Nao - Happy People (Single)
Nao kicks off the new year with the release of her latest single, ‘Happy People’, an uplifting and vibrant track taken from her highly anticipated fourth studio album, ‘Jupiter’, set for release on February 21st. With its infectious energy and feel-good rhythm, ‘Happy People’ offers a bright, positive, and joyful glimpse into Nao’s evolving sound, making it impossible not to move. Featuring beautiful, textured backing vocals layered with guitar riffs and a wholesome beat, alongside Nao’s distinct vocal flair, the single serves as a powerful and refreshing introduction to the next chapter of her musical journey. The release coincides with the start of her headline 2025 UK, European, and North American Tour, which begins later in February.
The track is a collaborative creation, co-written by Nao, Stint, Yakob (Jakob Rabitsch), Lauren Keen, and Kareem James, with production by Stint and Yakob. Speaking about ‘Happy People’, Nao says: “Happy People is about finding peace, joy and purpose in meaningful connections with those who truly care. It celebrates the strength of relationships and friendships.”
Following the release of her soulful slow jam ‘All of Me’, Nao continues to deliver a diverse sonic experience. Co-written by Nao, PRGRSHN, Dyo, and Absolutely, and produced by PRGRSHN, ‘All of Me’ captures the transformative power of love with heartfelt lyrics and a rich alt-R&B soundscape.
Recently, the critically acclaimed singer-songwriter also dropped two more tracks, ‘Elevate’ and ‘Wildflowers’, further highlighting the rich tapestry of sounds on ‘Jupiter.’ ‘Elevate’ is an energising blend of sound that channels nostalgia with a modern twist. With shimmering guitar riffs, an infectious rhythm, and a euphoric guitar solo played by Andy Vickery, the track captivates with its upbeat and mesmerising quality. Co-written with Dayyon Alexander and Nate Cyphert and produced by longtime collaborator Stint, the track embodies the essence of a timeless classic.
Meanwhile, ‘Wildflowers’ offers a tender exploration of love, growth, and vulnerability. Created during a poignant period when Nao was heavily pregnant, the song was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in collaboration with celebrated producers Coffee and Detonate. Using the free-spirited metaphor of wildflowers, the track reflects the unpredictable nature of life and the journey of coming of age in your 30s, revealing both the highs and the lows with emotional resonance.
The visual elements surrounding ‘Jupiter’ have been brought to life by frequent collaborator Lillie Eiger (Arlo Parks, Florence Welch), with creative direction from SpaceBroth, merging the album’s themes into a cohesive visual narrative.
To celebrate the release of ‘Jupiter’, Nao performed last year intimate, sold-out shows in Los Angeles, New York, London, and Amsterdam, leaving fans eagerly awaiting her upcoming UK, European, and North American dates. The tour begins alongside the album release and includes a headline performance at London’s iconic O2 Academy Brixton on March 12th.
With each release, Nao continues to build anticipation for ‘Jupiter’, a collection of tracks that promises to be her most transformative and heartfelt work to date. ‘Happy People’ is yet another glimpse of the magic that awaits when the album drops next month!