INTERVIEW: NEAVV — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

NEAVV

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THE fantastic NEAVV…

has been talking with me about her latest single, Keep, and what its story is. She discusses her upcoming album, Fall Hard. Get Sad., and what we can expect from it (it is out this Friday); which artists are important to her and a few albums that strike the heart.

I ask whether there are tour dates coming and whether there will be more material next year; how she came to work with Wendy Parr on her new single and whether she gets time to chill outside of music – NEAVV recommends some rising artists to watch.

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Hi, NEAVV. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi! I’m great, thanks. It’s been a busy week! My new album, Fall Hard. Get Sad., comes out this Friday, October 26th so I’ve been prepping for that. We also just had the release party for it this past Friday here in Toronto.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

My name is NEAVV and I’m an Alternative/Synth-Pop singer and songwriter from Toronto, Canada.

Keep is your new single. Can you explain the story behind it?

I wrote Keep with Wendy Parr (Regina Spektor and Sara Bareilles’ vocal coach) while on a 2017 writing trip to Nashville. I thought that I had already written all the songs for my forthcoming debut album, Fall Hard. Get Sad., but there was just something about Keep that clicked with me and dV, my producer – we both instantly knew that it had to be included on the record.

At the time, I was struggling with how to manage some unhappy relationships in my life that were holding me back. Keep was born out of that. The song is not necessarily about letting go of any one friendship or relationship, but more about the moment when you finally see someone for who they really are, rather than how you hoped they might be or wish they could become.

How did you come to write it alongside Wendy Parr?

I was introduced to Wendy through a mutual friend on Facebook. I was heading down to Nashville to do some writing and put a call out to friends on Facebook to see if anyone wanted to write. So glad I did!

Can we expect any more material in 2019? Are you looking that far ahead?

Absolutely! My new album, Fall Hard. Get Sad., comes out this Friday (October 26th) and we are already working on the next album. Expect more music in 2019!

Do you recall your earliest musical memory? Which artist first struck your mind?

My earliest musical memory was actually watching a group of fiddle players perform in Colorado when I was around three. I begged my parents to play the violin after that for three years. Eventually, they gave in and signed me up for lessons. My parents had a great Beatles collection and I would say they are the first band that really made an impact on me. I was obsessed with them for years.

What do you hope to achieve by the end of 2018?

I would really love to get Fall Hard. Get Sad. out to as many listeners as possible and make some solid show and touring plans for 2019.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far?

So many favourite memories but, right now, I’d have to say recording Fall Hard. Get Sad. is pretty close to the top.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

There is no way I could pick just three albums, but here are three of many…

Purple - Stone Temple Pilots

This solidified my love for Alternative music.

Grace - Jeff Buckley

Everything about this album is amazing. Required listening for any artist.

After Laughter – Paramore

Fun songs, wicked singing; important message.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Oh wow…I’m a big Paramore fan, so I would love to support them! As for my rider…gluten-free snacks; red wine and space for my dog backstage. Ha.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Be authentic, work on your craft and know that you are allowed to say no to things.

NEAVV 5 - Photo by Chanel W (world.in.image) .jpg

PHOTO CREDIT: Chanel W.

Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?

There are some awesome things coming up in 2019 that I can’t share yet but, for now, I do have a few one-off shows. If you find yourself in Toronto in November I will be playing a full band show at The Horseshoe Tavern on November 20th.

How important is it being on the stage and playing your music to the people?

Being on stage is everything! It’s the place where I feel the most like myself. If I could, I would be on stage every night.

IN THIS PHOTO: X. ARI/ART CREDIT: Anna Olinova

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

I just played my album release party with two wicked alternative artist: X. ARI and FAVVKES…definitely check them out! Also; keep an ear out for BRKN Love.

IN THIS PHOTO: FAVVKES/PHOTO CREDIT: Dani Gagnon

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I honestly don’t get a lot of time to chill away from music, nor do I really want to. Haha. But, to unwind, I like to go for long walks with my dog and I also swim on a masters swim team.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

This artist is currently blowing my mind: YEBBA - My Mind