Nia, share with us what inspired your new project?
At the beginning, I wanted to do something different production-wise with my sound. I began making the project in the beginning of 2020, and of course that year was one for the books for all of us. So that’s when the political events that took place eventually found its way into the music.
How would you describe the approach as far as its music direction?
I went with sounds and instruments that were more lo-fi and laid back; something that was a bit gritty and imperfect but intentionally so. I was very particular about not doing too much, I wanted to work around its simplicity and just focus on evoking a certain somber feeling. I didn’t want to depend on doing that with singing either, so this is more of an instrumental project.
I had some audio that I recorded on my phone from protests I attended last summer. When I added them into the tracks, that’s when I really found the sound of ‘THERAPY.’ It made it come together and really represented the symbolic nature of this project. As soon as I realized how well it all fit together, I wanted to make sure its meaning was clear, but as subtle as possible. I like to be more metaphoric than blatant when it comes to my creativity.
Your sound is very eclectic, who would say have been your biggest influences?
Every time I get asked this question, I always start by naming my top five artists of all time; Michael Jackson, Sade, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway. But I have such a wide range of influences besides that. As an Alternative R&B artist, I am a child of R&B and Neo-Soul from the 90’s and 2000’s. Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Maxwell and Lauryn Hill are some that have influenced my singing style. I’m very immersed into the Alternative world as a whole, so that includes every sub-genre within that realm of sound from Alternative Hip-hop to Dream Pop. Artists like Solange, The INTERNET, Frank Ocean, Tennis, Thundercat, The Roots, A Tribe Called Quest and Mac Demarco are amongst my biggest influences.
I love Jazz too, I listen to it a lot actually. I got really into it because of Jean- Michel Basqiuat, since Bebop played a big role in influencing his work. My favorites are Lee Morgan and Alice Coltrane, I really like George Benson, Isabelle Antena and Lonnie Liston Smith as well.
I’m also Trinidian, so I grew up on a lot of Soca, Parang, and Calypso music; there was definitely Reggae, Rocksteady, and Dancehall too. I listen to a lot of Machal Montano, Rupee, Kes, and Krosfyah among others. I love music from so many different eras and genres, so the answer to this question is endless.
If there was one track on your project that would best reflect your artistry, which would it be?
Definitely ‘The Math.’ This is the song that probably has the most vocals on it, so it gives listeners a little peak at what’s to come in my future songs as far as vocal tone and feel goes. This song and its video companion basically represents light hearted fun in the midst of madness.
You’re also a journalist. How have you applied those experiences to your music career?
I’m definitely a storyteller, so if you’re the type of person that pays attention, you’ll most likely get the feeling that you’re on a journey when listening to my music. That is also the main approach I took when creating the video companions for each song. Most of the videos are basically just documentaries that are put to music. I like to make people think, even if they come up with their own theory of what they assume I’m trying to convey. The point is that my art triggered some form of thought, and that has the ability to mentally stimulate someone.
In what ways has the COVID-19 global pandemic impacted you?
It has impacted me in a lot of ways, it definitely changed my life. I made a very sudden move to Philadelphia in the midst of it and unexpectedly became a part of a community. I was able to move forward with my music label and publishing entity, Chill Room Records, and establish it in a new place where it’s been way better off. Chill Room specializes in educating artists on royalties, handling their publishing and providing them with effective marketing & advertising services. Chill Room also represents all of my audio and visual works.
I also assist my great friend (my brother) and business partner, Tito Orjih, in managing his content production entity, TiTtalksTV. With the help of our team, which includes Daniel Kuya and OJ Mountain, we service creative entrepreneurs who are in need of audio engineering and visual production work done. I feel like the pandemic has provided me with the opportunity to really focus and establish myself, so I am very thankful for that.
Where can our readers connect with you?
The easiest way to connect with me personally is via Instagram (@nprimuxx). I suggest checking out my Youtube page (NIAmusic) to see my work. I am also establishing an email list very soon, so for anyone who is interested in first dibs, holla at me on Instagram.
