Urban Vault caught up with UK based recording artist NAHLI to ask her some questions about her latest release RELAPSE, and more…

Newcomer NAHLI recently released her stunning new single, ‘Relapse’, a perfect slice of modern R&B and Soul, via ALKMY Records, the new label from pioneer grime producer DaVinChe.

“I really struggle to let go of people I’ve cared for,” says NAHLI on the new track. “My heart cares about that person for a long time after a breakup. While I’m healing, it’s so easy for me to relapse back into a relationship I shouldn’t be in. My heart overrules my brain, hugely”.

‘Relapse’ is a moody, elegant and honest symphony of lyrics, vocal, and rhythm, polished and perfectly mid-tempo with just the right amount of bounce.

What is your Name?

NAHLI

Where are you from?

Originally from Essex but currently living in West Ealing. My mum is Australian and my father was born in New York!

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been making music with DaVinChe since 2012. We had a project previous to this one and it was so much fun. We both grew from it and learned so much along the way and I met some amazing people during that path.

How many songs have you released to date?

As a soloist, 2 tracks.
‘Say Nothin’ and ‘Relapse’

But I’ve also featured on three tracks by some dope artists.
Rude Kid – ‘Please Don’t’
Conducta – ‘Only U’
Crystal Fighters – ‘Costa Rica’

Can you tell us about your new song ‘Relapse’, and the background, and inspirations behind it?

‘Relapse’ is my favorite release to date. It’s about my ex-fiancé and I’m speaking on the inner conflict of not knowing whether to meet up with an ex or whether it’s a bad idea. You just never know the outcome do you, imagine it all went swimmingly and you ended up happier than ever…, but what if it all went tits up and you ended up heartbroken all over again. The process of healing, all over again. It’s SUCH a risk, I really went through that turmoil. In fact, since my release, he has reached out after a year of complete silence between us and I’m genuinely going through these emotions all over again!…

How have you ended up in the music industry?

This is a story that’ll either make you smile to yourself or make you think I’m barking mad and hang garlic from my bedroom ceiling while I read out witches spells. The most obvious reason to most is that both my parents are singers, that’s how they met. They had a whirlwind relationship and I was created pretty quickly and they ended just as quickly as they began. Music is in my DNA. It’s inked into my veins.

My more personal reason for getting into music is that I was in a very abusive relationship when I was 20. Mentally and physically (I’ve had some pretty shit luck with men).

One evening he was out and he didn’t come home again and I was just in tears in my room and I looked outside and the moon was gazing down at me and I felt so comforted. I went over the window and just poured my heart and soul out to it. I told the moon what hurt, and why. I told it what I wanted, I told it my dreams.

I pleaded with the Universe. Genuinely, my mind flickered and something told me in that moment to go onto StarNow and create a profile. Within 3 months I’d been contacted by Tasha Demetriou and introduced to DaVinChe. I left the guy and started a new page. That’s where music began.

What do you think of the music industry in 2019?

I think the music industry is so diverse. I love that people are mixing country music with trap. I love that people are so comfortable with being outlandish and different. I love how it connects people. I think the music industry at the moment is pretty spectacular because there’s always room for new artists. There’s always room for new ideas to be shared. Having social media platforms and Spotify etc has made the music industry so much more available to people who truly want to pursue it. And I really think that’s something to be so grateful for.

What have you got planned for the rest of 2019?

2019 I’m just planning to have FUN. I’m currently rehearsing for live shows and I’m beyond excited. DaVinChe and I have been in all sorts of studio sessions with some fantastically creative people and the music is growing by the day.

What inspires you when you make your music?

I’m inspired by myself. I don’t mean that to sound self-indulgent, but I have to be honest. The reason I say that is because I look back on the young girl I was and the shit she went through. The mind she’s battled with. The lessons. I didn’t find growing up easy at all. I battled with a lot of internal stuff. I got blackout drunk whenever there was a problem I couldn’t face. I made some bad decisions. I battled with myself on the daily and I honestly look back on her with pride for growing and changing and becoming who I am today. Society can sometimes make us feel like it’s self-righteous to speak on ourselves highly, but I fully promote it.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

I love George The Poet, he’s a lyrical genius. His music is so lyrically clever and on point that it just knocks me back a bit every time I listen, even if I’ve listened a million times. I’d also love to collaborate with Pink Sweats. He’s great.

What’s your favourite track at the moment?

Billy Eilish – Xanny

What do you do when your not making music?

I’d love to give you a great story but I actually spend the majority of my time alone. I really really love being on my own. My mind wanders to strange places and I watch movies and giggle to myself. I draw. I read. I write in my diary every day. I force myself to the gym (note ‘force’). I flick through Instagram too much. I write songs. I daydream. I deep clean the kitchen while my room stays messy. I text my mum random emojis.

Which do you prefer, Facebook or Twitter or Instagram?

Instagram for sure, except I LOVE the drama on Facebook. Some bird called Shirley or something, bitching about her neighbours dog or whatever – then the comment wars are a real delight looool.

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

I’m a fan of Urban Vault! There’s a lot of artists I’d never have known existed because you find them globally and that’s really great. It’s amazing that you’re able to give so many people, like myself, a platform to share their music and personalities. Thank you! Xx

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

NAHLI – Relapse via iTunes/Spotify

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