Image: Jasmin Storch. Interview: Jett Tattersall Last year, Nea made the decision to launch her own singing career and released the gentle, acoustic pop track ‘Some Say’ which brilliantly interpolated the 1998 Eiffel 65 hit ‘Blue (Da Ba Dee)’, with a Felix Jaehn remix of the track arriving earlier this year. Both versions of the track have to date accumulated over 140 million streams. Last Friday, Nea released her debut EP Some Say which showcases just why she has become one of the most successful artists on the Swedish music scene over the past few years. New single ‘Drunk Enough To’ slinks along with an infectious groove and while it has the classic Scandipop sound it is left-of-centre enough to stand head and shoulders above the pack. ‘Some Say’, with it’s tale of unrequited love, is as warm and embracing as ever, while second single ‘Dedicated’ follows a similar sonic path with a stripped back, mellow sound which allows Nea’s lush, emotive vocals to pull all attention. ‘Used To’ is a gorgeous ballad full of multi-layered vocals, detailing the experience of letting new love into a previously fiercely independent life and Nea rounds off the EP with a live cover of ‘TG4M’, a track she co-wrote for Zara Larsson’s international hit album So Good. Nea started 2020 with a nomination for composer of the year at the Swedish Grammis and with her success continuing to grow throughout the year it can only be a matter of time before she becomes the next Swedish global superstar. To celebrate the release of the Some Say EP we recently spoke to Nea to find out all about her music and career. Hello Nea! How are things for you in your world? That's the thing, I guess particularly with touring artists as much as you're missing touring at the same time you can just be at home re-energising and getting creative and taking time. Thank
you for ‘Some Say’. The release, the latest remix and then the stripped back acoustic versions, they're all just so equally beautiful. It's such a striking debut. It's just so delicately explorative with those sort of youthful human desires, you know? An unrequited love. But I just wanted to know from your own words can you break down the inspiration behind the track? That's so beautiful. You’re so right about ‘Blue’, it was one of the most irritating songs but now that you've got it I can see how beautiful the melody is, it really is. I'm now going to start breaking down loads of terrible 90s songs to
see if I can get the same thing. As you mentioned you've been a songwriter for a long time, you’re no means a newcomer to pop. You're a prolific songwriter with credits on tracks for artists such as Zara Larsson, Anne Marie, Tove Styrke, Tinie Tempah. Your catalogue is just billions of streams. But I want to know was song writing always your initial
dream, or did you always set out to release your own music? As you're now writing for yourself as opposed to drafting songs for other
people, do you always have that in your mind to leave enough room in a song for multiple interpretations and perspectives? I also want to know, when you were writing for other people did you ever write a song for someone else and then just immediately want to take it back or sing it yourself or are you just always excited to hear what another artist does with your song? If I can shoot back to the video for ‘Some Say’, shot by visionary director Leo Adef it's stunning. I know you've got
real couples in there, what was your initial desire for the video? I want to talk to you about your background. You were born in South Africa where your parents had moved to go and combat the apartheid system of the time which is just an incredible start to life. I want to know how that freedom fighting start shaped who you are both as an artist and as the woman you
are today? I know that that has stayed with you as well. You have worked with global non-profit
Nvak which provides music education for young women in developing countries. I’m guessing that comes from the important part music has played in your own childhood. What has music done for you and what are your thoughts on its power to unite and empower people? Lastly, it is no secret that you Swedes are the rulers of pop music. But I want to know, who were your musical heroines? Who were those pop goddesses for you growing up? Now, your new EP Some Say is out now but I also want to know what else is on the horizon for you Nea? More music? Some Say by Nea is out now via Sony Music. You can download and listen here. To keep up with all things Nea you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Is Some Say a copy of blue?The song interpolates Eiffel 65's "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" (1998).
Who sampled Some Say?Nea's 'Some Say' sample of Eiffel 65's 'Blue (Da Ba Dee) (DJ Ponte Ice Pop Mix)' | WhoSampled.
Whats song is this?Ask Google Assistant to name a song
On your phone, touch and hold the Home button or say "Hey Google." Ask "What's this song?" Play a song or hum, whistle, or sing the melody of a song. Hum, whistle, or sing: Google Assistant will identify potential matches for the song.
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