FEATURE:
Spotlight
Naomi Sharon
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LISTENING back to…
Obsidian, and it must rank alongside the best albums of last year. Released by Naomi Sharon, it is my introduction to an artist who warrants more love and attention. Songs that should garner more airplay on U.K. radio. If you have not heard about her music then go and follow Naomi Sharon. I am going to get to some interviews with her. There are a few to get to. I will end with an interview from last month. This Dutch and Caribbean singer and songwriter is a sensation. She was born in Rotterdam. Raised in a household that was heavily music-focused, it was a step and sign for Naomi Sharon to create her own. Upon leaving The Theatre School in the third year, she started her career as an actress in stage, where she performed in Dreamgirls and The Lion King. I will start with an interview from METAL. We get to learn more about this incredible artist and an album, Obsidiain, that will stay in your head and heart for a very long time after you finish listening to it:
“Born and raised in Rotterdam, with roots in the Caribbean, Naomi's musical DNA is both diasporic and constant, formatively cultivated in a household pulsing with the disparate sounds of artists such as Sting, Sade, and Marcus Miller. This rich heritage, combined with a profound connection to spirituality, forms the bedrock of her artistry.
With Obsidian, Naomi reveals an alchemical blend of introspection and catharsis. Naomi weaves a visceral tapestry of bittersweet nostalgia and existential yearning, each track being a testament to the ascendancy of art as a medium of healing, a sanctuary for the soul, and a catalyst for self-improvement. Naomi’s inevitable meteoric rise to R&B royalty will be supported through the spoils that come with an OVO Sound stamp of approval, opening doors to a truly global audience and collaborations that promise to push the boundaries of sound and genre.
A massive congratulations on this exquisite body of work you have released! Obsidian is a commanding exploration of rebirth, confrontation, and healing. How did you approach the creative process to convey these themes through your music?
The themes of rebirth, confrontation, and healing in Obsidian draw directly from my personal experiences. This emotional journey, which includes heartbreak, new relationships, self-discovery, and the challenges of a burgeoning career while traveling across continents, deeply influenced the album's content. You can hear this personal connection throughout the project, even during its most intense moments.
The music served as a shield, allowing me to express my feelings and confront emotional challenges. Take, for example, the lead single and album opener, Definition of Love. It's a hypnotic exploration of love, evoking sun-soaked childhood memories and belief in love. This song became a therapeutic and cathartic outlet during a period of heartbreak, adding a beautiful and vulnerable layer to the album.
Obsidian is described by you as “a protective stone that shields against negative energy.” Your visually striking cover art depicts you encased in what appears to be an obsidian shell ostensibly protecting you from this negative energy. How does this symbolism of protection influence the sonic and lyrical choices on the album?
The symbolism of protection represented by the obsidian shell on the album cover had a profound impact on both the sonic and lyrical choices in Obsidian. This idea of shielding against negative energy guided our selection of songs and lyrics, infusing the album with themes of strength, resilience, and self-protection.
In the music itself, you can feel this sense of fortitude and intensity, reflecting the transformative power of facing life's challenges head-on. The choice of instruments, the depth of the arrangements, and the emotional nuances in the vocals all echo the concept of confronting darkness and emerging stronger.
Ultimately, Obsidian is a testament to the ability of music to help us grow and heal, just like the obsidian stone's capacity to absorb and transform negative energy. It's about taking challenging experiences and turning them into something beautiful and meaningful.
Embracing your inner vulnerability and creating an album as deeply intimate as Obsidian is a bold artistic choice. Can you share how far having someone as influential as Drake backing your sound from the early stages of your career in 2019 helped you find the confidence to explore such personal themes? Did this support from an industry heavyweight help alleviate any imposter syndrome that often haunts emerging artists?
I was truly honored to have piqued his interest, and working with his team had always been a dream of mine. His input was exceptionally inspiring, and he went out of his way to ensure I felt entirely comfortable in every aspect of our collaboration and I feel really empowered by him to explore my own sound and follow my own path”.
COMPLEX spoke with Naomi Sharon last November. Discussing her fantastic album, this is an artist guided by love. Someone who should be on your radar. Even though I am new to the music of this splendid artist, I can definitely recommend it to everyone. She is a real gem that should be part of your music rotation:
“This is a snapshot of who Naomi Sharon is, an artist deeply in tune with her own energy and constantly seeking to understand the energies of others. She’s been surrounded by music for her entire life. She grew up with parents who would constantly flood her house with jazz music, giving her a natural inclination to artists like Bill Withers and Destiny’s Child as she would “make up my own type of English” to sing songs. Sharon also took theater classes in high school, which helped jumpstart her career in musical theater in shows like The Lion King and Dreamgirls. She also participated in the music game show The Voice Holland during the early goings of her career, which was an experience she says taught her more about herself as an artist.
“I think it kind of showed me that I wasn't ready back then,” Sharon says. “I remember the audition with the chairs, and I was so scared. I was so occupied with this feeling of, ‘Oh my God, are they gonna like me? Are they gonna turn their chairs?’ I was not present, and I think that once that was over, I realized that being present when you're performing, or just in general in life, is so important.”
Now after years of refining her craft, the outside noise doesn’t bother Sharon. She eventually caught the attention of Drake, who discovered her on social media in 2019 and later reached out asking if she would join OVO, and Sharon officially became the first woman signee to the label this year. “I think [I add] some guts to try some new things because I went from neo-soul and a bit of alternative R&B to up-tempo things and I was like, ‘Oh, this is scary,’ but I did it and I think that's because of [Drake] as well, and the label, or even Noah, who told me like, ‘You should also try that, just try it,’” Sharon says of what she adds to OVO.
Her debut studio album under OVO, Obsidian, released on Oct. 20, is a reflection of years of emotional and spiritual growth. The project is named after the gemstone that is believed to have powerful healing and protective properties but also forces you to confront negative energy head-on. “And I was like, that's interesting because I love something that confronts me and puts me into a feeling of discomfort because then I can investigate what that is,” she explains.
When and how did you get involved with music?
I think from a very young age, from the age of like, 4. My cousin was performing, she did a show where you could win something and she was performing “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” And I was with my mom and dad and all of a sudden they were like, “Oh, where's Naomi?” And I was onstage, I don't know how at 4 years old, but I crawled up the stage and I was out there and performing.
I'm Dutch, so I was always making up my own type of English. And then later on, I wanted to become so many things, to be honest. Surgeon, designer, and whatever, but I always stuck to singing and I created my own songs in Dutch, but it was still small and innocent. Then I think during high school you could choose this extra thing [to do] in school and I did theater. So you explore what your voice sounds like and I was doing all these musical things. I never aspired to be a musical star or whatever, but I became one.
Even before you were on The Lion King and heavy in theater, you auditioned for The Voice Holland. Did that experience help prepare you for the competitiveness of the music industry?
I think it kind of showed me that I wasn't ready back then. I remember the audition with the chairs, and I was so scared. I was so occupied with this feeling of, “Oh my God, are they gonna like me? Are they gonna turn their chairs?” I was not present, and I think that once that was over, I realized that being present when you're performing, or just in general in life, is so important. And I think back then I was a little bit disappointed when I lost the battles, but I think it was good because I needed some time to be like, “OK, what was that? How did you feel and how can we improve?” I think that musicals really helped me feel comfortable with a bigger audience and just myself onstage every night.
Do you see any similarities between that experience and working in the American music industry now?
I think the pressure, but what I like right now is that I do it for myself and not for a show or a company. The pressure that I'm feeling is something that I can translate into this energy because I think it's good to feel something when you're performing. I'm never too nervous, but there should be some excitement going on in your body. And so whenever I feel a little bit like, “Oh, this is scary.” I use it to channel it down into this like, “OK, we're gonna do this. It's good that you feel something.
Why is “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers such an important song for you?
It brings back such good memories. It's such an uplifting song as well and I just love it. Every time I'm talking about older songs, I feel it as well. Like it unlocks something in me, and I think that whenever I listen to these songs, I have a lot of respect for artists from back then because they didn't have Autotune. It's really authentic, and so there's a lot of emotion in these songs. I think with “Lovely Day,” it makes me very happy.
Your voice has hints of Sade meets Yebba. Who are some of your musical inspirations?
A huge one is Sting, just the way he writes and his melodies and the way he is a big storyteller. He's so good at telling a story and being truthful. I think another one is Eva Cassidy. She died unfortunately at a young age, but she is so good and my mom used to play her songs, and then of course Sade. But I think later on when I was a little bit older, because these music genres, I grew up with that. But I thought it was so annoying every time I came back from school, I came back home and it was like jazz. Very intelligent music, but it makes your brain [flustered], so when I was younger, I was always like, “OK, whatever, let me just listen to “Destiny’s Child.” But when I grew older I really had so much love and respect for that type of music, of course. Sade is, I love her timelessness but I love that from Sting as well and all these other artists that I just mentioned. I love timeless music. You just mentioned Yebba, I think she does a great job at that”.
There are one or two other interviews from last year that I want to cover off before coming to this year. NME chatted with Naomi Sharon in October. Signed to Drake’s prestigious OVO label, this is someone who has already caught the eye and ear of a modern music giant. I think that she is going to go on to incredible things. Even though Naomi Sharon has been on the scene a little while now, her best days are still ahead. This is someone that you need in your life:
“How did you find it writing the album, given that your career as an artist was very much nascent when you got picked up by OVO?
“They’re very easy-going at OVO, they were like, ‘Just make as many songs as you can and then we’ll figure it out.’ I was like, ‘No, I need a goal’. I was planning to go to Toronto for three weeks to record a little bit, and I was already planning like, ‘They’re telling me not to go into album mode, but let’s do it. Let’s see if we can do an album in three weeks.’
“We ended up in the studio making a song every day, which is very special. It was a really tough period for me, ‘cos I was going through a lot of emotional turbulence when it came to my love life, but it really helped me to dig deeper and tell a truthful story which people can relate to eventually.”
Do you have any standout memories of recording ‘Obsidian’?
“I remember one of the songs, ‘Myrrh’. If you’re emotional and going through it, one of the toughest things is to use that in your music ‘cos sometimes you don’t want to talk about it. My producer, who is also a writer, was like, ‘Let’s go to the studio’, and I was like, ‘No, I need a day off.’ He was playing something and started a melody, and I was immediately activated and triggered by it. It was amazing, and one of the most emotional songs on the album.
“It’s a very special one, ‘cos how nice is it when you work with a writer who’s first of all your friend, but who also understands what you’re going through and can put that into words with you? It meant a lot to me; that day will always be a memory that will be very close to me.”
Your general musical practice is very much linked to spirituality. How do you work that into songs or writing?
“Wherever I am, I’m always looking for a spiritual shop where I can buy my candles and my crystals or whatever – we went into this shop in Toronto when we were making the album, we bought a candle, and we set our intentions in the studio. I think that with every song I make, I’m very aware of what I’m writing. Whenever I’m writing about a heartbreak, for example on ‘Myrrh’, or talking about how hurt I am, I set the intention for me to get better, to heal and to meet someone that can give me more.
“Whenever you’re writing something down or saying something, you’re speaking it into existence. That’s what I believe. So spirituality is flowing in everything that I do. Sometimes I like to use, not a spell but an intention in the music, and no one really notices – but it’s different frequencies that you play with”.
I actually want to come to that interview from The Face now. They spoke to Naomi Sharon around the release of the new single, Nothing Sweeter. The start of a new year and new chapter, it is amazing to see this artist evolve and continue to put out incredible work that goes deep and really does uncover so many different emotions. If you can see her on tour then do so. Naomi Sharon plays London’s The Lower Third on 9th April. That is a date I shall try and get along to:
“She’s just dropped her new single, Nothing Sweeter, an acoustic-guitar-led, stripped-back track mapping the vulnerability of being open to new love. “When you meet someone and you finally kiss each other, you’re mesmerised by it,” she continues. “It’s like finding hope in love after heartbreak or difficulty trusting people. That’s what this song is about.”
Sharon actually made Nothing Sweeter at the same time as most of the songs on Obsidian, her captivating, soulful debut album representing “a very intense moment” in her life, which dropped in 2023. It treads similar thematic territory, like heartbreak and acceptance; sonically, though, Sharon has kept things comparatively simple. “It’s just me and a guitar,” she says. “I thought it could have a moment on the album, but it felt stronger on its own.”
It’s little wonder why Sharon’s silky smooth vocals, reminiscent of Sade’s unmistakable lower register, caught Drake’s eye back in 2019. In that same year, he DM’d Sharon on Instagram and asked her to send over some music. As of 2023, she’s the first female signee to his label, OVO Sound, which he launched in 2012.
Born and raised in Rotterdam, Sharon grew up listening to Steve Wonder and Sting – her all-time favourite artist – before starting her career in musical theatre. She starred in productions of The Lion King and Dream Girls, before re-evaluating what was actually important to her. “It was so safe and comfortable. After three years of The Lion King, I was like, no more!” says Sharon. “I didn’t know who I was as an individual. It was time to do me, to find my voice again.”
“Over the last few months, I feel like I’ve really regained my power,” she continues. “When I listen to music, I do it because I need to, like some kind of medicine. I want to provide that for people. I hope it motivates them to make good decisions for themselves.”
10% What kind of emotions and experiences influence your work?
The other day on TikTok, someone was like, “Are you traumatised, making music like this?” Yeah! I’m a traumatised queen! Well, I’m a very sensitive person. So when it comes to feeling sad, I’m not afraid to feel it. But I don’t want to make songs that are like, “I can’t live without this person”. I can feel the pain, but I need a bit of hope. No disrespect to Adele.
20% What’s a piece of advice that changed your life?
We’re all projecting. Sometimes, when you do something and people comment on it, it’s based on experiences, fear or things they carry with them and project onto you. Stay true to your own compass.
30% If you were cooking to impress someone, what would you make?
I’m really into these Asian bowls at the moment – kind of like poke but with stuff like beef teriyaki.
40% You rule the world for a day. What goes down?
I would do a big reset. No more weapons, more evenly distributed power. Go back to basics.
50% Best hangover cure?
To make yourself a healthy breakfast and watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. My favourite is Adrian.
60% Who’s your favourite?
Adrian, I think. Kyle too.
70% Love, like, hate?
I love people who love unconditionally and are considerate. I like Bali. I hate dishonesty and when people don’t take responsibility for that. Everyone lies, but you have to own it.
80% What’s your favourite song of all time?
Fragile by Sting.
90% What’s a bad habit you wish you could kick?
Talking down on myself.
100% What can artists do to help save the world?
Start with themselves. Practise what you preach – we don’t all have to be activists. It’s important that you do things from a pure heart”.
I am going to end with an interview from Colors Studio. Having recently performed her COLORS SHOW, they were keen to find out more about Naomi Sharon her singing to OVO. Again, if you have not discovered her music and connected with her yet, then go and check out her social media. This is an artist who will go all the way in the industry:
“Could you share some of the best advice the OVO team has given you?
Before I began creating my album, I sat down with Drake. He said that he liked my sound, but wondered what I could do with an uptempo beat. He believes it’s important for songs to enter clubs, since there’s a huge audience there. He’s also a huge believer in trying new things, so he was advising me to step outside of my comfort zone. I took his advice seriously, and was challenged by it. I asked myself, ‘how can I attract an uptempo audience into my world while staying authentic to my style?’ That’s what I did with ‘Obsidian’.
The project is uptempo, yet your lyrics and storytelling still pull focus.
Thank you for saying that. For me it’s the biggest compliment when people comment on my lyrics because storytelling is so important to me.
A lot of people compare me to Sade. I get it, and it’s a huge compliment, but in many ways it’s a disservice to both of our writing to continuously draw this parallel. Sade is timeless, and deserves to receive her flowers on her own for the legend that she is.
Who are some of you biggest musical inspirations?
Whenever I get asked about my inspirations I always talk about Sting because of his writing. I was always drawn to him lyrically. It’s a dream of mine to collaborate with Sting, his melodies have always inspired me.
What’s your favorite Sting song?
‘Fragile’ is my favorite. I was listening to it recently and decided to check if he had any co-writers for the track. I discovered he was the sole writer, which immediately made me a bigger fan. I really believe he’s a genius.
“Healing can be very dark at times. You may feel like there isn’t an end to what you’re feeling, but there certainly is.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Brandon Bowen and Megan Courtis
On ‘Obsidian’ you address themes including healing, the resilience of love, and rebirth after heartbreak. What made you want to discuss these topics on your debut album?
I only make songs that are personal and honest. During that time, I used ‘Obsidian’ as a diary. The songs echo what I was dealing with in my own life.
How did the release of those emotions help towards your personal healing?
I’m still healing. With every month the pain gets easier to deal with. When I look back, I respect the fact that I have survived some of my most depressing moments—moments I’ve had to push through to get to where I am today.
Healing is so huge. I didn’t want the whole album to be about heartbreak and sadness. I wanted to shine a light on hope so people know that they also deserve better.
Can you tell us about the song you performed for COLORS?
‘Nothing Sweeter’ was written by Liz Rodrigues and James Bryan while I was recording ‘Obsidian’. The track didn’t quite fit the album, and I knew it needed its own moment. Since it’s such a vulnerable song, I wanted to find a special place to perform it live.
I wanted to add an plifting song to ‘Obsidian’, but at the time I couldn’t wrap my head around something positive. Liz encouraged me to see the heartbreak as a lesson, and to be open to creating songs about love again; to manifest the love I want. That’s what ‘Nothing Sweeter’ is.
Is there a particular lyric from the song that resonates with you?
The opening line, ‘you flow through me, moving me’. I improvised this melody in the studio with the guitarist performing alongside me. It feels very personal.
If you could send one message to our listeners, what would it be?
Healing can be very dark at times. You may feel like there isn’t an end to what you’re feeling, but there certainly is. Whenever you are going through the darkest parts, know the end is near”.
Someone I cannot recommend highly enough, the wonderful Naomi Sharon can look back on a 2023 that saw the release of the acclaimed Obsidian. Reviewed by, among others, Medium and A Book Of, there was a lot of love for a special artist. This year could be an even bigger one for her. Make sure she is on your radar. I genuinely feel she is poised for remarkable success. A wonderful artist that should be….
HEARD by everyone.
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