EQUATE Meets NUUXS
"Music is the way I’ve always held a mirror up to whatever I need to deal with in that moment."
The electrifyingly etherial singer-songwriter NUUXS unveils her new single ‘Dreamers’, a surreal pop ballad for anyone with a penchant for fantasy. Marrying her shimmering vocals with brooding atmospheric sonics, NUUXS states that “‘Dreamers’ is for anyone who needs a moment to remind themselves that dreams do and can come true”. Growing up in a cult, the french born songwriter writes from deeply personal experiences. Her musical awakening began at school, where she wrote hooks for local grime artists. Now in her very own alt-pop universe, the process of vocalising her truth has attracted the attention of tastemakers across the nation, including Annie Mac, CLASH, tmrw, The Line Of Best Fit and Mahogany. With ‘Dreamers’ being the latest offering from her debut album Heirloom (set for release in 2021), this London based artist is certainly in the running to becoming one of the most intriguing breakthrough artists the UK has to offer. We caught up with NUUXS for a Q&A, discussing fantasy worlds, David Bowie and dreams for her future.
Read the feature below…
Words and interview by Elle Watson
EQ: Hey NUUXS! In three words how would you describe yourself?
N: Resilient, caring, quirky.
EQ: ‘Dreamers’ carries such a beautifully nostalgic message. What was the creative process? Was there anything particularly special about this one or do you have a fool proof method?
N: I wrote this with Jake Gosling and Ragz Originale down at Sticky Studios. I knew I wanted to give it the feeling of weightlessness and about the dream I’ve carried since I was a child. Being honest and open is the only way to lead you to a song you’re happy to sing.
EQ: When you were younger were you a daydreamer? If so what did you dream about?
N: Absolutely, I daydreamed all the time. I would stretch my arms out and whisper to the wind as if the energies were talking to me, sounds a little crazy when I say it out loud but it was just being a kid, imagining a better place with escapism.
EQ: In the past, you’ve spoken about a particularly harrowing period in your childhood and how you escaped through music. What’s your relationship with music now? Do you find music to be a source of therapy, or do you ever find it frustrating?
N: Music is the way I’ve always held a mirror up to whatever I need to deal with in that moment, whether it be a relationship, happiness, sadness, or something I need to reassess etc. It helps me look at things with a different perspective.
“It’s all about self love and talking to your loved ones, I never addressed my problems before but now I’ve learned to lean on my friends without fear of judgement”
- NUUXS
EQ: Which track on your upcoming album ‘Heirloom’ are you most proud of? Why?
N: I’m proud of every single one, each one has its own moment and story to tell.
EQ: You mentioned how your coping mechanisms when you escaped to London were a little self destructive, how do you find solace these days?
N: It’s all about self love and talking to your loved ones, I never addressed my problems before but now I’ve learned to lean on my friends without fear of judgement, I feel very safe and loved and I’ve made great choices with my close circle.
EQ: If there was one thing you could say to your younger self, what would it be?
N: I would say you are everything and more than you could have ever imagined to be. Be strong and love yourself because there is only one you and that is incredible in itself.
EQ: If you could meet anybody, dead or alive, and soak in their creative wisdom - who would it be?
N: I would have to say David Bowie, in NYC listening to jazz in a dimly lit corner of the club and just have that day on repeat until I learned everything I could from him.
EQ: What’s next for you NUUXS? Are there any EQUATE exclusives you could let us in on?
N: The ‘Heirloom’ album release is next and lots of singles and music videos. I will certainly be releasing live performances and be doing online gigs especially in these uncertain times, I will not waver in sharing my art with everyone I possibly can.
Stream ‘Dreamers’ HERE
Keep up with NUUXS on socials
Instagram: @iamnuuxs
Twitter: @nuuxs