While she tells the story of her life through her songs, the 21-year-old pop star on the rise NERIAH is getting ready for 2021.
Tell us about your latest single ‘Sammy’, how was it working on it, and what is the story behind it?
Sammy is an honest and vulnerable expression of trust and betrayal. It was therapeutic to write that story. It’s about moving on from disappointing love and letting go of disloyal friendship. I ask myself how things can change so fast and I needed to write about it.
Who have been the people who influenced you the most and from whom you were inspired?
My biggest influence has been life and all the crazy experiences that have shaped mine. After my parents got divorced, writing became therapeutic for me. I wrote my first song when I was 5 and have been writing ever since. The emotions that are stirred up from listening to a song are indescribable. I still am and always will be the sad girl at times, that enjoys going on long drives blasting sad music. Music is my emotional safe place.
What inspired your new single Want You Back, and what message do you hope that fans take from this song?
My Spotify bio is enjoy the way too many songs about my ex. I always tell myself my last relationship is the reason I have been able to write so many songs, so thank you to my ex. Want You Back is about knowing you need to break up with someone, but not doing it because of the fear that you might want them back. It is my favorite song I have released so far and is also the closest to fitting the sound of my upcoming projects.
Has COVID changed you as a musician or how you approach your creative process? Have you learned anything new about yourself during quarantine?
When the pandemic hit, I built an at-home studio and worked on a song every single day. I was a sophomore in college stuck at home, studying online & I decided to take as many classes as I could in order to graduate early. When time slowed, I decided to use it in the most creative way. I have written more songs the last two years than I have e my whole life. From a musical standpoint, COVID allowed me to really hone in on what my sound and music style is. It definitely took a little while to really figure out, but I have never been more excited about the music I am making. I cannot wait to release KINDA LIKE. It is one of my all-time favorite records.
Who is the next artist you would like to collaborate with?
Giveon
From all the singles you’ve released so far, which one still makes you excited every time you hear it?
2008 will always be a special one for me. Lyrically the message of the song is so strong. In hindsight we learn so many things, our past shapes us & I think everyone can relate to it.
What are your goals for this year?
Share a LOT of music. Release my first EP, probably 2, lots of singles, and commit to a release date for my debut album.
What excites you most about being a singer and performing around the world?
Being able to help people through hard times through honest expression. I touched on it a little before, but the music was the reason I was able to overcome a lot of obstacles in my life. I hope my music can do the same for others. Hearing a crowd sing the lyrics to your own song for the first time is a moment you hold on to forever. It translates into so many things for me and sums up my process.
You and many of the artists share their daily lives on social media, how important is exposure and connection to the audience for you?
Connection is probably the most important thing for me. I am very honest and open with my life to my fans. My music is going to take to that to a whole new level. My listeners will really get to know me very well. I don’t know how to do anything other than to be honest. So, if I’m going to share, I’m going to tell it all unapologetically vulnerable and completely.
What message would you like to send to your fans during this difficult time?
Something I like to say a lot is life can only get easier if you let it. Don’t let people waste your time. Surround yourself with people that make you feel like yourself. Life is just too short to do anything else.
