NYOTA Issue 38 by NYOTA Magazine

featuring

Emei Issue 38

CONTENTS Music The Music Issue Playlist

Yasmina Moonlight

Emei 09

Knowted: Piece by Piece

Nathan Ball

Sabrina Song 41

Katie Schecter

Emma Nissen

Albums I Had on Repeat in 2024

#2024Wrapped 53

World’s First Cinema

#2024

THE 3

TEAM

Editor in Chief

Carol Wright is a graduate of American University. At a young age, she became interested in telling stories through photography which eventually led her down the path of creating NYOTA. Now, her passion for storytelling has given her the opportunity to pick the brains of musicians, actors, and influencers across the world.

Art Director Nicole Cox is a American University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design. She has always enjoyed the arts, from making pottery to painting and sketching in her free time. Thanks to her wonderful professors at school, she was able to explore her passion for the arts and further implement her skills in her professional career and hobbies.

FEATURES Emei

Sabrina Song

Nathan Ball

Emma Nissen

Katie Schecter World’s First Cinema Yasmina Moonlight

CONTRIBUTORS Sophie Sachar Maggie Mahoney Navarrow Wright Jr.

EDITOR’S LETTER I have lived many lives in 2024, and music has gotten me through all of them. According to Apple Music, my top three artists of the year were Forrest Frank, Sabrina Carpenter, and Clairo - no surprise there. 2024 was an excellent year for music and new releases. To take time to reflect on that for our last issue of the year is a privilege. I like to keep things short and to the point in these letters, but my biggest hope is that Emei, Nathan Ball, and more of our features will be on your playlists in 2025 after reading this issue.

With Love, Carol Wright @_carol_wright

The Beginning/ Tasha Tishbite/ Cocteau Twins

Some Sunny Day/ Soccer Mommy

The Music Issue Playlist Curated by Sophie Sachar 7

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Goodnight and Go/ Imogen Heap

City Bus/ Tanukichan

Rinsed/ Dean Blunt, TYSON

1/500/ SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE

I remember how your hands felt on mine/ Wisp

Joker Lips/ MJ Lenderman

BLUEBERRY/ NOT THE TWOS

Emei Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Jordan Knight

Emei, a Chinese-American songwriter based in LA, creates altpop that is so catchy it feels impossible to turn off. That is why it’s no surprise her music has hit over 130 million streams on Spotify alone. She talked to NYOTA about her EP RABBITHOLE, competing on Chinese Idol at age 15, and her advice for aspiring musicians. Singing has been your passion since you were a child. What types of songs did you love to sing when you were 9 years old? I’ve loved singing my whole life. When I was a kid, I really enjoyed musical theater and Disney songs. I also loved singing ballads, especially Adele’s. But Disney songs were definitely my favorite. At the age of 15, you placed third on Chinese Idol. After reaching this accomplishment, what did you learn about yourself and what you wanted out of a career in music? The biggest takeaway from Chinese Idol was realizing I didn’t just want to sing other people’s songs—I wanted to write my own music. That experience inspired me to start writing when I was 16. During a time when algorithms and the opinions of thousands online can determine a performer’s look, sound, etc., you have a very distinct look and sound. Although connecting with fans online is important, how do you stop all the chatter from influencing your decisions? I try to follow my intuition and instincts while tuning out outside opinions. Interacting with fans online is super important, but for me, sessions are a sacred space. When I’m creating, it’s just my own brain and world, free from outside noise. With your latest EP, RABBITHOLE, listeners are getting a closer look into your psyche. What were the writing sessions like for songs such as “9 LIVES” and “THE PART” where you get particularly vulnerable? I base my songs on my journal entries, so I go into sessions focused on what’s on my mind that day. For “Nine Lives” and “The Part,” those were days when I was feeling those emotions, and the sessions became like therapy for me. Writing helped unpack and process those feelings. 9

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#NYOTAmusic The production on this album has taken your music to the next level. Did you go into the creation of this EP wanting to be more experimental and daring sonically? I wouldn’t say I went into the creation of this EP with that in mind. I just wrote the songs and shaped the production naturally. When we looked back, I realized that it was moving in this experimental, cohesive direction. It kind of happened accidentally. When working on your music, do you often get inspiration from literature or pop culture? What led to you tying in the Alice in Wonderland themes and symbols? I think art is often multidisciplinary, and I get inspiration from everything—experiences, things I watch, and things I see. Alice in Wonderland was one of the movies I grew up watching. After writing and listening back to the songs, it just made sense to tie it into this project. The full visualizer for RABBITHOLE is superb. What was the collaborative process like between you and the directors Bryant Hyun and Nick Jandora? Oh, we had so much fun. It’s crazy that we managed to get that much done within the time and budget we had. We shot the entire five-part visualizer series in just two days, all in one space. The process was really smooth—we worked closely during editing to shape the world you see now. It was such a blast to create. In the comments section on YouTube, your listeners have pointed out the easter eggs and hidden messages throughout the visualizer. Is it exciting to see your fans just as passionate about the project as you are? Yes, for sure! My fans are the best. Their excitement and passion fuel me so much. I owe everything to them—they make the entire process feel so rewarding. Thinking back to how you felt when you wrote the song “Late to the Party,” can you believe where you are now in your career? It’s insane how far we’ve come in the past two years. But what I’ve realized about “Late to the Party” is that it doesn’t matter where you are in life or how much you’ve accomplished—it’s a song I’ll always relate to. Even now, I sometimes feel behind or compare myself to others. That feeling never really goes away, but the song helps me process it. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Write as many bad songs as possible. Just keep creating and don’t overthink it. The more you write, the more you’ll improve, and eventually, you’ll find your voice and style.

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Nathan Ball Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Nick Pumphrey

Nathan Ball is a singer-songwriter with a clear perspective. He does not make music for fame but because of his love for it, and that has allowed listeners to flock to his emotional and introspective songs. Ball talked to NYOTA about his EP Lost Track of Time, going on tour with Faithless, and his advice for aspiring singers. Cornwall is known for its beaches, castles and pasties among other things. Living there, does the connection to nature help you feel more connected to your creative and musical side? Cornwall is a special place, for sure. It’s an unbelievably inspiring little corner of the world. The landscapes, the storms, the people- it’s hard not to feel inspired by them all. I think that’s probably why so many creative people live down here. It’s definitely played a huge part in my songwriting and has influenced my latest EP in a big way. Was it common to see people playing instruments or performing around where you grew up? Not really, to be honest. At school, a lot of people were performing and starting to form bands, but I wouldn’t say I was surrounded by it while growing up. I picked up a guitar when I was about 13 and formed a band with some mates pretty much straight away. When you’re working on a song do you start with the instrumental or the lyrics first? It depends really, usually the instrumental kicks things off, but sometimes I’ll have a lyric idea in mind which dictates the instrumental and the direction the song is going to go in. Tell our readers about your EP, Lost Track of Time. What story is the project telling? There’s a lot of themes running through the EP, there’s stories of love, loss and hopefulness. I never really think about the themes of it until after, I was walking around Brighton before a show the other day and listened to the EP in full and felt like it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. “Cover to Cover,” “Rise Up Again” and “Lover’s Game” feel like they come from a place of heartbreak but then “Stateline” feels very hopeful and touches on the innocence of youth and young love. 14

#NYOTAmusic I love the lines “Stood by the old sign and I found an / old line I’d written for you” in your song “Stateline.” When you’re on tour do you often find yourself thinking of the memories certain spots hold as you travel place to place? Absolutely. I’ve become fascinated by the feeling of nostalgia and feel like I attach emotive feelings to certain places, then when I’m listening to a song or writing a song, it immediately transports me back to that place and that feeling. I think that’s why “Stateline” feels like such a special song for me, as I wrote it whilst on tour with some friends in Australia last year and every time I sing it I can feel every feeling I was going through at the time on that tour. The last song you released before the full EP came out was “Rise Up Again.” Why was it important for you to get out that message of hope and resilience? “Rise Up Again” feels like a really important one for me, as it’s a song about a friend of mine who was going through a really tough time. It was written through the feeling of wanting to let him know I was there for him, but also the fact that in order to get through that dark patch he was going through, it was something he kind of needed to take on himself. It’s definitely a song of hope for me as he made it through and is in a much better place now, but it’s hard seeing people you love go through things like that. Has being on tour with Faithless given you a new appreciation for your music and how it can connect with audiences? Yeah for sure, I’ve learnt so much from being on tour with them and being surrounded by such incredible musicians. The main thing for me is seeing what connects with the audiences in such a huge way and gets me thinking about which parts of certain songs of mine take the audience to a different place. The most interesting thing for me is that both mine and Faithless’ music is very emotive, but it’s played in such a different style and I’ve loved the experience of seeing thousands of people sing along to every word and jump for about an hour and a half! What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Just write songs that mean something to you and don’t go chasing what you think might be a hit. The songs I get to sing every night on tour all mean so much to me and it gives me the greatest joy being able to sing them to other people and seeing what they mean to them. Also just enjoy it, it’s the greatest job in the world so don’t put too much pressure on it.

Katie Schecter Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: CJ Harvey

Katie Schecter, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, wants everyone to chill out. Starting her career as a solo artist in 2017, Schecter has since focused on making music that invokes images of driving down the road at dusk, feeling entirely at ease. Schecter talked to NYOTA about growing up in New York, her song “Pay It No Mind,” and her advice for aspiring singers. Growing up in New York, where art and music are so easily accessible, did you often go to shows and museums to soak up the city’s creative energy? Yes for sure, and I grew up in a very musical household. On special occasions we went to concerts and off-Broadway shows, the ballet, trips to the Met. Creative energy will find you in New York even if you’re not looking for it. Whether it’s subway performers, elaborate store windows, graffiti, murals…the city is always singing free admission. I love the instrumental choices you make in your music, who are some of your musical inspirations? I would be remiss to say I make all of the instrumental choices, I always give my input, but I’m lucky I get to work with great producers. My musical inspirations are constantly evolving depending what I’m working on, but it always comes back to The Beatles for me or solo Lennon…. Elvis, Doris Troy, T Rex, Betty Davis, Lee Scratch Perry, 1960s French pop and garage rock girl groups. I love me some electric guitar, like, I really really love it. A good riff or solo or tone feels like a shot of serotonin throughout my whole entire body. Your husband, Nick Bockrath, also makes music. Do you ever help each other through creative ruts? I married the best guitar player I’ve ever heard. We are creatively codependent and proud of it. I mean, I can’t speak for him but I think it’s mutual… 17

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#NYOTAmusic Listening to your songs, I instantly picture a car barreling down the road, a motel pool at dusk, and a tumbleweed rolling through the desert. As you work on songs, do you often have visuals in mind that inspire the sound and feel of your music? I love that so much. I am very visual about the lyrics themselves, how they fit together and make sense side by side, but while I’m writing, I generally don’t look beyond the words on the page or the sentiment at hand. Once a song is recorded, that’s when I get transported elsewhere. Tell our readers about your single “Pay It No Mind.” Why did this feel like the right song from your full-length album to release first? It’s a stand alone tune or it may end up on the album, I haven’t decided yet. What I wanted to do was release a song that made people feel a little understood, a little hopeful, a little encouraged, and a little embraced. Like a warm hug for your eardrums. The lyrics “You can push my buttons any time / It don’t mean I have to pay you any mind” are timely as many people nowadays sweat the small and big stuff. What do you hope listeners take away after listening to the song? I hope you get out of it what I get out of it, just a gentle reminder to chill the **** out! Life is short, and everything nowadays is designed to get a rise out of you. Don’t be apathetic, but don’t waste your energy on the little things that don’t actually matter…be a drop of oil in a puddle of water. Pay it no mind. The music video for “Pay It No Mind” was initially inspired by an Andy Warhol short film and then shifted in a different direction. How did you end up landing on the final result? Well we figured it wouldn’t be overly compelling watching me eat a cheeseburger for an entire three and a half minute song, so we were forced to stretch the concept. I think staying within the realm of Pop Art’s cheeky simplicity was the goal, and best served the meaning of the song. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Focus on your craft. It’s easy to get wrapped up in whatever it takes to “have a career” but it all comes down to your craft, that’s where it started and that’s where it ends. Remember why you wanted to be an artist in the first place and harness that in all that you do. Don’t lose sight of that pure intention otherwise it’s a soulless mission.

Albums I Had on Repeat in 2024 Words by Maggie Mahoney Every year I find myself leaning on music as a source of joy and solace while navigating the ebbs and flows of life. Throughout 2024, I spent countless hours sitting in my office, at the gym, or in my bedroom listening to curated playlists, not to mention many nights at concert venues watching some of my favorite artists live. With this in mind, below are some of the albums I had on repeat this year, in no particular order. In an effort to not bore you with music you may already know, I have avoided mentioning pop sensations Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande (despite thoroughly enjoying their respective 2024 releases). Buzz by NIKI I have been a fan of NIKI since her 2017 singles “I Like U” and “Chilly.” In her third studio album: Buzz, NIKI adopts a more experimental style than her previous R&B-focused tracks. Although this was not a “no skip” album for me, I appreciated the project’s sonic and emotional range and innovative production. I also found many of the individual tracks to be contenders for some of my favorite songs of the year, notably its title track “Buzz.”

Older (and Wiser) by Lizzy McAlpine As a certified sad girl, I am a huge fan of Lizzy McAlpine. Nostalgic, heartbreaking, and poignant, this album captures how it feels to age, to experience heartbreak, and to navigate the confusion and changes that come with being in your 20s. “Vortex” was my favorite song from the original project and “Spring into Summer” was my favorite of the extended version of the album.

Timbuktu by Ethan Regan

Amy - EP by Yana

At just 21 years old, Ethan Regan blends folk and indie genres with honest lyrics in his latest project Timbuktu. I was lucky enough to see him live this year at Baby’s Alright in Brooklyn and he sounded just as wonderful in person as on this record. My favorite songs from the album were “wilmington” and re-released singles “katherine” and “fine china.”

I discovered Yana this year through TikTok and have been hooked ever since. Her relatable songwriting, haunting melodies, and folksy vocals ensure this short EP packs a punch. “Haunt Me,” “The Wall” and “How Long” were immediately added to my 2024 playlist upon my first time hearing them.

#NYOTAfashion

Charm by Clairo I would be remiss not to mention Clairo’s 2024 album and my personal “album of the summer,” Charm, as one of my favorites of this year. The heart of the project stays true to Clairo’s soft and whimsical sound, just infused with greater confidence and sonically interesting production choices. Charm reveals Clairo’s versatility as an artist and her ability to understand how to create catchy hits that will land with her audience. I struggle to find a weak link in this album. Don’t Forget Me by Maggie Rogers Maggie Rogers’ third album is by far her strongest in my eyes. Weaving in nods to folk and country music, the songs feel self assured and the writing feels wise and raw. You can tell Rogers’ is coming into her own style in this project and having fun while doing it. It was difficult to narrow down my standout albums to just six, so my honorable mention albums of this year are: This is How Tomorrow Moves by Beabadoobee, Penelope Road - EP by Penelope Road, 14 minutes by Dominic Fike, Kansas Anymore by Role Model, and This Could All Go Nowhere - EP by The Brook & The Bluff. If Kendrick Lamar’s GNX and the new Wicked movie soundtrack had come out slightly earlier in the year, I am sure they would also be making my list of most listened to albums. I also want to shout out artists Amelia Moore, Karly Bowman, and UMI for having some excellent song releases in 2024. Happy listening! You can read more of Maggie’s writing on her Substack, Notes App Nightmare here.

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World’s First Cinema Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Sabra Binder

World’s First Cinema, an indie rock project from the Los Angeles-based duo John Sinclair and Fil Thorpe, is making music that pushes the boundaries. With each project, they’ve experimented with their sound and proven why they’re a band to watch. Sinclair and Thorpe talked to NYOTA about their song “The Underneath,” working with Luigi Calabrese, and their goal of creating music for television and film in the future. You two met at a game night, and the rest is history. How did you discover you both had this passion for creating music? Well, it really started around our love for film and the music that goes along with it. It really started as a sync project - music exclusively for TV, film, and stuff like that. But we both discovered pretty early on in the process that we wanted to make a bigger project with a bold vision for the cinematic. So WFC was made. I love the connection between your music and cinema. What are some of your favorite scores or musical moments in film? John: For me it has to be the classic ‘big scores’ - Gladiator, Jurassic Park, Lord of the Rings. Hans, Williams, and Howard write scores that are equally as massive as the films themselves. There are entire worlds present in those pieces. Fil: Arrival, The VVitch, and Tenet. The flavor of these scores are definitely reflected in WFC’s production. Your latest release, “The Underneath,” focuses on not giving in to the darker parts of yourself. Was it therapeutic to write? Yeah, it was. We like to focus on themes that give a little bit of a different perspective - something that’s not just about a relationship beginning or ending. “The Underneath” touches on a really cool concept that I struggle with all the time. Not giving into the weaker side of you is a struggle I think we can all relate to. For both singles, “Freak Show” and “The Underneath,” a lot of world-building has gone into the artwork and visuals. Does creating a specific environment around certain songs help the creative juices flow? Absolutely. I think it goes back to our love of cinema, too. A lot of these songs are meant to be vignettes, little self contained cinematic moments that tell their own little stories. I think the artwork and world-building all plays into that narrative. 24

Luigi Calabrese, who directed the “Freak Show” music video, has a unique eye. During the planning phase, did you two share a lot of your vision that you wanted Calabrese to bring to life, or did you let him steer? We gave Luigi a framework to work off of, but he most definitely took our vision and ran with it. He did our previous track “Palm Reader” as well and completely blew us away with the production. I feel like every time we come to him with an over the top idea, he makes the impossible possible. When I listen to “Can’t Feel Anything,” there are hints of “The Underneath,” but overall, you’ve taken your music in an interesting new direction. Is it essential for you both to explore new sounds and push your music to new places? Absolutely. I think that is core to what makes WFC. Pushing limits here and there and exploring new spaces are what makes this band so exciting to us. Could you ever see yourselves creating music for film and television shows? Of course! That’s the goal. Blending the visual and musical spaces is a core part of the band. Bringing something large-scale to life on screen with an original score is a huge goal of ours. What advice do you have for aspiring musicians? Keep pushing and keep being curious. Don’t wait for permission to write ‘that’ song or ‘that’ production. And don’t be afraid to trash stuff along the way.

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Yasmina Moonlight Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Julian Jeanmarie

Yasmina Moonlight first captivated audiences as a contestant on X Factor Dubai. Since then, the singer-songwriter has steadily been releasing new singles and gaining loyal listeners along the way. Moonlight talked to NYOTA about her song “Ayam,” connecting with fans on social media, and music becoming her therapy. Dubai has a rich culture, and the arts are a large part of that culture. Was music a significant part of your upbringing? Absolutely, music played a significant role in my upbringing, especially growing up in Dubai, where the culture is so rich and diverse. One of the things I’ve always admired about Arabic culture is its deep-rooted connection to poetry and music. There’s something so profound about the way Arabic words flow — they’re not just lyrics, they’re art. Singing in Arabic allowed me to connect to this beauty and express myself in ways that felt so genuine and close to my heart. When did you know singing was no longer a hobby but something you needed to pursue professionally? I realized singing was no longer just a hobby, but something I needed to pursue professionally when I felt the power of music to transform my life. Growing up listening to incredible artists like Adele, Ariana Grande, and Whitney Houston telling their stories through music inspired me deeply. It was as if their songs spoke directly to my soul. Every time I connected with music, especially when I sang, all my problems seemed to fade away. It became my therapy; a safe space where I could express myself freely. The more I sang, the more I understood its impact not just on me, but on others too. I knew then that this was my calling; something I had to share with the world. Last year, you were on the X Factor Dubai. What did that experience teach you? Being on X Factor Dubai last year was an unforgettable experience that taught me so much. It showed me that if you stay dedicated and trust the process, you will shine when your time comes. I learned the importance of hard work and perseverance. The experience pushed me beyond my limits, like learning a song in just four days in a language that wasn’t my own. It challenged me in ways I never imagined and revealed strengths within myself that I didn’t even know I had. Most importantly, it made me feel like I truly belonged. Standing on that stage solidified my belief that music is what I’m meant to do forever. It wasn’t just a competition for me, it was confirmation that this is my purpose. 27

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#NYOTAmusic Tell our readers about your single “Ayam.” Why did now feel like the right time to release your first single in Arabic? My single “Ayam” is a deeply special project for me. Arabic music is what initially got my career going and it holds a special place in my heart. From the beginning, I’ve felt so much love and support from every Arab country and its people and I’ll always be grateful for that. Releasing my first single in Arabic felt like the perfect way to give back and show my appreciation. It was time to create something truly of my own in a language that has given me so much. “Ayam” is my way of expressing love for the Arabic language and culture through my music. It’s a tribute to everyone who has supported me on this journey and a reminder of how much singing in Arabic means to me. Do real-life experiences often inspire your songs? Absolutely, real-life experiences are the heartbeat of every song. I truly believe that every single song in the world stems from a life experience. If it’s not your own, it’s someone else’s. On social media, you connect with listeners frequently. Is it important for you to be accessible and open with your fans? Yes, it’s very important to me. Connecting with my listeners allows me to share my journey, hear their stories, and build a genuine bond. Their support means everything, so being open and accessible is how I show my gratitude. Your debut single, “Habibi (My Baby),” is a hit. Did you expect it would get such a warm reception when you first released it? I honestly didn’t expect “Habibi (My Baby)” to receive this much love and support. It’s been so heartwarming and surreal. I’m just really glad the hard work paid off because I put everything into making sure people got to hear it. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Stay true to yourself, work hard, and never give up. Believe in your voice, stay consistent, and let your passion guide you through the ups and downs.

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Sources Piece by Piece directed by Morgan Neville Knowted is an ongoing project started by digital illustrator Navarrow Wright Jr. It aims to combine the art of writing and illustration. For more information, follow Knowted on Instagram here and peruse Wright’s portfolio here.

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Sabrina Song Interview by Carol Wright Photographer: Livy Wicks

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Sabrina Song has been putting out music since 2018, but last year, she caught people’s attention in a now-viral TikTok when her song “Strawberry” played at the end of @discoveringartists.irl video. This year, she released her stunning debut album You Could Stay In One Spot, and I’d Love You The Same and joined Carol Ades on tour. Song talked to NYOTA about writing to process change, working with music producer Torna, and collaborating with her peers. As you discovered your interest in singing and songwriting was it something you immediately made known to family and friends or did you keep it close to the vest? I’ve been singing since I was a little kid, so that was definitely always a defining trait for me. I was always putting on skits and making everyone listen to me sing the songs I learned at school and summer camp. Songwriting came a lot later for me, and I did feel sheepish about everyone hearing my early songs. I was really green and writing from such a vulnerable place – It felt really lame at the time since I didn’t really have any community around music until later on. I’m happy that has changed. When you first started songwriting did you ever find yourself trying to be deep before you found your voice as a writer? This is hilarious. I think yes, but also I just inherently did feel everything so strongly that my music was correspondingly melodramatic. Everything feels so huge at 16, 17, 18 – I wouldn’t say I was trying to be deep in a purposefully superficial way, but I was trying to capture these intense emotions as an inexperienced writer, so results definitely varied. 41

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#NYOTAmusic The interesting thing about your 20s is that each thing you go through in life feels incredibly monumental which can lead to high highs and very low lows. Has writing music about this period of your life helped you work through some of the changes? Definitely. I realized in the process of creating the album that I’m not just songwriting to capture my emotions, but writing to understand and process them. I’m really trying to distill some emotions that I find contradictory and confusing and painful into a story that people can understand, and that process really helps me work through those situations. I had this experience where I was the only woman at this dinner, and the men present were acting so egregiously awful that I was left with such a gross feeling. I got home and felt like I needed to purge and unpack that feeling, and that’s when I wrote “Rage” from the album. You Could Stay In One Spot, and I’d Love You The Same is a beautiful body of work. Tell our readers a bit about how the title of the album came to be. Thank you! The title comes from a lyric in the album track “Busy Work.” I was trying to find the emotional through lines in the album and capture them in the title, and I kept coming back to this feeling of gratitude for my loved ones during this period of transition and instability in my life. The title could be interpreted as an ode to the people in my life who I love dearly, who have moved to different countries and time zones, as well as a message to myself that my value doesn’t come from my productivity or success. Torna co-produced the album with you. Did it take time for you to build trust with him and feel comfortable receiving his input since you regularly produce your songs solo? Torna and I had a bit of a trial meeting to see whether working together would be a good fit, and I felt like he really understood my vision for the album. We wanted to let the songwriting stay front and center while still creating compelling arrangements, recording each element in a beautiful way, and fully realizing the potential of each song. I think letting someone else in was a sign of maturity as a producer for me, because I used to feel this internal pressure to do everything alone. I’m so happy with our work on this album and I really learned to see the value and fun in letting new collaborators in. The lines “Thought you wouldn’t live to see old age / So you lived that way” in your song “Happy To Be Here” moved me. What was your headspace when you were writing it? This song was one of the last written for the album in the spring of 2023. That line is juxtaposed with the next line “Me, a nervous wreck with my blinders on / Skeptic to a fault.” I was trying to capture how two drastically different people can balance each other out, and all of the ways love can ground you and heal your past notions about what relationships are supposed to look like. It’s a true love song for me. 44

In your deluxe version of You Could Stay In One Spot, and I’d Love You The Same you collaborate with artists like emory, and Ok Cowgirl. How did it feel to have them breathe new life into your songs? I can’t say enough positive things about emory, Ok Cowgirl, Mike Kota and Laura Elliott. It was genuinely an honor to have them reimagine the songs they selected, and it was fascinating to see how different each of their approaches were. I think the coolest part was how they extended the worlds of the songs and infused their own emotions with the original stories. I am most inspired by my peers and each of them is making extraordinary music – I’m constantly in awe and lucky to call them friends. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? Focus on figuring out what you want for yourself as an artist before all else – If you feel passionate and confident in your sound, performance, writing, etc, the rest will follow.

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Emma Nissen Interview by Carol Wright Photos Courtesy of Emma Nissen

When you hear the beginning of Emma Nissen’s song “Angels,” you’re immediately transported as the strings pull you in. Listeners across the internet feel the same way, with many people expressing their excitement about being alive at the same time as Nissen’s music. The singer-songwriter talked to NYOTA about songwriting, collaborating with Seth Mosley and Stephen Nelson, and her brother taking control of her music education. With your entire family having a passion for music, was there a world where you wouldn’t have explored pursuing the arts professionally? Oh, absolutely. I don’t know that I started out believing I could do it. I am fortunate enough to have a dad who graduated from CalArts with an acting degree and who I knew would support me if I ended up pursuing the arts as well. And, of course, my mother is my biggest cheerleader regardless. But for a long time, I actually wanted to be a midwife or an OBGYN. I knew I would travel for work. Whether it was with OBGYN or some humanitarian aid. But if I’m being completely honest, I don’t know that I was ever cut out for medical school. I was completely enamored by the thought of becoming a midwife. I was constantly looking up schools and programs and mapping it all out in my mind. I used to read articles and watch YouTube videos of everything it took to be a midwife. What they did, what kind of stories they had, what was a typical day, and what were the different places you could work as a midwife? But during college, when I had a scholarship for a vocal performance degree, I didn’t think it would be my professional career. It wasn’t until I moved to Salt Lake City at the end of 2023 that it took off in a way I was genuinely enjoying, and I knew it could be sustainable, so I dived right in. 48

Tell our readers a bit about what led you to jazz. Was it the genre that best fits your vocal style, or is it the type of music you gravitate to most? I have always been an old soul. Eating cheese and watching PBS with my parents on the weekend. They always played the classics in our house—everything from Stevie Wonder to Billy Joel to Debussy. But the gateway to jazz I would say, was my brother’s doing when I was 8. My older brother Simon, who now has a master’s in conducting and choral education, sat me down one day and decided I was going to properly start my music education. We started by just recognizing which notes paired well with different chords, then moved on to the sour notes and how to turn them into “good” ones. We would sit at the piano for hours, just improvising over different chord progressions. Then he would have me pick out some songs like Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” or ABBA’s “Take a Chance on Me,” and I would learn them but was quickly finding I liked making them “my own.” I remember my brother being particularly adamant that I should find the classic songs and not just the pop songs like everyone else. This turned me to dive deeper into what was already being played in my home. I found I loved Frank Sinatra, and from there, I found Ella Fitzgerald. It was over. She bewitched me. My love for improv turned into a love of scat singing, which naturally led me to a love for jazz as a whole. It paired well with my geriatric love of cheese and nostalgic heart. Before you had those creative bursts where you wrote songs such as “Hear Him” and “Gotta Have Faith,” you thought songwriting wasn’t for you. In the past, did you overthink the songwriting process? Before writing “Gotta Have Faith,” my songwriting ability was, I would say, nonexistent as far as lyrics go. But as I was figuring out how to play the piano and the songs I loved better, I subconsciously learned the musical writing process. As for the lyrics, I cannot take full credit. They truly felt inspired. The first music I wrote was Christian, but even after that, when I began writing secular, it felt like just a natural process where I never had to think I would just sit

at the piano and the words would take shape with the music and the music would draw out the words. It’s always had to be and always will be organic. It only started in the first place because I had no expectations of myself. I didn’t know this would be my career. I was doing it out of pure passion. That allowed me to let go of the critique, is this right? Does this sound good? Will this be a hit? Who cares! Making music was suddenly the best thing ever, and I wasn’t going to let someone’s opinion get in the way of my hobby. It just so happens now that everyone’s opinion supports my hobby. I wrote a lot in 20202022. I was hurt and healing those years. Now, I’m a different kind of hurt and healing, and I haven’t written very much these past two years. But I won’t put pressure on myself. I just want to make sure I live a life filled with emotion and inspiration, and the songwriting will take care of itself. As your debut album, Love Like You, came together, did you have exact themes you wanted to explore, or did it take time for it all to take shape? I started writing music while living in Sweden during the pandemic, and I was in a place spiritually where things like hope, love, acceptance, and forgiveness were the themes of my life. I never wrote with an album in mind. I lived each day awaiting the next wave of inspiration and simply didn’t ask questions. I knew it was the beginning of a new phase in my life, my career, my spirituality. I didn’t want to interfere by trying to take control. I left that to God. What was the collaborative process like between you and your producers, Seth Mosley and Stephen Nelson? The producers on this album have been ever so patient with me. As I learn the lingo, the industry, my own style even. Every song took shape before our eyes as it took time to rediscover what these songs were meant to sound like. They were some of the world’s most patient and kind men who helped me not only find my sound but thrive. They let me spew my wild ideas of full gospel choirs or full orchestras and then somehow pulled it off better than I could imagine with their own creative magic.

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#NYOTAmusic On social media, listeners have shared that they’re excited to be alive during a time when Christian music sounds like yours. How does it feel seeing so many young people connect with what you’re putting out? I feel honored. It’s surreal that a group of any size would be invested in your craft and your success, especially when it is completely authentic. The music being made now has people of all faiths linking arms and saying how cool is this? I feel that my generation is starting to ask a lot of “why’s” and “what’s the point” to a lot of the structures we have been raised in. A lot of black-and-white thinking in our societies or in our various communities is being challenged by the ever-growing gray areas as we start to wonder aloud. We need to not feel threatened by not knowing. That’s what my music is about. There’s a whole lot more of us that don’t actually know what’s going on than that do. We may not agree on semantics, but we can agree that it’s important to have faith, hope, love, forgiveness, and to believe in something, and we can groove to that. Since working on the album, has your relationship with God been strengthened? I would say my relationship with God is ever-changing. My understanding and idea of who God is to me is also ever-changing. Sometimes, we get caught up in our human lives and forget there may be something bigger. I try to remember to be grateful everyday and look for the role God plays in my life. Music is my constant reminder that this world is bigger than my life, and that turns me to my belief and hope that God is there and loves all of us. So yes, every day I have with music, even when it’s not about Jesus, I feel like there is something more, and that strengthens my belief and hope that God is. What advice do you have for aspiring singers? To the aspiring singers out there I would caution you to be yourself always. You must check in with yourself and say how is my mind? How is my heart? Am I doing this because it brings me and others joy? How Marie Kondo of me I know. Be happy and be kind. Follow your gut. You know what to do.

Sarah Kinsley Photographer: Dillon Matthew

In 2021, Kinsley graced the cover of NYOTA’s Art Is Life issue. At the time, she had recently released her EP, The King, and the title track was blowing up on TikTok. Fast-forward three years, and she has released her debut album Escaper, performed on The Kelly Clarkson Show, and wrapped up a successful tour across the US, Canada, UK, and Europe. What was your favorite song of 2024? “Everything is romantic” by Charli XCX & Caroline Polachek What was your favorite album of 2024? Imaginal Disk by Magdalena Bay, Rong Weicknes by Fievel Is Glauque, and Submarine by The Marías What was your favorite concert of 2024? Either L’Rain at Bowery Ballroom or Joe Hisaishi at Madison Square Garden!

What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2024? I loved the score in season 3 of Industry. Great synth compositions. I haven’t seen Wicked yet though so that may change…

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Blair Gilmour Photographer: Eleanor Freeman

Scottish singer-songwriter Blair Gilmour wrote his fast-paced, introspective single “Burning Up” while attending a writing camp in Spain. The track dives into chasing someone or something that takes a toll on your mental health and well-being. Don’t worry; if Gilmour wasn’t on your Spotify Wrapped in 2024 after hearing his music, he’ll surely be on the list in 2025. What was your favorite song of 2024?

What was your favorite concert of 2024?

My favorite song of 2024 would probably be “Give Up Baby Go” by Peach Pit! I know that there are a lot of songs that are more profound than this but every time it comes on it is just unskippable!

I would say my favorite concert of 2024 would be Leeds Festival solely because it was the first festival that I have ever been to and it was a blast!

What was your favorite album of 2024? My favorite album of 2024 would have to be Romance by Fontaines D.C just because EVERY song is a complete bop!

What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2024? I can’t really think of an answer for my favorite music moment on TV or movies for 2024 as I don’t watch either television or movies!

colby! Photographer: Keaton Wallace

Singer-songwriter colby! is an emerging pop act to watch. Her debut EP, Dead Giveaway, came out last month, and the title track touches on the realization when you’re giving away too much in a relationship and getting nothing in return. With over 300k career streams, we’re excited to see where her career goes next. What was your favorite song of 2024?

What was your favorite concert of 2024?

Very hard but I think Paradise by Norah Jones. I can listen to this song when I’m laughing, crying, puking, dying. It really fits all.

Kings of Leon for sure. Saw them in august with my brother and it was my second time seeing them. Very much a comfort show if that’s even a thing lol

What was your favorite album of 2024?

What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2024?

I’m gonna say Charm by Clairo. Just the comforting songs that fit with any season of the year

Probably the Challengers soundtrack makes me feel like i’m in a video game or I’m levitating you know?

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Nicole Cox Art Director

What was your favorite song of 2024? Definitely “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan What was your favorite album of 2024? Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé What was your favorite concert of 2024? I had an amazing experience seeing Spiderman: Across the Spiderverse live in concert at the National Theatre! What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2024? In S15 E6 of Bob’s Burgers, the character Marshmallow (voiced by Jari Jones) sings the song “Seabird,” which is an original song created by Jari herself.

Sophie Sachar Contributor

What was your favorite song of 2024? “Joker Lips” by MJ Lenderman What was your favorite album of 2024? So hard to pick just one! I really loved the new records from Ravyn Lenae, MJ Lenderman, Clairo, NxWorries, Mk.gee, & Waxahatchee. What was your favorite concert of 2024? Sweat Tour! (Charli XCX & Troye Sivan) What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2024? Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross’ score for Challengers

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Carol Wright Founder and Editor-in-Chief

What was your favorite song of 2024? “Don’t Smile” by Sabrina Carpenter What was your favorite album of 2024? I Miss You by Gracie Binion What was your favorite concert of 2024? Was slacking this year and only went to two concerts. I got to see Mitski on her The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We tour and Elevation Worship on their Elevation Nights ‘24 tour. What was your favorite music moment in a television show or movie in 2024? I’m torn between “No One Mourns the Wicked” and “What Is This Feeling?” from Wicked

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