Congratulations on the release of your new single “Ocean Tides”! Can you share the story behind this new track and a bit about the songwriting process?
Naeev: I wrote Ocean Tides after listening to 22, A Million by Bon Iver. I remember being so obsessed with his lyricism in that album that it made me want to write immediately something too. So I took the acoustic guitar, sat back on my sister’s bed and I played some chords. It was one of the fastest songs I’ve ever written because I was truly inspired, and the whole process felt natural and simple!
You mentioned how you wrote your first song at 13 and haven’t stopped since, how did you get your start in music in the first place and what inspired you to write that first song?
Naeev: I loved guitars when I was a child, so I asked my dad to buy me a smaller one since I struggled playing the ones we had at home, and then I’ve learnt the first chords thanks to him. Later on I’ve started to get a little better so I wanted to learn more things, and I did through YouTube videos; I just loved playing music. Writing songs has actually always been a thing to me, when I was a child I used to write songs with my friends and my sister for fun, so as soon as I realised I could also write about feelings or stories I wanted to tell, my life completely changed.
If you could be mentored by any artist in the world, who would you pick and why?
Naeev: I’d definitely pick Taylor Swift, she’s my favourite. She has routed around a lot of different genres while still being pop, but also the whole situation with her precedent albums made me realise that the music industry is hard and sometimes can be very unfair, so I’d need someone who could give me the best advices on how to get the best out of it and make it work, she’s in this industry since she was a kid, she’s experienced. Plus, she’s incredibly good at writing lyrics, which is something I’m super passionate about.
What is your favorite thing about performing live? Is there somewhere on your bucket list you hope to perform one day?
Naeev: My favourite thing is probably letting my songs have a place where they can live. Playing them in my bedroom will never give me the same energy that a space with an audience has. I love playing full band shows, I still can’t believe people learn my music and dive into it with me, it’s an amazing feeling and it makes me very proud.
The one stage I have in mind whenever people ask me where I want to play is called Fabrique, it’s in Milan. I’d love to play there since it’s where I go the most for concerts. My true dream, though, is to tour outside of Italy and to see people singing my songs back to me.
What would you say is your proudest moment in your career thus far?
Naeev: Making an album in a music studio was surreal to me. I still can’t believe that happened and it’s still happening. Also, having articles written about me on my local newspaper, La Provincia di Como. It was fun seeing my music up there!
What can we expect next from you? The album you released last year was STUNNING, I hope another one is in the works!!
Naeev: Thank you so much! :) I’m always writing something so don’t worry, I’m gonna make so many more songs, but I l plan on putting out things I can radiate well with! My producer Andrea and I are currently working on finding my true sound, since I’m a mix of pop, folk and alternative. I think with Ocean Tides we made something we’re very proud of, and that’s what we want to reach every time now!
Interviewed By Sarah Curry
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