Nesta - Hope It Gets Better (EP) + 10 Questions
Queens, New York based singer, songwriter and producer Nesta closes out the summer with the release of his new EP ‘Hope It Gets Better’, and shares new single ‘Brag’.
Of Jamaican heritage, Nesta’s sound is an audio sun-splash of R&B and reggae, reflected in both vocals and production. Through eleven tracks ‘Hope It Gets Better’ is a continuous vibe from front to back. From the bounce of title track ‘Hope It Gets Better’, to the bass-heavy ‘Proper’, while ‘Mama Don’t Cry’ is a delicate ode to Nesta’s mother. The EP also includes previous singles ‘City of Angels’, a beautifully stripped back track showcasing Nesta’s choppy vocals and Atlanta residing musician Mereba’s mesmerising tone, smooth cut ‘Already There’, and ‘Jah Knows’ featuring Knucks, GuiltyBeatz and Kyra, along with its slick visuals.
With a dynamic musical family background from Jamaica, Nesta has strong artistic roots originating from the inspiration of Nat King Cole, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Sizzla, Sampha, and The Dream. He found his sound by studying his various influences, which led him to experiment with both music production software and instruments. Although proven to be musically gifted, it wasn't until 2012 when his friends noticed his unique vocals and urged him to take singing more seriously. Filled with reggae and old-school energy, he fully embraces his eccentric sound through songwriting and producing.
Nesta 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?
For the most part a lot of my family is musically inclined. I always had a love for music from since I can remember. I grew up hearing music from all different eras because my parents are both music lovers my dad had a reggae group called “The Visionaries” and I’m second to last to a bunch of siblings so I’d hear everything from reggae to r&b and soul, hip hop, rock, disco, jazz, indie. I was always in Band class since like 5th grade and that made the beats of music more interesting so I always wanted to learn how to produce and that made me more interested in greats like Kanye, Pharrell, Timbaland, J Dilla.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Kanye, Pharrell, Sampha, John Mayer, Sizzla, Foster The People, SZA, Drake, Future, Ty Dolla $ign, The Weeknd are just a few.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I recently dropped a project on 9/2/22 called “Hope it Gets Better” it’s available on all platforms. I feel like it’s an experimental project so the people can help push me towards a more solid direction to create whatever’s next.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My sound is a fusion of many of the sounds Im inspired by such as R&B, Reggae, Trap, Afro, ain’t no telling what the moment may bring.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
There’s so many, everyday is an opportunity to learn. To learn and live is my proudest moment.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I would say never settle, always work to upgrade. Never get too comfortable. Know who your real friends are.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Mannywellz, Show Dem Camp, Kyra, Yaya Bey, Joshua J, Blvck H3ro, SOPHIETHEHOMIE.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Burna Boy - Love Damini
Michael Jackson - Scream
Kendrick Lamar - Mr Morale & The Big Steppers
Barrington Levy- Here I Come
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love to read books, cook, play games, watch movies, run, meditate, chill with my family and party a lil’.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Something to snack on, my laptop and good vibes.