Yes! I can’t wait. They can expect a lot of new music considering I haven’t played a live show since January 2020. Full band. A live representation of my latest EP ‘Take A Seat‘, no doubt, but fresh music is coming constantly. A couple guests and a lot of energy.
EQ: What else have you got coming up this year?
N: Definitely more releases, collaborating. Enjoying being in the studio and outside. Looking forward to playing Victorious Festival in August, and of course going on tour with Paul Weller in November! In between those tour dates, I’ll have my own show at Bermondsey Social Club (25 Nov).
Watch the visualiser for ‘What Did You Expect’ below…
Youtube/Nia Wyn
Stream ‘What Did You Expect’ HERE
Follow Nia Wyn on socials:
Instagram: @niawynmusic
Twitter: @niawynmusic
Facebook: @niawynmusic
Bandcamp: https://niawyn.bandcamp.com/
