Breakups are never easy. Coming complete with tears and complicated emotional turmoil, it is safe to say that they are a universally dreaded occurrence. And, pop artist NERIAH is here to remind us why. Delving into a past relationship that lingered beyond its expiry, the rising singing sensation lends an introspective narrative and sparkling pop sensibilities to a track that can best be described as a sad girl anthem: “Breakup Sex” .
“I wrote that song after an ex and I broke up and I didn’t understand why it was so hard to not have a clean break,” the singer reveals. “I found myself continuously going back and not being able to move on. It’s super hard to move on from someone when they’re still in your life, especially if you’re still talking to them like nothing happened. Of course, make-up sex does NOT help either…”
Upon the release of her newest single, the artist sat down with wonderland to talk all things music, growing up in LA and upcoming projects. Head below to enjoy our interview with NERIAH…
Hey NERIAH! Tell us about your upbringing in LA! Do you think it influenced your music at all?
I actually think LA had a huge impact on my music. From a very early age, I grew up half of the time at my mum’s house in Malibu and the other half at my dad’s. They lived pretty far away, so I spent a lot of time in the car. Singing in the car was one of my favourite things to do as a kid and I was constantly listening to music. Growing up in LA, I definitely got introduced to the industry at a young age as well, getting to see firsthand what it was all like. That definitely had a big influence on me and my journey toward figuring out that music was all that I wanted to do.
And when did you first realise you wanted to pursue a career in music? What inspired you most?
I actually wrote my first song when I was five years old. My dad was so cute and had me actually get it professionally recorded! I really want to include that song in one of my projects, maybe on the first album. My parents both laugh and say that I was singing before I started to talk. I remember when I was little I loved to watch the Wizard of Oz and I would always pause and replay “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” over and over so I could sing along. I’ve always known music to be my biggest passion, but it wasn’t until my first heartbreak that I realised how much writing my own songs and lyrics could help heal me in a really powerful way.
Do you have any specific idols?
In life, my dad has always been my biggest idol and inspiration. He has taught me how to work my hardest and I don’t know where I would be without him. As for music, Julia Michaels is my idol in every way. She’s beyond talented and I always look up to her. I hope one day I’ll be lucky enough to write a song with her.
Congratulations on the release of “Breakup Sex”! Was there a personal event that sparked the themes explored on the track?
Thank you so much! I wrote that song after an ex and I broke up and I didn’t understand why it was so hard to not have a clean break. I found myself continuously going back and not being able to move on. It’s super hard to move on from someone when they’re still in your life, especially if you’re still talking to them like nothing happened. Of course, make-up sex does NOT help either…
What usually comes first? The lyrics/story or the music itself?
It’s honestly different every single time. It really depends on the day and the session. Whatever comes naturally we kind of just go along with. The main thing for me in every session, especially if it’s with people I’ve never met or worked with before, is trying my best to get to know the room before we start writing. I love to just sit down and talk. Sometimes one of my favourite things to do is to start with the title and go from there. Regardless of which way we start, for me, my songs always have to be about something that really happened.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
That is such a hard question! I would have to go with hitting 500,000 monthly listeners last week and selling out my headlining show at The Troubadour! I feel so honoured to have had this all come to be in the last few weeks.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Julia Michaels, of course.
Where do you see yourself taking your artistry next?
I hope to be going on tour and releasing an album soon!
And finally, what is one thing you cannot live without?
Noodles. Definitely noodles.