Hi! My name is Nia. I have known Tyler since the start of seventh grade—13 years of best friendship!! I am a singer trained both classically and in vocal jazz. I am also a music director; I’ve directed a cappella groups, choirs, and your good ol’ church band; I’ve also led workshops, lessons and group coaching sessions. I do a lot of singing and projects for the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio involving music and racial work, and the combination of the two.
I am about to start a master’s program at Indiana Purdue studying music technology. I’m currently moving from recording covers into writing my own music and *spoiler!* have a song in the works called “golden hour”. Check out my soundcloud here for some of the things I’ve covered, featuring my sister Jaiya. And if you need a musician, hit a girl up. I’ve got all my own equipment :)
These are some artists who move, groove, and sound real smooth. I hope you enjoy my picks!
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Mark Dylan — Drained (single)
A multi-instrumentalist and songwriter from Brooklyn, NY. Not compelled to one genre, co-writes for/with other artists (collaboration motivated) as well as individual. For fans of Jon Bellion, John Mayer, Tom Misch.
This new single “Drained” is a sort of modern rock ballad, which he thought to release now because so many are feeling drained during the pandemic. It was written two years ago while Mark dealt with health issues but didn’t know what the disease was yet—even though it has that meaning, it seemed important to release now.
Sumin — ZAZA (mini album: XX,)
“SUMIN, a multifaceted artist extraordinaire, is not only an enthralling vocalist but also a proliferate producer, sound designer, and creative director. By drawing influences from a heterogenous collection of genres—hip hop, electronic, bass musics, and the ever-growing K-pop—SUMIN has been establishing an unprecedented style that cannot be described otherwise than by designating it a new genre: Neo K-pop.”
LEW — Red Flags (mini album: Red Flags)
“LEW, is a twenty-three year old local singer-songwriter who translates something intangible, emotion into an embrace that is rough but real. His voice is a melodic silky sound that hug you like a friend, and takes you home.”
David Ryan Harris — Coldplay (album: Songs for Other People)
An incredible musician in so many ways—David Ryan Harris is likely most well-known for his time playing with John Mayer. However, Harris is also an experienced singer-songwriter with four albums and massive touring experience as a guitarist.
Yuna — Castaway (album: Rouge)
A Malaysian singer-songwriter who has grown into the pop-R&B sound through a series of albums and popular singles, working with artists such as Usher, Epik High, Tyler, the Creator, and many more.
Youngji — Dark Room (single)
A 17-year-old Korean rapper with a flow smoother than chocolate (that’s cheesy but it’s so true). She recently was a winner on a competition show “Good Girl”, a show produced by Mnet featuring Korean hip hop artists and idols.
Forester — Spark (album: Kerosene)
“Formed in 2019, Forester is a new indie electronic duo that has already made a lasting impact on the scene. …Their music blends acoustic instrumentation with electronic elements that transport the listener to wide open spaces, allowing for introspection as well as the desire to dance.”
Priscilla Renea — Heavenly (album: Coloured)
A wildly decorated songwriter who has written for Fifth Harmony, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Demi Lovato, Pitbull, Mariah Carey, Kesha…the list goes on. AND she is an amazing singer with her own albums out.
Brittany Howard — Stay High (album: Jamie)
The lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter for the Alabama Shakes. Brittany Howard released her first solo album in 2019 with topical influences including experiences she recalls growing up in a mixed family in Alabama.
New York Voices — On a Clear Day (album: A Day Like This)
New York Voices has a special place in my soul. They are a Grammy award winning, world touring, renowned vocal jazz quartet. Their feel for music is cleaner than you’d think possible. They don’t just “sing jazz”, but draw from Brazilian, classical, pop, and much more for influence. I have not only been lucky enough to work with Kim Nazarian in my own vocal jazz group, but I’ve sung with them as well. One of the coolest things I’ve ever done, for sure!