Introducing #0090 - Nyah Grace
Let us introduce you to new-soul singer Nyah Grace, who has just released her debut single ‘Black Coffee’, with oozes influences such as Lauryn Hill and Billie Holiday. She took a moment to have a chat to us about the track, and her connection to the band Chic.
Raised in Oregon, but now based in London, how did that switch come into play?
My manager sent one of my songs to Producer Steve Chrisanthou who lives in Yorkshire, and after hearing he decided he wanted to work with me. I’ve always admired the London music scene and felt it was a good place to start my journey, so in September of 2017 I headed across the pond and landed in London. I now commute between Steve’s in Hebden Bridge & London
Which part of London are you now based and where are your favourite places to go?
One of my favourite parts about London is the tube. For some reason I find it very easy and I’m a very weird way relaxing, and it’s quickly become my favourite way to travel here. I’ve also grown to love North England and especially Leeds. The North, and more specifically Yorkshire definitely remind me more of home.
Your new single ‘Black Coffee’ is out now, what is the track about?
I wrote the track about a friendship in my life that died out. I wanted to talk about what it feels like to grow apart from someone who is close to you, and what that transition is like.
You wrote the song way back when you were fourteen, how has the song developed since you first created it?
The song has changed tremendously since when I first wrote it. Mainly I think that has to do with how my singing voice, style and influences have shifted. I now listen to more neo-soul, R&B and jazz so aspects of that have found their way into the song.
Your great aunt used to be backing vocals for the group Chic, do you feel her experiences have influenced you in any way with your own style?
I definitely think she played a role in my development as an artist. Having someone in my life who was so involved in the music industry is an extreme privilege. She’s helped make this whole process a lot easier to navigate.
Now the single is out there, what are your plans for the next few months?
I’m working on my album in Hebden Bridge and here in London, and doing some gigs in between those trips back and forth. The goal is to continue to write and record as much as I possibly can, and release a project early next year.