In Conversation With #210 - néomí
Dutch/Surinamese singer-songwriter néomí has just released her latest EP 'Another Year Will Pass'.
The follow-up to her Edison award winning debut album 'somebody's daughter' in 2024, and featuring the singles "Sit Back Baby", "Do You Want To Be Honest?", "It's Never Easy (Leaving Someone Behind)", néomí balances the raw intimacy of her folk influences with a more expansive, full-band approach, as she explores themes of self-acceptance, change, and resilience.
Born and raised in Zwijndrecht, Netherlands, néomí has always drawn inspiration from the simplicity and stillness of her surroundings. Her songwriting is a reflection of life's contradictions - the struggle between wanting control and learning to let go, between nostalgia and moving forward. With her upcoming EP, she invites listeners into a deeply personal sonic world.
She took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there néomí, how are you? So your EP is out now – how does it feel to have it out there?.
Hey you! Thank you for asking, I am doing well. I'm finding myself in Nashville at the moment, writing some new tunes and getting inspired by the incredible surroundings. Yes, my EP "Another Year Will Pass" is out in the world and I'm super proud of it. Releasing music is always a weird thing, and I think that is something that never changes. You keep these songs to yourself for quite a while, and then all of a suddenthey are no longer yours. But yeah, that's the whole point right. Sharing songs and hoping the listeners feel connected to it. It is a beautiful process.
It is called ‘Another Year Will Pass' – what is the meaning behind that?
Well, time is something that I feel quite passionate about. But more in a philosophical way. There are not a lot of things in life you don't have to do a thing for…except from, breathing, and dying. That will just ‘happen’, and it's the same with time. Time will just go by. The world will twist and turn, the sun will come up, and go down. And with time everything feels lighter and everything changes. Your body, your life, your thoughts, your preferences. Time is a powerful thing, but it's also nothing at all. All these songs hold these thoughts on the back of my mind. I sing a lot about being honest, vulnerable and what time has to do with healing for me. In a song like "Sit Back Baby" it's all about the passing of time and just letting it go. In the song "’Another Year Will Pass’ it lies more in the feeling of regret, and the things that remain even when time passes. The process of grief is also very aligned with the passing of time. Alright let's get out of this rabbit hole, I think you get my point.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
Oh dear! We were in this legendary studio in Clapham, London. It was recorded together with Charlie Russel, a great producer that I met when I lived in London for quite a bit (still missing being there). I went there with my "right hand" co-writer/co-producer Jesse Koch, and took my drummer Mischa Porte and guitarist Robin de Geus with me for that week of wonderful recording. Jamie Sefton came by to play bass and horns, and it was actually one of the best recording weeks I had ever done. It was so cozy and warm and safe, and I think that week really felt magical to all of us. I sang loads of Christmas songs, as I am obsessed with christmas. Not sure the band appreciated that. Not sure if this is useful information, but other than that; it was just intimate and perfect. Unfortunately, that studio is not a studio anymore, so this EP was the last thing that's been recorded over there. Iconic but also very sad, I hope we do the honor of being last justice.
What are the key influences behind the EP?
Woo, I always find this such a hard question to answer because, my key influence to write is just always my thoughts. My life, the way I feel/see and experience things. I just always write about it, in any form. They all become songs, all my life's chapters. So I think that is the big influence, it is just my stupid brain trying to comprehend life and for this specific body of work. The passing of time, and how it influences you as a human being.
If the EP could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
Oh man, I always hope I am an old romantic, and cool enough to fit with a movie like "Call Me By Your nName". It is not an old movie but, I love the way it was directed. Amazing scenes, very captivating. This EP feels like a coming of age film for sure. Loads of things going on in these chapters. It is so dramatic but so pure. Romance at it's best, heartbreak at it's finest. I wish this EP would fit with a film like that, it would make me very happy.
Do you have a favourite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
Only sorrow's what remains,
I know I should've tried to stay
For all that is won, and all that is lost
Decays, anyway
Carry on, heavy heart, stay the same
Don't ask me why it is my favourite lyric, it just hit me most when I sing the songs of the EP.
Now the EP is out there – what next for you?
I hope a lot! There will be shows, there will be more music. There hopefully will be a holiday! haha kidding. I am very much looking forward to the New Year. (maybe) new music out, meeting people, doing fun shows, and keep on building community. I see more and more how important it is to build your community and really connect with your audience, so we do what we can. And just enjoy whatever comes along.
