Artist Spotlight
Exclusive interview With Nia Asiel, a singer-songwriter From the Beautiful City of Chicago
Today we’d like to introduce you to Nia Asiel. Nia Asiel is a game-changing upcoming singer-songwriter from the beautiful city of Chicago, IL. She brings a unique sound to the world of R&B through her honest lyrics, emotional melodies, and relatable stories. Nia Asiel, an independent R&B songstress, has no major co-signs but continues to score placements from Reverbnation, Power 92, Fox Interviewer, and many more. With her constantly growing buzz and persistence, Nia Asiel will take the music industry by storm.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, Can you tell our readers about what really inspired you to write music?
Countless hours of listening to my favorite artists such as Ty Dolla Sign, Michael Jackson, Drake, Lil Durk, and more inspired me to make my own sound. Most of all, rest in heaven to my Grandma, who heavily influenced me to pursue music. Growing up, I thought in order to make music I had to write my own songs, so I started writing everything. I developed my songwriting skills very quickly. Any relationship conflict I experienced, I wrote about it. Any loss I took, I wrote, through the pain and heartbreak. Songwriting became my way to vent about life situations. If you listen closely, you will learn a lot pertaining to the challenges I’ve been through and even the individuals around me. I want people to know they’re not alone in their struggles. There’s always a path to overcome your setbacks in any area. Know your worth despite what anyone else thinks, move in silence.
When did you realize you were going to make music professionally?
In 2019, I released a song named “Strong Money” with my cousin AMG Simbo. The audience’s reaction to Strong Money was absolutely crazy, in a good way. Friends, family, and newly gained supporters loved the song. We even got a chance to perform the song in front of over 100 people at the Forge in Joliet, IL. Definitely was a great show, but since COVID came shortly after I wasn’t able to really perform any other shows. The wild part about Strong Money is that it’s actually a rap song. I like to showcase my rap capabilities every now and then. From that point forward, I thought I really needed to take music seriously and professionally display my craft. I am truly blessed with musical talent, which I will not take for granted.
Tell us what is so unique about you and your music?
I would say the melodies and emotions behind my music are unique. I give my listeners a front-row seat into my life story. The rollercoaster feelings are made evident within every single song. I’m able to switch up the vocal range and tone no matter the beat. I believe versatility makes me ahead of the game.
Can you tell us about your latest releases and what inspired you to create them?
My latest releases consist of Men Lie, Off My High, and No Phase. Men Lie was inspired by being in a relationship where I was told all the things a woman would want to hear. In reality, every promise he made was a fairytale that never came true. The meaning behind the song is about how a significant other can speak about love but doesn’t treat you like your worth. Off My High means going from the cloud nine periods of a relationship, then losing feelings once their true colors show. Sometimes you can be blinded by love, which can cause you to ignore the red flags initially. No Phase is about being taken advantage of by someone whose only intentions are to drag you along. I wrote No Phase for one of her best friends who was experiencing relationship issues for over three years. My friend eventually moved on to bigger and better situations.
Can you give us a brief insight into your upcoming projects?
I have an upcoming project called “Word on the Street”. A whole different side of my life and musical abilities are shown in this song. The message is for anyone who feels they’re in too deep. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it.
What do you wish you were told when you first started making music that you think would help artists just starting out?
For any artist starting out, learn the business side of music. If you aren’t business savvy, you make yourself vulnerable to individuals who may try to get over you. Also, you may not receive all the royalties you’re owed for songs. Create a BMI or Ascap account, register for your own ISRC codes, make sure your publishing is covered, etc. I took a Berklee College of Music course online where I received a certification in Music Business Foundations. There are music business courses everywhere, so make sure to take advantage of all resources.
What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) that you are passionate about?
When I’m not on the go with music, I try to maximize my time. I’m heavily into the photography and videography space. You can catch me shooting music videos, photoshoots, and even wedding ceremonies. I spend a lot of time with my family. I’m with my cousins and friends almost every other weekend. I love traveling to different places. Whenever I travel I experience a new perspective on life, which heavily motivates me to enjoy the time away.
Any last piece of advice for those artists who just started making music?
There will be so many opinions on what people think you should do with your art. Take everything with a grain of salt and go with your heart. You will experience a lot of critical feedback when you first start making music. Don’t let anyone dim your light and always stay true to your plan at all times.
How can our readers follow you online?
You can follow me on all social media platforms @nia_asiel. Also, if you Google Nia Asiel everything will pop up. My website is www.niaasiel.com.
Stay connected with Nia Asiel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nia_asiel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nia_asiel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/niaasiel
Artist Spotlight
“We Keep Walking” by Foxy Leopard explores the quiet forces that lead us toward history
There is something unsettling about being on a journey that does not end when the destination is not assured. That tug is at the heart of Foxy Leopard’s cinematic alt-country sound on “We Keep Walking.” What looks like a simple step forward becomes a meditation on history, community, and the choices people make before they know the consequences.
The concept album Foxy Leopard released earlier tells the story of the last months before the American Civil War through the lives of common people, and the song is a turning point that takes a different turn from a typical historical song. It’s not zooming in on the war itself but on the unseen momentum building around normal families and communities.
Foxy Leopard dishes up alt-country with a cinematic edge, and “We Keep Walking” seems to be a particularly potent example of that style. This song has a forward motion that fits its theme, a driving pulse, and darker implications all the more apparent.
The vocal and production approach serves the storytelling, and there’s a control beneath the energy that makes the track’s space feel reflective, uneasy, and quietly dramatic. Foxy Leopard demonstrates how alt-country can be employed for cinematic storytelling without sacrificing its human scale. If you’re a fan of atmospheric alt-country, storytelling songwriting, and songs that find personal meaning in grand historical moments, there’s a lot to discover on “We Keep Walking.”
Artist Spotlight
Lana Crow unveils a fun getaway for summer freedom on latest release “Japrisot”
Lana Crow‘s latest release, “Japrisot” is a song that feels carved from sunshine, open roads, and the call of the sea. Lana Crow’s sunny summer feel here is a perfect fit. The song takes inspiration from The Lady in a Car with Glasses and a Gun, and while it has a playfully dramatic touch, its energy is squarely aimed at adventure. Right away, the attitude is set in the lyrics, “I stole your car, I bet you weren’t prepared for this. I am driving off. To the sea, to the joy you can never know. It’s cheeky, it’s bold, it’s just right for the song’s freewheeling summer vibe.
“Japrisot” musically has the feel of a classic pop tune, with a bass line that serves as an especially enjoyable foundation for the guitar. Lana’s vocal texture is another appealing element, her breath control and warmth are cool, giving the song a playful drama without overwhelming its breeziness.
Lana Crow keeps the track moving with lyrics about speed, excitement, and the rush of taking control, the feeling of movement goes on. I’m driving fast, the rush of hitting the gas, it feels so hot, it makes me feel like a badass, this is what I call freedom. The song doesn’t just talk about a sunny day, it gives the heat, the road, and the sea something bigger, something that’s part of an escape.
Connect with Lana Crow on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
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