Meet Nya, whose obsession with old movie soundtracks and listening to Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Amy Winehouse shaped her into a singer-songwriter.
All that listening to the blues and vintage pop instilled Nya with a superb appreciation and feel for the aesthetic nuances bred in the matrix of R&B, soul, and electronic music. Her intimate relationship with music is evident on her just-dropped EP, Southland.
Originally from Florida, 22-year-old Nya flits back and forth from L.A. to New York, always evolving across numerous axes, always asserting her vitality in artful new ways, including two impending music videos, and upcoming shows, as well as her increasing popularity on Spotify.
Southland comprises three tracks, starting off with the wistfully balladic "Shallow," a tune about the desire for human connection. Opening with an acoustic guitar and moaning synths, like the songs of whales, the mood of the tune is drolly melancholic. Simply arranged, the music attains a glowing energy as the synths cascade over the infectious rhythm.
"Hollywood Hills" blends a thrumming, galloping rhythm with swirling electronic flavors. The melody flows with dreamy, scintillating textures and soaring colors. Nya's voice is a delight, rich and creamy with an exotic essence, simultaneously intense and elegant. The sonic feel of this tune is gorgeous, like a movement of the cosmos.
"For Your Love" rides a sensual bluesy flavor full of urgency. Back and forth guitar tones imbue the music with pitching harmonics oozing cool seductive colors. A deep, pulsing bassline and powerful kick drum secure the rhythm, as Nya's sultry tones marinate the lyrics in passionate desire.
Southland exudes polished lustrous textures and buttery bluesy aromas, while Nya's scrumptious voice forms the focal point bringing it all together. This is a marvelous EP, mature and deliciously creative, with a wicked come-hither allure.
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Randy Radic is a Left Coast author and writer. Author of numerous true crime books written under the pen-name of John Lee Brook. Former music contributor at Huff Post.
