‘Redlight’ is the vibrant, funky and fresh new track from newcomer and north London based artist, NAYTiiVE. Oozing with jazz-infused chords and infectious pop melodies, you’ll long for the party days and seeing friends when you listen to this tune.
Onto only their second release, this emerging artist has already headlined in London and seems to have been a real hit with audiences. In our interview, NAYTiiVE told us about their longing to get back to live performing, what music means to them and a few hidden secrets you might not know about this fresh, young talent.
How does it feel to have your new song Redlight out in the world?
This is actually my second release! Very proud of my debut track Flawless, but equally as proud about Red light! It feels amazing to bring a little bit of joy to people’s ears during these tough times!
The new single has all sorts of smooth pop lines and funky production sprinkles. What was your journey to discovering the sound of this project?
So for Red light, my writing partner Mr Joe Green (check him out!) came round to my old uni flat in Fulham. He’d had a rough day and was a bit fed up so I thought, let’s leave this headspace and enter a world of luxury. A world of absolutely no care in the world! Melodies and lyrics just started to flow and the song came together in about an hour or two.
NAYTiiVE allows me to leave all my inner fears and insecurities at the door.
NAYTiiVE
I love hearing the backstory behind a name, can you share anything about where NAYTiiVE came from?
So, NAYTiiVE represents my alter ego. In day to day life, I’m a fun-loving guy but when it comes to music I take it up a notch. NAYTiiVE allows me to leave all my inner fears and insecurities at the door and become the fire that’s lit inside of me.
By the sounds of it, you’ve already had a lot of experience playing live around London. How have you found non-gig life?
It’s really hard not being able to showcase all the work you’ve been doing behind the scenes, in a live setting. For me, my USP would be my live performance, I become my true form! I’ve managed by doing a lot of exercise and working on new music but still, it doesn’t fill the void of vibing with my band on stage to the crowd. Hopefully, it comes back soon.
What has your experience of lockdown been like? Did any of your plans for your music change?
It’s been mainly up but like everyone, I’ve had a few down days. I’ve got a solid daily routine that I stick to which pulls me through. Exercise, reading and trying to learn guitar are at the core of that routine. Also having a supportive friend and family group are imperative to keeping me sane, I’m truly very lucky.
Your single, Redlight, feels like a bit of an antidote to the melancholy we all felt in 2021. Did you write this track during pandemic times, or is it a memory of when life was a bit lighter?
No, I wrote this song back in 2019. I believe it was towards the end of the year, dark afternoons but Redlight helped brighten up our day!
What’s the writing process like for you? Do you have any collaborators?
I have a trusted writing partner Mr Joe Green who I come to with ideas or lyrics, already crafted. From there we craft the skeleton of our record, purely based around guitar and vocals. We then send it over to Mr Harry Steele, a good friend and phenomenal keys player who adds his magic. Mr JJ Mitchell produced this track and gave it the groove it needed.
That feeling could never be replaced by money.
NayTiive
If you won the lottery and could live the life you’re talking about in Redlight, what would that mean for your music?
I mean yeah I would be living the life every boy could dream of but in all honesty, nothing could ever distract me from music. And most importantly, performing live and spreading positive vibes to the audience. That feeling could never be replaced by money.
In the same vein, what would be a dream or goal you’re hoping to achieve in 2021?
My dream for 2021 would be for one of my songs to hit 1 million streams. That would be truly incredible.
A song that means a lot to you?
Put it on, it will instantly change your mood.
Can you tell us something surprising about you?
I have an unhealthy passion for football and my Xbox (like every boy). But I also study in my own time, different self-help techniques and therapy books.
What’s something you’re listening to right now?
Right now, if I looked at my Spotify I’d see a lot of Kanye, Haim, Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Radiohead, Bruno and James Brown.
Can we expect to hear some more new music from you anytime soon?
Absolutely! My next release is planned for mid-April so keep a lookout!
Make sure to connect with NAYTiiVE:
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