Q&A: Nyah Grace Explores Raw Vocal Power with Stripped-Back "More" Acoustic
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY KIARA ALMANZAR ☆
NYAH GRACE POSSESSES A VOCAL SMOOTHNESS AKIN TO HONEY DRIPPING FROM A SPOON — gliding effortlessly over soulful melodies. The Oregon-Manchester artist has a soulful instrument reminiscent of Sade. It's a voice that has evolved since her 2020 debut, Honey-Coloured, a successful project that garnered over 12 million streams. With "More," her latest release, Nyah embarks on a newfound exploration of her vocal prowess, delving deeper into the nuances of emotion and vulnerability. Nyah knows it’s about conveying the complexities of human experience through the raw power of her voice. She has already established a strong foundation, drawing inspiration from icons like Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo while carving her own distinct path.
"More" embodies this evolution.
While staying true to her soulful roots, the track reveals a newfound maturity in her songwriting and sound. The song explores the intoxicating nature of love, its addictive pull rendered through warm, pulsating bass lines, sensuous grooves, and of course, Nyah's signature breathy vocals. Collaborating with notable producers like Jay Mooncie and Paya, she has elevated the complexities of her sound, creating a rich and immersive listening experience.
The release of the "More" acoustic version further underscores Nyah's vocal prowess. Stripped back to just her voice and the faint piano, the raw emotion and vulnerability of the song shine through. This delicate rendition offers a glimpse into the depth of her artistry, showing a singer comfortable exploring the nuances of her craft.
This release signals a confident step forward in her musical journey, solidifying her place within the neo-soul landscape. It's a testament to her growth as an artist and her ability to evolve while remaining grounded in the soulful sounds that first captivated her audience.
Read below to delve deeper into her world.
LUNA: Nyah, congratulations on the release of “More” and the acoustic version of "More!” It beautifully showcases the raw emotion in your voice. What inspired you to create this stripped-back version?
NYAH: Thank you! I’ve always been a huge fan of acoustic versions of songs and it’s always been a dream to release something like this. It was important to me that this version felt raw, emotional and intimate, so we shot it in one take and I’m so proud of the final result.
LUNA: You started your music career quite young with Honey-Coloured. How do you feel your sound and songwriting have evolved since then, particularly on "More?”
NYAH: To be honest, sometimes I listen to my first album and can’t even believe that that’s me! I’ve experienced so much life since then and I truly think my new music reflects that. I’m experimenting more, taking risks and I feel as though I’ve now found my “sound.” More” was the first song I wrote that led me to this discovery. I still have so much love for that first project, and the starry-eyed 17 year-old girl who wrote it.
LUNA: You mentioned being inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill and D'Angelo. How do you feel their influence shines through in your music, and what other artists are you currently drawing inspiration from?
NYAH: From a young age, I’ve been inspired by D’angelo’s and Lauryn’s vocal deliveries and styles. How they both are completely themselves and how their music is a reflection of that. The way their music grooves and takes you on a journey is also something that greatly inspires me, and I hope to demonstrate that in my songs.
I’m so inspired by artists like Cleo Sol, Raye, and Sinead Harnett. I love their storytelling abilities and the way they perform their songs.
LUNA: Moving from Oregon to Manchester seems like a big change! How has the city's musical landscape influenced your creative process and sound?
NYAH: It seems like there’s always a new gig to go see, new venue to check out or creative endeavour to explore in Manchester. I’m constantly so inspired by the talented people in this city and am so grateful to live somewhere with so many musical opportunities. There is always so much going on, so I’m really never short of things to write about.
LUNA: You collaborated with some incredible talents on "More," including Dayyon, Jay Mooncie, and Paya. What was it like working with them, and how did these collaborations shape the song?
NYAH: It was incredible to be in a room with such accomplished musicians and creatives and it challenged me to be a better writer and performer. These collaborations were vital to the song being what it is; I know I couldn’t have written something this special without them!
LUNA: The lyrics of "More" feel very personal and vulnerable. Can you tell us a bit about the story or inspiration behind the song?
NYAH: “More” is about wanting someone so bad, it feels as though you can never get enough. In this song, Dayyon and I describe the highs and lows of any relationship but the underlying love you will always have for that person. I tend to storytell in my songs rather than draw inspiration from my own life, so I can’t say “More” is about a particular relationship in my life.
LUNA: What did you discover about yourself while creating “More?”
NYAH: That I don’t always have to be so hard on myself! It’s easy for us creatives to self-deprecate and demand perfection from ourselves, writing “More” and later developing it into what is now taught me that I don’t always have to agonize over every musical decision. I can let go a bit and still be extremely proud of the end result.
