NIA is a Philadelphia-based Alternative R&B artist and creative entrepreneur.

She was born in Queens, New York to Trinidadian parents. She started songwriting at the age of 7 under the influence of artists such as Sade, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, with further influences of Calypso and Soca music. By her junior year of high school, she was already cutting her teeth as a music producer; this was at the same time she started to find her authentic voice.

Primus spent her early childhood in Trinidad & Tobago. She eventually moved back to New York, then to Pennsylvania; later attending Shippensburg University. During her time there, NIA began to perform and collaborate with other artists; in her senior year, she created her record label, Chill Room Records. 

After moving to Philadelphia, she assembled her live band, The Chill Room Band. With her 4-piece (sometimes more) live band, she has graced many stages displaying somber sounds accompanied by enchanting arrangements.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with NIA about the new project (pre-save link), dream collaborations, musical memories and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Tell us a little about your new EP!

This EP is really just the beginning of what’s to come as far as my musicality is concerned. It’s an Alternative R&B project with Carribean & Trip-hop influences. My last EP was meant to be more symbolic, this one is my coming out.

How do you get in the headspace to create music? Do you have any pre-writing/recording rituals?

I’m constantly inspired so I’m always creating! Still developing those rituals, but when I’m writing or recording I need to be in a space where I can really focus and feel at peace.

How does this project compare with your other release(s)? Was there anything specific you were trying to accomplish?

Probably because they’re both a bit experimental. I just wanted to get these out because I’ve been holding them for a while. I’m gonna be releasing more music, it just feels like it’s time to get it out.

What motivates you to create music? Do you ever go through periods when you find it difficult to create? How do you get out of a creative slump?

I write what I feel, what I think, what I see or just storytell. There is so much music that I’m sitting on and so many other creative things I also want to express. I go through those periods where I can’t complete songs in one sitting, but I’m always able to at least start something. I look to my favorite creators when I’m going through a creative slump for sure.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?

Michael Jackson, Sade, Bob Marley, George Michael, Solange, the INTERNET, Andrea Martin, Alicia Keys, Lenny Kravitz, Maurice White, Machel Montano, KES, Rupee, Destra Garcia, Calypso Rose, Drupatee.. so many more haha All of these artists because they’ve influenced me in some form.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Instagram: @niamusikindie
Facebook: @niamusikindie
Website: https://www.niamusikindie.com/

I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?

Stream TRAUMA TALES, Vol. 1 available on all streaming platforms Sept. 7th!