NAYTiiVE is a fantastic up-and-coming performer based in London, with a wide variety of influences presented in his music. His track Poison caught my ears recently and I wanted to find out a little more about him – read on below to see how we got on!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled Poison. What can you tell us about the track?
Poison is set in a dive bar where our protagonist is very much a regular. Whiskey is their drink of choice, a double on the rocks served by their favourite bartender who has caught their eye for a number of years. As the night goes on, the bartender serves the drinks with a glisten in their eye and as time elapses, they become increasingly love drunk. As our character walks home, the feeling of lust increases towards the excitement of their return tomorrow. This is not a tale of love and romance, but more a story of an addiction to a poisonous relationship with alcohol and the environments it brings.
How has the reception to Poison been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
Honestly it’s been amazing. The elements I wanted to accentuate within the song – the fans seem to be picking them up too. The vocal is the main element that I wanted to come through. Very happy.
You performed a special gig for the release of Poison in London. Why did you decide to perform a release show for the single and how did it go?
So the real essence of of NAYTiiVE comes through in a live performance. The stage is my home. So it only made sense to celebrate the new release in the best way possible. With all the people that support me.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes yes, I’m planning one more release before the end of the year!
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
I’ll be honest, I’m an album guy, that’s my dream. To have a full body of work. A cohesive sound that travels through the project. But right now, it’s a singles market. Let’s see what happens.
Did the pandemic hinder your work much?
It hindered my mind. I’m an incredibly social person so it was hard. I think what annoys me the most, looking back, is that I wasted a lot of time. I could have done so much work, but I didn’t. It still gets to me.
Your music contains elements of pop, funk and soul. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
So my biggest inspirations for NAYTiiVE I’d say are Prince, MJ, James Brown, Parcels, Anderson Paak, Bruno Mars and Jamiroquai.
But in my day to day listening, I’m all about performers. People like Arctic Monkeys, Foals, Bloc Party, Kanye. I like people who perform just as well as they do on record.
You’re based in Hornsey in London. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
It’s really good actually. North London is where it’s at. Round the corner we have The Finsbury which is a live music pub 7 days a week and some of the talent is fantastic. Keep your eyes on North London.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
So we’re in the middle of planning another live show. The plan is to take over every corner of London. I would love to get up and down the country asap also!
Any last words for the fans?
I just want to say a massive thank you for all the love you’ve given me, especially on Poison. To everyone who’s come to a live show and shared the energy in the room. Remember it and next time you come to a show bring one more friend with you! That’s how the community grows.