A Conversation With NERIAH
A Conversation With
NERIAH
With a natural knack for storytelling, NERIAH is the Los Angeles native that never holds back. Born and raised in both Brentwood and the beaches of Malibu, the gifted singer/songwriter spent hours telling stories and singing as she drove up and down the coast. Although previously growing a large following for her intimate Youtube vlogs, her vulnerable self-expression began at the age of 5 when she wrote her very first song.
The last few years saw her honing her musical talents as she wrote and produced 3 songs a day, recording her debut EP and an upcoming catalogue of originals. Each song NERIAH writes is about something that genuinely happened, sharing a personal diary in hopes listeners can take a page and learn from it. She has now sat on the cover of Spotify’s Fresh Finds Pop and Apple Music’s New Music Daily, headlined NextFestLA and The Peppermint Club, and saw a World First premiere on Zane Lowe’s World Record show for her previous single “Missing Somebody” NERIAH currently has over 2.4 million monthly Spotify listeners, 201k followers on Instagram, and over 191K TikTok fans. She has headlined a sold-out show at The Troubadour and will be steadily releasing music throughout the next few months.
NSGs Billy Vitch had the pleasure to catch up with NERIAH to chat about life, her rise to stardom, music and what makes her tick.
BV: Good morning and how are you, what have you been doing today and how’s that going?
Neriah: Hello! I am doing so good I hope you are too. Today is the first day of a tour I am on with Alexander Stewart. Has defiantly been a crazy day! I am currently on a train answering these questions on my way to New York!
BV: Where did you grow up what was it like?
Neriah: I grew up half the time in Brentwood and half the time in Malibu. It was amazing I really loved it. I got to spend a lot of time on the beach listening and writing music which is defiantly where it all started.
BV: You recently released your new EP, ‘No One Cries Forever‘. Can you tell me a bit about the EP, what is it about?
Neriah: This EP was really special because I wrote it during a time when I was getting over a really hard relationship. There were so many moments where I did not think I was ever going to move on. Writing this project really helped me find my strength and ultimately gave me the closure I needed to put everything behind me. The whole message of the project was to tell everyone that no one cries forever. We all move on eventually no matter how long it may take.
BV: You have been writing for a long time, I read that you wrote your first song at the age of 5! Can I ask, how do you think you have evolved as a person, artist and songwriter, since writing and releasing your songs Loner, Jumprope and 10 in 2020?
Neriah: Oh my gosh it really has been a long time. I still remember the first song I wrote. And of course!!! I have defiantly changed a lot since those songs. Those were some of the first songs I ever actually had real demos of which is crazy to think about. I have written hundreds of songs since then so have defiantly found my style and voice since then. I think the biggest change was finding myself. I really know now who I am as a writer and artist. I have had the pleasure of writing for so many lovely artists since then and I would not change the last few years for the world.
BV: Who or what have been your influences musically?
Neriah: WHO: Julia Michales WHAT: my EXES. I always write about real and personal experiences so I defiantly have to give credit to all my exes for giving me so much to write about.
BV: How do you go about writing a song, do you have a set process?
Neriah: It is really different every time. I love starting with finding chords that feel right and from there its either free styling or moving with a concept. Starting with a title is really fun sometimes too.
(Neriah_Credit: Maxine Bowen)
BV: We’re a Uk music magazine based in Liverpool, have you ever been here and do you have any plans to visit us anytime soon?
Neriah: I actually just had a writing trip there about a month ago and got to play a show! I defiantly did not get to see enough so will have to come back very soon.
BV: You have had a meteoric rise, to say the least, with over 2.4 million listeners on Spotify a month! Can I ask, how has your life changed since your rise to prominence and how do you handle success?
Neriah: My life hasn’t changed at all. If anything the success has just made me appreciate all the amazing people I have around me. I’m still the same person and always will be no matter where my journey takes me.
BV: If you had not become a musician, what other career do you think you’d have chosen?
Neriah: Maybe a kindergarten teacher! I love, love kids and cannot wait to be a mom one day.
BV: If you could sit down for dinner with any three people from history, past or present who would they be and why?
Neriah: My Dad I can never have enough time with him, I love him so much! Marilyn Monroe because she is an icon and Taylor Swift because I think she is a genius!
BV: Do you feel the music industry is harder for female artists to brake and what advice do you have for any young female fans who want to pursue a career in music?
Neriah: I think there is defiantly more competition! My advice if you’re a young female looking to make it in the music industry is to believe in yourself, work hard, and don’t be afraid to network. Mentors are a total game changer. As a female, you may face some obstacles, but stay true to yourself and make sure to prioritize your health and surround yourself with the right people. The industry can be tough for women, but things are changing for the better.
BV: What would be your best day ever, from waking up in the morning to going to bed at night?
Neriah: My best day ever would defiantly start with a cup of noodles in bed watching Sex and the City wearing fuzzy socks. Then I would get up and get a nice workout in and get a yummy smoothie for a snack. I would probably go back home and see my friends or family and relax for a bit. Would defiantly want to take a bubble bath with a glass of wine before heading to dinner. Dinner would probably be some sort of sushi or Asian restaurant. I have been obsessed with soup dumplings lately. After dinner, I would get into pyjamas and get a good night’s sleep.
BV: What’s the key to living a happy life?
Neriah: Surrounding yourself with people that make you happy
BV: How is the rest of 2023 looking for you?
Neriah: It is looking great! I am really excited about my debut 24-track album. Thanks for having me!
To follow NERIAH on social media click on the links below
