Nolay - 10 Questions
After keeping fans and critics captivated throughout 2020 with a series of well-received singles and collaborations, including ‘I Slay’ with electronic producer JOYRYDE, the massive summer anthem ‘Periodt’ and the hard-hitting war riddim ‘Corn’ produced by Sevaqk (Mist, AJ Tracey, Dave, Skepta), which have amassed over two million plays across Spotify and YouTube, revered UK rap artist and lyricist NOLAY is kicking off her 2021 in a big way, with the release of her sixth studio EP titled KALAS.
Nolay sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I have always had a love for music since I can remember. Coming from a mixed background I got to experience a mix in culture which gave me a diverse taste in different genres. English was my favourite lesson in school even more so than Drama and Music and this is where I began to realise my love for wordplay and the power of words. I really enjoyed poetry although I hated poetry that didn’t rhyme lol and would almost dismiss its relevance when discussing poetry in lesson. One day I was on a bus and some boys were rapping at the back of the bus, it immediately captivated me and held my attention and I realised they were basically kicking poetry over music and that’s when my love for poetry developed into a love for rap music and music in general.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
There are so many I could name but off the top of my head I would say Kanye , Kendrick, Rihanna , FKA Twigs and SAINt JHN.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
To be honest, I faced more problems making and releasing music before Covid. I think myself and the team around me became hungrier and even more determined to make things happen as this showed us that nothing is promised and that life is based on survival and ticks better when you come together and work together. We have still been determined to make things work and we have.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is edgy, raw and quite in your face. It’s also more authentic and still driven by bars rather than melodies as I find what people call rap nowadays to be more of a singalong vibe rather than bars.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Apart from touring Europe and charting twice in Germany, I would have to say my proudest moment was how I ended 2020 and my comeback at the start of 2021.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Be yourself! there is a lane for whoever you are so don’t try and fit into any other land but your own and stay consistent. The moment you stop being consistent is the moment things begin to falter.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
I’m currently loving Tidus, Brent Faiyaz, French artist Yseult, Matthew Santos and Nathy Peluso.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Rihanna - Anti, Sampha - Process, Kendrick- Good Kid M.A.A.d City, Kanye - The Life Of Pablo.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When I’m not making music I like to customise clothing, chill with my family ,cook and try out new dishes, travel, yoga/meditate and read books.
10. Name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
In the studio I can’t live without an almost empty environment. I don’t like a packed studio. I don’t mind a few people present, but I hate a packed studio lol with everybody talking when I’m trying to get in my zone.
I also can’t live without a pad and a pen, I hate writing lyrics on a phone, it irks me lol.
Last but not least I can’t live without water in the studio.