After introducing herself with her compelling debut single '27' earlier this year, California-based singer-songwriter Neeley returns to the fold once again to deliver her breezy new effort 'take a number'.
Capturing more of that warm and illustrious folk-pop sound she is quickly building for herself, 'take a number' makes for an incredible rich and dreamy listen. With her bright and vibrant voice layered across a shimmering production from start to finish, she is cementing herself as one of the more passionate names on the rise with this one.
So with the new single available to stream 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?
Piano. The tone of the piano felt like it matched the feelings I was trying to capture within myself, even before I started writing songs.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was raised on a lot of R&B and Country. Although I kept on the Lady Antebellum / Dixie Chicks / Prince / Usher / Whitney train as I got older, I started to be obsessed with sad music. It was Adele 24/7.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Ed Sheernan’s ‘X.’
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
This question is impossible … But ‘somethingyouneverhad’ by Hayley Gene Penner is one of them. To me, it embodies what it means to be alive. What it means to put it all on the line, know when to retreat, to reminisce while also drawing boundaries. To make mistakes. I like music that tells a story from the artist’s life while also helping you realize more about your own.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I sit in my backyard and meditate sometimes. It’s not exactly a ritual given it doesn't happen before each time, but my best songs typically come in the heat of the moment and that is a way of coming myself down to collect my thoughts so they can form into lyrics cohesively. On the other hand, the ritual I have for conceptualizing visuals for my songs is taking a drive. Works like a charm every time.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I recently found Ryan Beatty and Rose Betts, two uniquely beautiful artists. I’ve also been blasting one of my favorite bands, the Band Camino, because they’ve been rolling out new singles in prep for an album.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Would have to be Holly Humberstone or Victoria Canal.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to connect with people from all different walks of life, that I never would have met if it wasn’t for music. Music is love.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I think being a newer artist, the struggle to find security in myself and the music even if it is not ‘doing well’ commercially is difficult and frustrating. I have felt insecure in ways I never had before releasing music. But at the end of the day, when an artist has decided a piece of art feels good enough to share, how it does once it is out in the world should not be of concern to them.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The contents of any Rick Rubin Podcast or book.
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Neeley's new single 'take a number' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.