When it comes to singing or songwriting, no one is doing it quite like Nai. Ever since the Bronx rising artist debuted she has honed in on her genre–bending sound and established herself in her local music scene.
With the singer’s latest offering “Can not lie” out today, much like the title, the song is truly addictive. While this may be Nai’s Lambo debut, this is not her first stint as a creative. Having previously released Cold World, the young talent has an impressive resume that proves her potential is endless.
“Can Not Lie is a song that alludes to my Caribbean culture, but has a pop feel to it. I just love the fact that I can see people really enjoying it in their cars, in the club, wherever really. So this is a song that I’m most proud of because it came from a place of fun, and beginning to reveal who I am to my supporters. It’s also a song that has lyrics that can be open to interpretation. So I don’t want to give any details of what the lyrics mean. I want every listener to have their own experience,” explains the artist when speaking about her latest song.
We reached out to Nai to discuss her journey, music-making process, her latest single, and what’s next. Head below to read our interview with Jodie and follow her on Instagram at @naiestelle and subscribe on YouTube.
Hey Nai! Tell us about you? And also your sound?
Hey! I am a singer, songwriter, and performer from the Bronx, NY! I’m also of West Indian/Haitian descent, all of which I heavily represent, and it is shown in my music. There’s something about being Caribbean and from the Bronx that almost makes it impossible to hide in my sound, even down to the way that I write. No matter what genre my music is, you will always hear hints within my music that give away where I’m from.
Why did you choose music as a career path?
I don’t have a non-creative or non-expressive bone in my body. I’ve been surrounded by music since I was little and have just always been attached to it ever since. It’s literally who I am and what I do. Nothing else makes sense. I’ve been on stages since I could walk. Performing is everything to me, and music gives me the opportunity to take my thoughts from my notepad to the studio and to the stage.
What’s the message/inspiration behind your new single “Can Not Lie”?
“Can Not Lie” is a song that alludes to my Caribbean culture, but has a pop feel to it. I just love the fact that I can see people really enjoying it in their cars, in the club, wherever really. So this is a song that I’m most proud of because it came from a place of fun, and beginning to reveal who I am to my supporters. It’s also a song that has lyrics that can be open to interpretation. So I don’t want to give any details of what the lyrics mean. I want every listener to have their own experience.
To you what’s the best part of the music-making process?
I just love seeing everything come together. Finishing a song is like trying to solve a puzzle to me, and adding different sounds and ad-libs to complete that puzzle is the best part of it. It’s the most rewarding feeling because it takes a while for me to feel completely satisfied with what I created.
What’s next for you?
I’m on that stage. I’m on every stage. If there’s a festival, I’m gonna be there. If it’s a cookout, restaurant, wherever, whenever. I’m performing. I’m putting out more music that’s gonna reveal more of myself and how versatile I am. It’s gonna be so hard not to hear from Nai.
