Nia Chennai - Wasting Time (Single) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: Ayomide Oyeniyi (ayo_sama)
London – 12 September 2023 – South London-born R&B talent Nia Chennai is making waves once again with her latest track, 'Wasting Time,' ahead of her upcoming EP 'Diary Is A Waste Of Paper,' set to drop later this year.
Love is a “losing game,” as late vocalist Amy Winehouse once said. Nia masterfully captures the essence of this, as each verse delves deep into the struggles of toxic relationships and explores themes of overthinking and self-doubt. Nia showcases evolving song-writing abilities in 'Wasting Time,' experimenting new flows and rhyming patterns. The first verse captivates listeners with smooth and, at times, breathy vocals, with a Hip-Hop-like flow - a combination that successfully juxtaposes charm with assertiveness in her lyrics.
Nia seamlessly glides through the second verse in traditional R&B-singer fashion, with catchy melodies and production from Mont Jake ensuring perfectly-layered backing vocals. These further enhance an already-impressive vocal performance from Nia, which runs throughout the entirety of the song.
Nia 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?
From young, I’ve always connected with music. Growing up in a house where there’s music playing all the time, I guess it just naturally becomes apart of your life. My dad bought me the SingStar set after I was obsessed with watching Leona Lewis on X Factor. As soon as it was ready to use, I was playing that game, every minute of everyday and it just gave me that buzz and that’s when I realised what I wanted to do in life.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Amy Whinehouse, Erykah Badu and Lauyrn Hill are definitely my biggest influences. The more I grow into a woman, the more I understand the layers of their music and how they do things. There are so many new acts killing it right now. I’d love to make a song with Natanya, Knucks and Raye. I think all three artists are super dope.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Yes! I want to showcase my artistry more so I’ve been working on a EP throughout this year. I can’t wait to share it to the world once it’s ready. So far its sounding fire, I can’t even lie…
4. How would you describe your sound?
A new wave of Neo-Soul, with a sprinkle of contemporary R&B. Smooth melody’s and relaxing vocals. Kind of like a head massage for your ears.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Definitely opening for Ojerime on her tour earlier this year. It was a couple of months after my second single, ‘Since We Ain’t Together’ had been released, so for her to reach out to have me on tour with her was a special moment for me and I can’t thank her enough. I had performed at a few shows here and there before that so I did have a little stage experience, but at that point I had not performed to a high number of people in one room, so it was a little nerve recking initially. However, hearing the words to my songs sang back to me by the crowd so early in my career really calmed me down and gave me a huge confidence boost. From that tour, I definitely got the motivation to go harder and keep pushing. I realised then that I was really onto something.
Picture Credit: Ayomide Oyeniyi (ayo_sama)
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Sounds cliche, but belief is a must and you have to be about your shit (stuff)! Taking action of your thoughts will get you onto to the stepping stone you need but you have to believe in yourself and have to take that leap of faith first. Belief, hard work and consistency, in that order.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
For sure! Sekou, Essosa and Flo are so sick! I think they all bring something that the industry is missing at the moment. Pure vibes for sure.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Ooo, I have to say ‘21st Century Blues’ by Raye. ‘Soft Life’ by Summer Walker and ‘Mamas Gun’ by Erykah Badu. On loop most of the time, for sure.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Annoying my two younger siblings! Normally we like to bake together when we’re good though… If not that, I like to spend my time just taking in music old and new.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water or tea!!! Every take, your girl is always clearing her throat so it’s best to make sure it’s never dry. My fluffy hats (they’re like my thinking caps. I find them soo comfortable) and my manager ‘cause he’s always there for support. We come like Batman and Robin!