New York City’s Nai’a recently released an enthralling single called “Newman Beauty”. It is a perfect example of his artistic talent with heartfelt lyrics, striking visuals and powerful compositions. He is proving to the world that he isn’t just making music, but creating art.
We want to share a recent conversation we had with Nai’a about his music!
Hi Nai’a, thank you for giving us the opportunity to chat with you.
What does a typical day look like for you? What do you have scheduled for the rest of today and this week?
Thank you so much for chatting with me, It’s a pleasure! Since moving to New York, I haven’t had many typical days. It’s been a lot of craziness! Some days I’m working at Whole Foods, other days I’m writing and producing new songs, some days I’m running around the city filming social media content, some nights I’m even performing a show! Today is a day off for me, so the rest of my day will be totally relaxing. This week I have a show at Rockwood Music Hall, so I’ll be spending days rehearsing for that while working at Whole Foods. I also have some Tik Tok video ideas for a new song I want to film!
We are already at the end of 2023’s second month, how has it been treating you so far? What are some goals that you have set for this year? What are you already excited about with these goals? Where do you see yourself at the end of 2023?
This year has been magical. I started the first month off with two shows, one in Vegas for Meow Wolf, one in London with Breaking Sound. Both were in the same week, so it was a new experience for me to travel so quickly. The main goal I have set for this year is to perform as many live shows in NYC as possible! I have my first one coming up this week so that’s something I’m already very excited about. I wanted to make my first show in New York a piece of art, rather than just another gig that they’ve seen so many times before. At the end of 2023 I see myself having more experience within the live music scene.
Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be in this industry? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?
Growing up, music was very important in my life. My parents put me in piano lessons when I was very young, then I started to do local musical theater productions! This gave me my love for music. I think the moment I knew I wanted to be in this industry was when I started creating my own work. When I started to produce, write, and market my own stuff. It was a no brainer that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?
I’ve never thought of myself as anything besides any artist. I really don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t making music! I wouldn’t be fulfilled in life.
How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music?
Oh my I’ve grown so much! I sometimes listen to the records that I made a couple years ago, and it’s so cringy! Lol! I think I’ve grown so much mainly in my production quality, and now I have more of an ear for good sounding music.
What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part about it all?
The biggest surprise so far about making music, is how people from across the world can connect with the sounds and words I created in my small bedroom in Michigan. Through Tik Tok I’ve met so many creative, and artistic people who truly understand and love music, and it’s been one of the best experiences. A challenge for me is the uncertainty of my future. I wouldn’t change it for the world, but sometimes it’s hard not knowing what’s going to happen. I also believe that’s the best part about it. Not knowing where life is going to go, but always having your love for art and the music you made by your side.
Let’s talk about your latest single “Newman Beauty”. What was the inspiration for this song? What was it like putting it together? Did anything surprise you about the overall process?
Newman Beauty was inspired by my experience with living in a small town. There, I wasn’t always accepted for who I am. I dreamed of falling in love, and moving to a big city. It first started off with the guitar instrumental that was originally for my song ‘Color Me In Red.’ It didn’t work out with that track, but it was so beautiful and I couldn’t not use it. So I just played it on repeat, shut my door, and wrote Newman Beauty on top of it. What surprised me the most, and what I learned was that even if something doesn’t work on a song, you can always save it and maybe make a whole different, beautiful piece with it.
Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?
I have so many! Jeff Buckley, Adele, Lana Del Rey, Madonna, Lady Gaga, David Bowie. These are the main ones that come to my head. They paved the way for art, and created their own path. They never took no for an answer and worked so hard, and that inspires me so much. I’d love to write with Lana, I think we could create some magic!!
How do you feel about social media? What do you think social media has done for your career so far?
I think social media is a wonderful tool for artists. It can reach so many people, and open so many doors. It’s the modern resume. It can be hard for artists and really anyone to use social media, but I think if you create a new way to do things, and always stick to the art you believe in, you can find a way on it. Social media allowed me to book gigs, and get my music out to people that now are fans of my art, it’s a really good tool!
At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
At the end of the day, I just want my music to connect with people, and really make them feel powerful emotions.
Where can people see you perform next? Do you plan on touring this year?
I have a show in NYC this Wednesday 3/8 at Rockwood Music Hall Stage One @ 10pm! I’m going to be doing some originals and some classic covers, I’m so excited. If you enjoy art rather than just music, then this will be a show for you.
Thank you again for this opportunity!! These were amazing questions.
– Nai’a
You can learn more about Nai’a and stream his music on your favorite platform.
Photos provided by Cage Riot Music Group
