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Nao Shares New Single ‘Messy Love’

Amelia Kelly — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 19:46:55 +0000

Nao, or Neo Jessica Joshua, has released her new single titled ‘Messy Love‘. The track comes as one of a couple singles, which tease the English singer-songwriter’s upcoming album. ‘Messy Love‘ perfectly encapsulates the artist and record producer’s self described ‘wonky funk’.

Your wish is my command
Messy Love is all yours tomorrow (21.6.21)

A false start/leak last week made me see that the universe really wants me to release this song into the world, and now @Annie Mac has made it The Hottest Record In The World on radio 1… pic.twitter.com/ynTxPumS5l

— NAO (@thisNAO) June 20, 2021

East London’s Nao is not new to releasing hard hitting singles. Her ‘wonky funk’ combines electronic, hip-hop rhythm with dubstep components. In a unique, off-beat fashion Nao contributes greatly to the Alternative R&B scene. ‘Messy Love‘ definitely confirms this contribution that Nao often makes for the UK music scene. It also confirms the greatness of Nat’s recent string of singles. Back in 2020 she releases ‘Woman’ and then subsequently, in 2021, she released ‘Antidote‘. Both singles received great reception.

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A post shared by Nao (@this_nao)

‘Messy Love‘ teases the artists upcoming album even more. It is a delicate single which explores relationships with both self and other. To produce the empowering track, Nao teamed up with producer D’Mile. The relatable lyricism of the hardships of a romantic relationship – “Everybody’s pent up and scarred with broken hearts and I don’t wanna go back there” – amongst a mix of soul, electronic music, funk and R&B, make the single irresistible.

This new single, which will feature on her new album, will be Nao’s latest album since her 2018 LP ‘Saturn‘. ‘Saturn‘ formed the singer-songwriters second album, following on from her debut album ‘For All We Know‘ back in 2016. The debut album led to a Brit Nomination for the Best British Female Solo Artist and Nat’s musical achievements have not lessened since then. In 2020 she was also nominated for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the Grammy Awards. This line of success and musical praise means that ‘Messy Love’ is likely to offer Nao promising opportunities in her career this year.

It takes a natural musical flare to be able to confine such a large musical range, which Nao possesses, into one single. Yet, time and time again the singer-songwriter proves her abilities. ‘Messy Love‘ yet again reminds it’s listeners why Nao is constantly one to look out for on the Alternative R&B scene.

You can listen to Nao’s new single ‘Messy Love‘ here:

Nao Partners with Adekunle Gold on New Track ‘Antidote’

Shána Briddock — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:15:57 +0000

The London-based musician Nao has released a collaborative track Antidote with the Nigerian artist Adekunle Gold. The duo also released the accompanying offical music video for the single today on YouTube, seen below. Neo described the new releases as the remedy to 2020; it’s a song born out of lockdown which was something that affected everybody’s lives all over the world. She continued to explain her decision to work with the Nigerian artist, saying that uniquely they had both had daughters born weeks apart during this time, they lifted our vibrations and we wanted to share that good energy with the rest of the world.

Nao continued to explain Antidote by stating that the song is a perfect description of how I feel about my daughter. Love usually feels like a concept, sometimes invisible, but with her it’s so tangible because she’s right there. I’m so obsessed with her that if she wasn’t around me, I wouldn’t be OK, I guess that’s what antidote is, a cure, a loving cure to the things that ail me.

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A post shared by Nao (@this_nao)

Nao’s most recent record was released in 2018 called Saturn. She released two singles before the album was dropped which had some success in the UK and US, the singles were called Another Lifetime and Make It Out Alive. Saturn was nominated for Album of the Year in 2019 for the Mercury Prize and recently received the nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards in 2020.

Nao has also experienced previous success through collaborations with other artists, including the American 6lack and more recently with Lianne La Havas on the track Woman, now Adekunle has been added. In 2015 when she was first beginning her musical career she was featured on Disclosure’s album, Caracal which went #1 the year it was released.

She was also one of the co-writers on Stormzy’s first studio breakout album Gang Signs and Prayer, skyrocketed her to acclaim in the R&B/ Hip Hop universe.She went on to receive Brit Award nominations and many other critically acclaimed honours in the years before her second studio release. In 2019 NAO went on tour in the UK and US briefly to promote her album Saturn and newest collaborative singles.

NAO Holds Acoustic YouTube Live-Stream at Metropolis Studios

Hannah Jaap — Sat, 31 Oct 2020 09:35:42 +0000

Neo-soul singer NAO put on an incredible show yesterday evening from London’s Metropolis Studios, playing acoustic covers of songs from her two studio albums. Beginning at 7pm, she sang to a guitar and answer questions in-between tracks.

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I’ve got some exciting news for you all I’ll be doing a live acoustic performance on my YouTube this Friday 7pm from @metropolisstudios alongside @mastercarduk LINK IN MY BIO to watch the show #StartSomethingPriceless

A post shared by Nao (@this_nao) on Oct 27, 2020 at 11:40am PDT

Opening with the funky ‘Fool To Love’ and following it up with ‘Bad Blood’ from her debut album, NAO then read some question from fans. During this time, she discussed her latest single ‘Woman’ featuring Lianne La Havas and confirmed that she will be sharing another song approximately three weeks from now called ‘Antidote’. However, she mentioned that she doesn’t have solid plans to put out a third album just yet – she is just enjoying making music and being with her new-born baby.

Other songs included ‘If You Ever’, ‘Another Lifetime’, and ‘Drive and Disconnect’ from 2018 album ‘Saturn’, which came out two years ago this week. Just a few hours before the live-stream, the singer asked fans via Instagram which songs they wanted to hear, and many favourites were played.

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Tonight 7pm GMT (30.10.20) at @metropolisstudios with @mastercarduk A post shared by Nao (@this_nao) on Oct 30, 2020 at 5:01am PDT

The performance was in collaboration with music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins, who help so many people with varying conditions. Through the event, viewers were encouraged to donate or show their support to the organisation. One of NAO’s iconic stage outfits – a vibrant blue kimono – was put up for auction, with the money going to Nordoff Robbins.

She also spoke about the hit that all artistic industries have taken throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, and said that she hopes the government will realise the value of the arts and support them financially. Currently, the singer-songwriter is unsure when she will go on tour again, though she wants to get out on the road again next year if possible.

The full performance can be found below; with almost 3,000 people tuning in live, those who missed it can still catch up.

NAO has been creating music professionally and publicly as a singer, songwriter, and producer, since 2014, releasing her debut album ‘For All We Know’ in 2016, and sophomore, ‘Saturn’, in 2018. She has been nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist, Album of the Year at the Mercury Prize, and Best Contemporary Album at the Grammy Awards.

NAO Collaborates with Lianne La Havas on New Single ‘Woman’

Hannah Jaap — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 08:35:25 +0000

London singer-songwriter NAO has returned with new music after a two-year wait proceeding her sophomore album ‘Saturn’. For the new single, entitled ‘Woman’, she has collaborated with fellow artist Lianne La Havas to create a beautiful track to empower and inspire listeners.

NAO first revealed the news last week in an Instagram post with the caption, “It’s been too long, it’s time to drop new music …. THIS MONTH.” On Sunday 23rd August, just a day before the release, she announced La Havas’ feature, the release date, and confirmed that the song would be premiered as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record in the World on BBC Radio 1 (currently covered by Clara Amfo).

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I have something real special for you coming tomorrow with my fav girl @liannelahavas Tune in to @bbcradio1’s hottest record in the world from 7pm (UK) for 1st listen. Track comes out straight after

A post shared by Nao (@this_nao) on Aug 23, 2020 at 9:22am PDT

In the interview, both La Havas and NAO discussed the song and its importance. “It kind of came together during the time of the Black lives matter movement, and obviously both me and Lianne being women of colour and being British as well, it felt like a really important song to release and talk about, empowerment. And especially as women of colour, celebrating ourselves and all we’ve done and how far we’ve come,” NAO explained.

Following on, La Havas said, “I think it’s important all the time to empower black women so I don’t mind that this has come out a little later in the year. I think it’s always a good message to be empowering women.”

Combining both NAO’s self-described ‘wonky funk’ sound and La Havas’ soulful guitar and vocals, the song has resonated with many, gaining 4,000 views on the music video in the first four hours. The video shows colourful, intricate animations and features both artists, to the absolute joy of their fans.

La Havas wrote her first song at age 11, learning guitar when she was 18. Her first solo EP was released in 2011 after she signed with Warner Bros. Records the year before. ‘Lost and Found’ was the name of the EP, and La Havas went on to create another EP and three studio albums. Her debut album ‘Is Your Love Big Enough?’ won iTunes Album of the Year, followed by self-titled work released in 2020.

The Mercury Prize 2019 Nominations Have Been Announced But Who’s The Favourite To Win?

Ali Mohammed-Ali — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 00:39:42 +0000

Politically charged music takes centre stage this year as the nominees for The Mercury Prize awards have been announced. Across the U.K people have been voicing their opinion with regards to the current uncertain political climate we face. As an art, music hasn’t been the type to shy away from the discussion and the 12 nominated albums prove it. The 29^th instalment of the prestigious celebration of British music will be held on 19^th September at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, West London.

Singer/songwriter and guitarist, Anna Calvi has been nominated for her third album, Hunter. She joins the likes of Amy Winehouse and Wolf Alice for having had all of her studio albums nominated for the award. Foals receive their third nomination for their fifth album, Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1 and The 1975 try their luck for the second time for A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships.

With the U.K having a deep history with the genre, Punk leads the pack with the most nominations. Welsh musician Cate Le Bon is nominated for her fifth album, Reward and the Bristol based band Idels for their second album, Joy as an Act of Resistance. Irish band Fontaines D.C. and London’s Black MIDI both receive nominations for their debuts, Dogrel and Schlagenheim respectively.

Representing British hip-hop Little Simz’ Grey Area, Slowthai’s Nothing Great About Britain and Dave’s critically acclaimed debut, PSYCHODRAMA have all been nominated. With national bookmakers currently giving PSYCHODRAMA as the favourite to win.

In alternative genres, London-based ‘wonky funk’ pioneer, Nao is nominated for her second studio album, Saturn whilst the 10-piece jazz collective, SEED Ensemble receive a nomination for their debut, Driftglass.

To assist with this year’s nominations, five new judges from various creative fields were added to the panel. BBC Radio 1 presenter and DJ, Annie Mac, VICE editorial director, Tshepo Mokoena and British singer/songwriters, Gaz Coombes, Jorja Smith and Stormzy joined the remaining seven judges to pick the best albums of the year.

The Mercury Prize Nominees are as follows:

Anna Calvi – Hunter

Black Midi – Schlagenheim

Cate Le Bon – Reward

Dave – Psychodrama

Foals – Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part 1

Fontaines D.C. – Dogrel

Idles – Joy as an Act of Resistance

Little Simz – Grey Area

Nao – Saturn

Seed Ensemble – Driftglass

Slowthai – Nothing Great About Britain

The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships

Somerset House Summer Series 2019 Line-Up Revealed Featuring Rosalia, Jacob Banks and Nao

Caitlyn Hart — Tue, 19 Mar 2019 16:44:41 +0000

The first series of acts have been announced for this year’s Somerset House Summer Sessions. Leading the first series of names, announced today (March 19), is Rosalia, Jacob Banks and Nao, among others. The yearly 11-date concert is returning, this year, to the classic London venue, Somerset House, between the 11th and the 21st of July 2019, with one of their most outstanding line-ups to-date.

Joining the trio of stellar names above, which includes Rosalia, Jacob Banks and Nao, is The Internet; Sons of Kemet; Doves; The Good, The Bad & The Queen; Parcels; Cut Copy; Soulection; and Gossip, with more still to be announced. The performance of Gossip, at this year’s Somerset House Summer Sessions, will be the band’s first live show in six years.

We’re super excited to announce our line-up for #SummerSeriesGigs 2019 with @AmexUK today. Join us from 11 – 21 Jul for an intimate live experience unlike any other in the stunning surroundings of our neoclassical courtyard.

Tkts on public sale Fri 22 Mar 10.00 via our website. pic.twitter.com/doVGYNVzBX

— Somerset House (@SomersetHouse) March 19, 2019

Opening the event, on the grounds of Somerset House, the classic 18th century building that sits on the bank of the Thames, will be multi-genre group The Internet, on the 11th of July 2019, which will be their last stop on their world tour. They’ll be joined, on the opening weekend, by BRIT and MOBO-nominated soul star NAO, on the 12th of July 2019.

Following on from, soul star Nao’s performance, will be followed by performances by Sons of Kemet, on the 13th of July. With Jacob Banks, who is returning as a headline act after his support slot in 2013, set to perform, on the 14th of July 2019.

Meanwhile, Spanish popstar Rosalía tops the bill, for her biggest UK show to-date, on the 15th of July 2019, with the trio, Doves, set to follow, on the 16th of July. They will be followed by The Good, The Bad and The Queen, consisting of Damon Albarn; Paul Simonon; Simon Tong; and Tony Allen, who are set to headline, on the 17th of July 2019.

After opening the show, with a performance from The Internet, the likes of Parcels; Cut Copy, and Soulection, will follow in the proceeding days. Before a concluding show by Gossip, on the 21st of July 2019. The full line-up for this year’s Somerset House Summer Sessions can be seen below. Tickets go on sale, on Friday the 22nd of March 2019 this Friday, at 10AM and can be purchased here.

Taking place in the heart of the nation’s capital, the outdoor event, held in the Courtyard of Somerset House, offer unique panoramic views of the capitol as the backdrop for some amazing music. The festival is used to having some of today’s biggest names perform, with the likes of Adele, Paloma Faith, Calvin Harris, Sam Smith, PJ Harvey, and many more collaborating with the festival.

Somerset House Summer Sessions 2019 Line-Up:

Thursday July 11 – The Internet
Friday July 12 – Nao
Saturday July 13 – Sons of Kemet
Sunday July 14 – Jacob Banks
Monday July 15 – Rosalia
Tuesday July 16 – Doves
Wednesday July 17 – The Good, The band & The Queen
Thursday July 18 – Parcels
Friday July 19 – Cut Copy
Saturday July 20 – Soulection
Sunday July 21 – Gossip