Following a flurry of exciting and innovative pop releases, we sought after NIIVA for a chat about her unique cultural upbringing, latest single ‘Trigger’ and much more.
Boasting a unique and fresh-feeling pop sound, instantly catchy and memorable tunes, and a depth of influences from the places and cultures that she has been formed in, NIIVA is an artist with a unique perspective, and a tonne of excitement surrounding her and her work.
The artist was born in Bulgaria, before spending her formative years in England and later moving to Canada. The cultural nuances and differences that these places possess seem to manifest themselves in NIIVA’s sound, but always in a way that feels refreshingly natural and welcome. NIIVA’s sound has a unique cutting edge to it that feels alarmingly modern and exciting, but also it holds on to to the catchy, accessible pop sensibilities that keep tracks firmly ingrained in your consciousness.
As well as this, the NIIVA sound is slow burning and calculated, crafting intricate soundscapes and melodies that are inviting and purposeful in equal measure. Still just three tracks into the artists young career, and showing constant signs of improvement, we sought after NIIVA to have a chat about her unique pool of influences, her experiences so far, and everything and anything else.
Who TF is NIIVA?
A completely naturally purple-haired, Eastern-European born, England raised, Canadian based Pop/R&B artist with a slightly confusing accent.
How long have you been making music?
I basically came out of the womb wanting to be a Disney Princess; singing all the time and I’ve always loved poetry and writing. I started making actual music and songs grade 11 or 12 though, and here we are!
Why do you make music?
For me it’s my instinctual outlet. Whenever I feel – and my taurus ass feels a lot – the first thing that seems to happen is I open up my notes and start writing. Music is pure emotion, and it’s the first thing I go to when I want to feel connected to an emotion.
What are your biggest influences?
I find that seems to change depending on what I’m listening to at the time. Currently, I’ve been really inspired by FINNEAS, who’s writing is obviously incredible, Beyonce – a Queen. I’ve also been writing a lot of KPop for the past year so I feel like those tendencies are creeping into my own writing as well, which I love.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Oh my god, so many things come to mind. I couldn’t pick just one, it’s been an amazing couple years for me, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with so many talented people, and have so many new experiences. If I had to pick a couple it would be shooting my first full length music video for my single “Love Games”, and going to Seoul on a writing trip!
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
An organic throwback vibe wrapped up in a modern, digital bow.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Touring the world and having an arena full of people sing my songs back to me <3 I cry.
How do you feel that your being surrounded by different countries and cultures has had an impact on you and your sound?
Oh I absolutely draw from all those influences, sometimes consciously, sometimes it just happens naturally. Different harmonies and rhythms will show up out of nowhere, and it’s always really interesting to hear feedback from people saying “oh I totally hear the eastern european influence there!” when it didn’t happen intentionally. I love that.
We love your latest single ‘Trigger?’, what was the process like putting it together?
Thank you! <3 I wrote it here in Toronto with Sammy G from Kuya Productions – they also produced it – and I recorded with Matt Beckley who produced the vocals in LA. Trigger’s an interesting one because it kind of exists in two different versions. The first version had a lot of the same lyrics but a lot brighter sounding, and we wanted to try something a little darker, more smokey, more sultry. This version of Trigger was born 🙂
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Without a single doubt, my mum.
