NERIAH is the perfect amount of moody and pop synth. She was introduced to me by a few friends, and I'm absolutely obsessed with her sound. We sat down with her to chat about her music, inspiration, and what you can expect from her this year!
P.S. Stream her latest, Even when it hurts out NOW! Because it's all we've been listening to all weekend.
NERIAH, tell me the inspiration behind the track FALLING 4 SOMEBODY?
NERIAH: "Falling 4 Somebody" is a deeply personal song for me because it's all about falling for someone who turned out to be someone they're not. It's about being in a relationship with someone who isn't good enough for you, but not realizing it until later. Sometimes, it can be really hard to see just how bad a relationship is when you're in the middle of it, and even harder to make the decision to leave. I wrote this song to express those feelings and share my own experience with others who might be going through something similar.
What is your creative process like?
NERIAH: My creative process is really different every time. Sometimes I start with a concept, sometimes chords, and sometimes I go in with nothing and let the song write itself.
Who are some artists that have influenced you?
NERIAH: Julia Michaels, Chelsea Cutler, Lauv, Astrid S, Billie Eilish
What can you tell us about what you have planned for this year?
NERIAH: 24-track album, baby!
With "NO ONE CRIES FOREVER" out in the world, which track are you particularly proud of?
NERIAH: My EP opens up with "Shoulda, Coulda, Didn't," which I created from a past relationship. I was in a place where I was wishing things could have been different if only the guy had put in the effort. The song is an anthem for those who have been through a similar experience, offering a sense of empowerment and closure as they move on from the relationship and realize they deserve better."
And who are you listening to right now?
NERIAH: I have been obsessed with People R Ugly's new song "I Love Myself."
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Samantha Fong
"At 15 years old, I begged my mom to take me to Walmart to get Taylor Swift's debut deluxe album and I never turned back. This was my very first entry point to stan fandom. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee I was exposed to a ton of music - from rapping 3 6 Mafia to bopping to Justin Timberlake's solo discography. Now, in LA have a day job working in nonprofit development, but by night, I'm a full-fledged fangirl. I'll listen to generally any genre, but I'm a sucker for a good pop song. If you ever need someone to scream sing Carly Rae Jepsen's E·MO·TION with, I'm your girl. No, I still have not gotten over the One Direction hiatus. Please continue to respect my privacy. Twitter : samfonggg, Instagram : samantha_fong"
