Nevaeh Black is building her sound with patience and a clear sense of identity. Inspired by artists like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé, she makes music that connects with listeners on a deep level.
First and foremost, thank you for taking the time for this interview. Let’s start with your name. What inspired it?
It’s actually pretty simple. “Neveah” is “heaven” spelled backward. There’s not a huge story behind it, but I always thought it was memorable. I think it’s one of those names people connect with right away, whether they’re religious or not. It’s easy for people to recognize and remember, and I like that it has a meaning behind it without being overly complicated.
What makes your approach to creating music uniquely your own?
I think it comes from the inspirations I use and the way I hear music emotionally. Everybody listens to music differently, and I pay close attention to how sounds make me feel. When I’m creating, I’m always thinking about how I want the song to sound and how I want people to experience it emotionally. I take inspiration from different artists, genres, and eras, but I still try to shape everything through my own perspective and feelings.
Who are some of those influences, especially when it comes to performance and stage presence?
Whitney Houston is definitely my number one inspiration. I admire her versatility so much. She could sing anything and make it feel powerful and emotional at the same time. Her vocals are legendary, and I’m inspired by the way she carried herself as an artist. In a way, I want to bring some of that same energy into a modern space.
Beyoncé is another huge inspiration for me because of her ability to evolve. She’s been able to move through different generations and still remain relevant while constantly reinventing herself. I really respect artists who can grow without losing who they are.
When you’re selecting music or building a composition, what stands out to you first?
Usually the instrumental catches me first. The production and overall sound are really important to me because they create the mood of the song. I listen to music for feeling. Even before lyrics, I need the instrumental to connect emotionally. I love old-school music because it carries a certain emotion and timelessness that I think a lot of modern music sometimes misses.
For me, music should make you feel something no matter what genre it is. That emotional connection is what draws me in creatively.
Is there a certain sound or style you naturally lean toward?
I love old-school music. For me, music is about feeling something. Of course I care about the sound, but the feeling behind the music matters the most.
We talked about artists who inspire you creatively, but what about from a business standpoint?
From a business perspective, I still look at artists like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson because they built careers that lasted. Beyond just being incredible performers, they understood their artistry and had a vision for themselves. They knew what they wanted creatively and professionally, and they were able to communicate that clearly.
I respect artists who can maintain that level of control over their careers while also building something timeless. That’s something I hope to achieve myself over time.
Looking at your discography, what are some of your favorite songs you’ve released?
“Making Bad Decisions” is definitely one of them. Another is my newer song, “B-L-I-P.”
What makes those songs stand out to you?
Honestly, it’s the process behind making them. Those songs gave me some of the best feelings I’ve had creatively. During the writing process and the recording process, everything just felt natural. I was able to explore my voice more and really expand my vocal range in ways I hadn’t before.
I also felt more emotionally connected while making those records. Sometimes you can tell when a song is helping you grow as an artist, and those two songs definitely felt like that for me.
What does your writing process usually look like?
It changes depending on the situation and the mood I’m in. Sometimes I’ll spend the whole day listening to music and getting inspired that way. Other times my manager will send me a beat and I’ll start building ideas from there. I’ll also go online sometimes and listen to instrumentals until something connects with me emotionally.
There are also moments where I’ll just sit alone in my room and write based on what I’m feeling personally. Some of the best songs come from those moments because they feel honest and natural. I don’t think creativity always happens the same way, so I try not to force it.
Are you looking for a major label deal, or do you plan to stay independent?
Right now, I’m focused on staying independent.
Why stay independent at this stage?
I think I’m in a really good creative space right now, and I still want time to fully develop my sound before taking the next step. I’m working on becoming more versatile musically and experimenting with different ideas creatively.
Before I move into a major situation, I want people to fully understand who I am as an artist and what my sound represents. Independence gives me the freedom to explore that without feeling rushed.
A lot of artists feel pressure to follow trends or imitate what’s already popular. How do you plan to stay true to yourself?
That’s a really important question because there’s definitely pressure to follow what’s already working for other people. I think staying true to myself will come from using my own life experiences in my music. Inspiration is natural, and every artist takes influence from somewhere, but I still want my music to feel personal to me. The emotions, the thoughts, and the stories I put into the music are what will separate me from everyone else. I think as long as I stay connected to my own experiences and feelings, the music will remain authentic.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I definitely see myself performing, opening for bigger artists and having my sound fully established.
Your generation has grown up alongside social media. How do you plan to balance social media with your professional career?
I think staying in a good mindset is important, and having a strong team around you matters too. I try not to focus on negativity. I make music not just for myself but for people who can relate to it. Not everyone will connect with it, and that’s okay. Creating and sharing music is what matters most to me.
Be’n Original
