After originally introducing herself with her much-loved debut single 'Too Far Gone' in 2021, LA-based artist Nastiya Kai now makes her eagerly-awaited return to deliver her vibrant comeback effort 'Liar'.
Capturing more of that effervescent alt-pop energy she first emerged with, 'Liar' makes for a rousing return to form for the artist at the helm. With its bright and euphoric textures, soaring atmosphere, and her own mesmerising vocals at the helm, she is quickly cementing herself as one of the more passionate names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar! Definitely. I think that was THE instrument when I was growing up. I remember basically forcing my dad to take me to the store and buy one for me. I knew nothing about guitars, of course, so I just picked one that looked nice. I know now that it was a Spanish guitar that is not at all the sound I was looking for. I still have it at home somewhere but I don’t play it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Define younger. I was an emo kid so I guess you get the idea. Indie and pop-rock of that day. Was absolutely obsessed with Paramore. Up until I was 13-14 I think. Then I wanted to bond with the cool kids and listened to Drake and all. It was a phase haha But to be honest I always loved songs that make you feel many things at once. The genre doesn’t really matter here, it needs to be something that pierces my heart almost. I once was walking through this forest trail near my school and found an IPod. I downloaded all the music off it. Really defined my music taste for a little bit. That was French pop and Indie really. So I guess I listened to everything. It’s just that my music taste changed with different phases I was in when growing up.
What was the first album you remember owning?
It was a compilation CD of this Russian “X-factor”-ish show. There was a girl there that year that I basically wanted to be when I grew up. She only had one song on that CD but you best I listened to it more than 100000 times.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
None. There are a lot of songs I can relate to. But none of them are my personal experiences so.. There’s a lot of songs I sort of aspire to. I’ll think something like “oh I wish I will be THAT good someday”. But that is it.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Not really. I light a candle. But I do that every time I need peace and quiet. I do like to write in the dark though. I'll have one little lamp on to see the keys but that's pretty much it. Feels better that way.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I actually love where Suki Waterhouse is going with her music. Such a vibe! A lot of Daughter too. They just released a new album that I love. I’ve been in a The Postal Service phase for a while now and have had that on repeat for months. I caught myself thinking that I’m having trouble discovering new songs lately for some reason. I don’t have the time. I really need to get on that.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
This is such a difficult question because so many people are on this list. Dua Lipa maybe? I saw her show in Paris the crowd was so fun it would be cool to warm them up for a show like that.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Knowing that someone related to what you wrote, to your story. Knowing that somewhere your song is part of someone’s day or a moment. Music is alive and always present in our life. It isn’t like art, you can’t carry a painting around all day. But you do hear music everyday, even as you’re walking down the street. You’re constantly a part of the world somewhere. I find this cool.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Waiting for feedback. I can be very insecure about this. It will take 1000 people to tell me my song is good before I decide so myself. The first couple of days after the release I didn't even post about it. I really need to gather myself.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Stop worrying too much. Do what you love and there’s always gonna be someone who will love what you do.
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Nastiya Kai's new single 'Liar' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.