‘5 Questions With’: Niia
“This release feels extra special since I called all the shots. It reminded me to trust myself and just be an artist. I don’t usually enjoy releases and tend to hide after but I feel excited about this one more than usual!”
Meet Niia, the rising artist who should be on your radar by now. The Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who also directs her music videos and executive produces all of her releases truly is an all-round creative. With her Italian and New Yorker heritage, the artist has been exposed to a wide variety of music growing up, including classical music and legendary artists such as Prince and Sade. However, when Niia discovered Jazz, she truly fell in love with the genre’s rich history and its captivating rhythms.
The other week, she released her highly anticipated EP ‘If I Should Die’, a gorgeous project which highlights the singer’s unique fusion of Future Jazz, Neo Soul, Pop and Alternative R&B. Swiftly after, she dropped the visuals for her single ‘Macaroni Salad’ – a dark, truly cinematic, take on Madonna’s iconic hit ‘Material Girl‘. We spoke all about the music video and her new EP.
Read the full interview below…
EQ: Hey Niia, your sound is a stunning genre-blending vibe. Who did you grow up listening to?
N: Thank you! My mother was a classical pianist and gave lessons out of our house before I was born and when I was a kid. So lots of classical music. Prince, Sting, Sade, Annie Lennox, Marvin Gaye. Mostly my parents favourite artists then I fell head first into jazz and never came back.
EQ: How does both your Italian and New York heritage contribute to your artistry?
N: I’m for sure a East coaster. Very private, I don’t love to be around lots of people. New York you can be alone around everyone walking the streets I miss that sometimes. My Italian heritage comes out when I’m in my moods! I can get very emotional. I’m extremely sensitive and passionate. I like to say it’s the Italian side vs me just being unstable ;). Italians are so romantic and don’t hide their emotions and I truly love that. I think my music reflects both these characteristics about myself – mysterious, private, romantic and helplessly emotional at times.
EQ: Your brand new EP only got released the other week. Congrats! How was the whole process of recording it? And how do you feel now that it’s finally released?
N: I feel tired! The process was long but very rewarding. A lot of change, trusting new people, decisions I had to make on my own and truly being comfortable being honest in my lyrics. This release feels extra special since I called all the shots. It reminded me to trust myself and just be an artist. I don’t usually enjoy releases and tend to hide after but I feel excited about this one more than usual! Good sign!
“Italians are so romantic and don’t hide their emotions and I truly love that. I think my music reflects both these characteristics about myself – mysterious, private, romantic and helplessly emotional at times.”
– Niia
EQ: The visuals for Macaroni Salad is technically a dark take in Madonna’s Material Girl – how did that concept initially come about?
N: I am obsessed with fosse and Madonna! It wasn’t intentional I just wanted something strange and fun. I also was tired of watching girls dancing sexy with other girls so I wanted to change it up. I never thought I’d do a video like Mac Salad but it’s always fun to challenge yourself. Took a few hours to get my hair out tho!
EQ: Is there anything else you have been working on that you can share with us?
N: Yes! I’m working on an ambient album. I dived into sound bowl work during the pandemic and really fell in love with music therapy and some electronic and ambient styles. It’s been really fun to create without structure or boundaries. The bonus is it will hopefully help us all chill the hell out!
Watch the visuals for ‘Macaroni Salad’ below…
Youtube/Niia
Stream ‘If I Should Die’ HERE
Follow Niia on socials:
Instagram: @niiarocco
Twitter: @niia
Facebook: @niiamusic
Website: https://www.facebook.com/NiiaMusic/