Once a while, an artist who feels designed for success emerges from the depths of obscurity. When British Musician Nia Smith burst into our ears earlier this year with her mesmerising debut single “Give Up The Fear”, it was clear that UK soul had found their next poster girl. Smith is now well on her way on a one way trip to stardom.

Having supported the likes of SZA, Jordan Rakei and Tems across the year, the singer-songwriter’s debut EP, eponymous of her inaugural single, has just been released. It’s cinematic and show-stopping anthems from front-to-back, with grand productions like opener “Lltte Red Car” and quiet moments of poignancy like “Reckless Soul”—both equally effective. Smith’s spellbinding vocals feel destined for the biggest stages; captivating whether bellowing at the top of her lungs or harmonising to sparse instrumentation as in the intro to “Personal”. “Give Up The Fear” is one of the year’s best EP’s from a newcomer, and breathes life into the soul and wider UK spaces.

Smith took time out to talk to Wonderland about early career success and the incredible debut EP…

Listen to “Give Up The Fear”…

Read the exclusive interview…

Hey Nia, how are you? How’s your year been? 
I’m feeling good. This year has been a lot of things aha but it’s also the year I finally dropped music. Wooo!

Talk us through your musical origins—how did you first begin singing yourself? What music were you around growing up? 
Sort off been singing my whole life to be honest. I grew up on my Dad’s record collection which included all the big voices; MJ, Aretha, Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Adele. I would steal his iPod and learn all the songs.

Who have been your main inspirations—both musically and personally? 
My main writing influences is my life and what’s around me but Amy and Lauryn defo inspire the music I make.

How has your upbringing and your cultural background shaped your artistry and creative outlook? 
My Caribbean heritage, growing up on a lot of reggae and has defo influenced my melody and cadence choices. I’m a proud south Londoner from Brixton which I defo like to portray in my creative.

You burst onto the scene this year with your incredible debut single “Give Up The Fear”. How have you found entering the industry? Did you expect the successes you’ve obtained so early in your career?
The industry has been nice to me so far. I just like making music so getting used to everything else has been a lot to adapt to but I’m grateful. I’m a believer in everything that’s meant for me shall not pass me.

Your sophomore single “Personal” proved a massive hit. What do you think it is about that tune that connects with such a wide-ranging audience? 
It’s just a vibe, it’s a feeling, it makes you wanna boogie but also punch somebody and say I am that bxtch. It’s my fave song so I’m glad it’s connected. Summer bop! It dropped at perfect time.

Congratulations on your debut EP! How are you feeling about the release? Talk us through the creative process of the EP? What were the biggest challenges you experienced? 
Feeling good about the release. Finishing the EP with Jimmy (Napes) was a lot of fun. We had a full band in and it was a real collaborative process. The biggest challenge was knowing when something was finished which is why I decided to keep some of the demo vocals, which I love.

What are you trying to convey across the project, lyrically and thematically? 
“Give Up The Fear” is about letting go and finding your inner child. That space where you create stuff without overthinking. I want people to find a piece of themselves within the songs. It’s a lil time capsule of my life. New era pending! 

You’ve supported some massive names already this year, from Tems to SZA to Jordan Rakei. What have those experiences taught you? How did those achievements feel? 
Feels great. I just like being on stage. It’s nice to have artists I love want to share their space with me. It’s nice seeing the room come together by the end of the set too.

Describe for us your essence as a live performer? What can we expect from an Nia Smith show?
It’s all about the voice. From a Nia Smith show you can expect the mic to be ON lol. Maybe a lil boogie during “Personal” and a great cover at some point. 

What else have you got coming up, this year and beyond? 
My EP is came out on the 8th so I’m now working on the new stuff, hopefully an elevated sound. some cheeky live show appearances and more shows etc.