Queue the copious amounts of glitter and magazine cutout letters because we’re unsure of any other way to write her name than in her trademarked funky print. NERIAH’s your comfort artist’s favorite pop star. From Halsey to Ashe, her poetic string of vulnerability coupled with guitar chords explores those tender moments after a breakup, and the others leading us directly to the dancefloor with an ardent fervor is precisely what’s spilling out of their earbuds. And now ours!
We gushed with her over her viral moment, aka that serendipitous twining of finally reaching stardom (and some of the pressures that come with it), her marketing degree, and much more that’ll turn you into a Noodle in no time!
‘Unfinished Business’
You’ve been super busy! In the span of two years, you’ve managed to record and release 3 EPs, your first album, and a deluxe edition! How did you manage your time to make this all happen? What steps did you take to avoid any form of writer’s block or creative burnout?
I honestly just love what I do so much. Not a day feels like work. I am so grateful and blessed to be able to wake up every morning and do what I love. I don’t really get writers or creative burnout, and I think it’s because I just let myself live life. If I ever feel uninspired, I will go out with my friends, or have some time and journal in order to find the spark again.
‘Unfinished Business’ was a huge moment for you! What was it like to see the reaction to the song? Did you have any inkling it would be a song that caught on?
‘Unfinished Business’ is actually one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written in my life. This song is so special to me, and from the day I wrote it, I knew it was going to relate to a lot of people. It’s been so overwhelming and beautiful to see the reaction to the song all around the world. I am so grateful for everyone who has listened and related to it.
What does it feel like to wake up one morning and see you have gone viral overnight? Is it scary? Is it rewarding? Do you get that rush of“ “Oh my god, I made it!”?
The first thought I always had was how we could do it again and make it better. I am really hard on myself, and whenever I reach a goal, I find myself immediately reaching for a new one. It definitely makes me who I am, though!
Songs are expected to go viral even before release these days, which happened for ‘Unfinished Business.’ Does the pressure come from feeling the need to outdo that success?
I think with this album, I felt a lot of pressure, and it was quite overwhelming. But I took a moment to step back and realize that I’ve never been happier with the music I’m making. I put so much work into these songs; whether they go viral or not, I know they will find their way to listeners who need them.
Pursuing The Arts
Growing up in LA wanting to be an artist since you were a child and then pursuing a career in the arts also comes with a unique set of challenges, as it is a city with such high pressure surrounding you, and hundreds of people flock to chase similar dreams. What’s your biggest advice for someone wanting to move and pursue the arts in LA?
My biggest advice would definitely be to believe in yourself more than anyone else does. Don’t let anyone stop you. If there’s something you want to do because you love it, all you have to do is work harder than everyone else, and I promise you will get there.
What would Little NERIAH say to Now NERIAH?
She would be so proud of her.
Being an independent artist comes with many trials and tribulations but also many positives! What are some of your favorite freedoms that come with not being tied to a label?
I love being able to release whatever I want whenever I want. A 24-track album probably would have been impossible if I was with a label.
You studied marketing in college! How do you think knowing the “behind the scenes” marketing processes help you develop your brand and PR campaigns? Would you have built your image differently if you didn’t know these strategies?
It honestly helps so much. It’s definitely changed my career, looking at my artistry as a business. I’m so grateful I was able to get that education because I use a lot of what I’ve learned every day. Without it, I think I would’ve figured out how to get there, but it would’ve been much harder.
New Music
Your new album is fast approaching. We know you wrote the album up in Joshua Tree. What was it about that space that allowed you to create in the way you wanted to for this record?
It just felt right. I wanted to be surrounded by nature and good company to figure out exactly what this album would sound like. We wrote a lot of singles there, and a few album tracks that I am so excited for everyone to hear.
There’s a clear shift in the theme of your music from heartbreak to love songs. What was the motivation for this shift? Were there any events in your personal life, or did this just feel like a natural progression for you?
I’m happy and the most in love I’ve ever been. I have to write about what is going on in my life, so it was inspired by my lovely boyfriend.
If you had to give your EPs and album a season, what would they be?
Oh, I love this question. Honestly, I think they would have all been winter, and this new album is summer.
Meals In The Company Of Fandom
Music isn’t your only creative outlet. You also love to cook! Can you tell us about some of your favorite recipes to make? Where do you get your biggest culinary inspiration from?
I love to make ramen! Growing up, everyone cooked at home. So, I definitely learned a lot.
It’s not every day that a fandom name is penned after a food item that the artist loves. Can you share one of your first memories of understanding that Asian food, particularly ramen, was a way to exchange love and how that relates to your newfound love with your fans, otherwise known as Noodles?
I have been seriously addicted to noodles since I was born. It has always been my favorite food. One day, I was on a livestream, and one of the fans asked if the fandom name could be noodles, and I was honestly so excited. We’ve built such an amazing community, and everyone knows they have a safe space with each other. It’s really beautiful.
If you could make one dish to represent your upcoming album, what would it be?
A bowl of lucky charms.
Final Thoughts
Finally, as someone so open about their mental health, how does the vulnerability of such a personal topic affect how you release music? Do you feel like sometimes the anxiety takes over, and you want to refrain from putting your music out there, or does it motivate you?
It definitely motivates me! I think mental health is so important, and it’s something I struggle with a lot. I am excited to find new ways to tell my story through all the songs I release.
With a love heart rhinestone decored on her cheek, NERIAH quite literally spun—no, we genuinely mean that she kicked off our new favorite era at Madison Beer’s The Spinnin Tour, where she was the opener—her way into our playlists. And through our chat with her, we’re eagerly excited to listen to the other tracks of her sophomore album coming this fall! Are you a ‘First Time’ or ‘Driving Weather’ girlie? Perhaps a ‘Don’t Let Go!’ girlie? You’ll soon be another claimed track girlie, so let us know quickly through our social media, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NERIAH:
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
1 Comment
Pingback: Interview: Why ‘think about it?’ Avery Lynch Is an Instant Favorite