Pop fans, rejoice: Nina Nesbitt is making her long-awaited comeback. With an album on the way, she's already teased a couple of singles that see the talented singer-songwriter on her A-game, employing a distinctly more R&B-led flavour.
The new record sees Nina embarking on a new angle with new self-produced tracks. The tracks are richer than ever with the same storytelling veins that have quickly earned her a devoted following, counting Ed Sheeran as one of many to champion her music from early days. That DIY ethos has led Dr. Martens to choose Nina for their final leg of the Stand For Something tour.
Dr. Martens have always championed music and in turn earned a much loved position in music heritage, with their AirWair boot as much a staple in dance halls and gigs around the world as the blood, sweat and drinks spilled onto them. Previous Stand For Something tours have seen acts like Honeyblood, Formation, Paigey Cakey, Twin Atlantic, Lower Than Atlantis and many more take to the stage. Also supporting the Joe Strummer Foundation and a host of other new music initiatives nationwide the roots (and hardwearing gumsoles) run deep.
Having hosted Yxng Bane, a major player within the Afrobashment scene, with support from P Montana, the first live show in this year's Stand For Something Tour 17 made for a heated secret performance at Camden Lock Place earlier this month and anticipation for tomorrow night's secret show in Manchester with The Hunna is now at fever pitch. Clash are honoured to present the final instalment in the Stand For Something Tour 17 series.
Nina will be playing a surprise show in Glasgow on October 7th, and you can sign up for tickets here.
Ahead of the gig we caught up with the pop banger machine to find out a little bit more about her forthcoming record, as well as what we can expect from her surprise set.
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You recently got reached out to by none other than Rihanna – how did that happen?
Well, it was more of a case of a song getting sent to her label and them loving it. She's probably my favourite female in pop and she was the first ever artist I saw live so it was pretty cool!
You got discovered by Ed Sheeran when you were 17 – does that make you want to discover young new artists for yourself, now that you’ve established yourself in the pop world?
For sure, I don't think it matters what level you're at, if I love a new artist I will constantly tweet about them and take them on tour! I am the number one fan girl.
Would you ever write pop tracks for other artists? If so, who would you most love to write for?
I already do – it's just as exciting as releasing your own music I think. I wrote a song called 'Phoenix' for a girl called Olivia Holt and she made a music video and all sorts for it, that was well exciting for me. I also have a song on the new Jessie Ware record which I can't wait for people to hear, she's such a talented lady and it was a pleasure working with her. I love to write with anyone that has a clear vision of what they want or just writing songs that I couldn't get away with singing and pitching them out to people.
Your latest video, for 'The Best You Had' sees you play on some fears that everyone's experienced. Do you think it's important for your fans to relate to relate to what you're saying in your lyrics?
Yes I think so. Music, now more than ever, is about connecting to your fans and finding the lyric that resonates. I love it when people say it's helped them in their own life, that's the most powerful thing I think.
We've seen hints that your forthcoming album is going to be influenced by '90s R&B. What can we expect from the LP?
It's definitely got hints of R&B but also has acoustic instruments mixed with electronic sounds and big pop melodies. It's basically the sonic version of me.
What do you have in mind for your Glasgow show?
I'll be playing some new songs from the upcoming album to see how they go down!
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Nina will be performing a special pop up show as part of Dr. Martens' Stand For Something Tour 2017 on Saturday 7th October in Glasgow – and you can register your interest here.
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Nina will be performing a special pop up show as part of Dr. Martens' Stand For Something tour on Saturday 7th October in Glasgow – and you can register your interest here.
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