Having already built up a reputation for smooth and sensual RnB grooves in recent times, singer and songwriter Nora Lani now returns to her sultry ways on her latest track 'You Know'.
With its rich and dynamic atmosphere, 'You Know' sees her follow in the footsteps of Jorja Smith and Solange on this blissful new offering. Filled with sweeping basslines, subtle production, and her own sweet and soaring vocals, her newest gem is one of the more engaging and captivating cuts we have heard from her so far.
So with the new single doing the rounds, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I really love handpans. It is not the most known instrument but the sound is so ethereal and touching I could listen all day.
What has been the most prominent inspiration behind your music so far?
My interpersonal relationships and own growth overtime. It doesn’t always have to be romantic relationships, just any relationship or sometimes even just a meaningful or impactful exchange with somebody can act as a big catalyst for my songwriting.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I loved (and still love) 90s and early 2000s RnB. Anytime some Destiny’s Child Ciara, Ashanti or the Pussycat Dolls came on I would not only sing along but make sure to know the whole choreography of the music videos. I also listened to Gorillaz, Black Eyed Peas and Linkin Park.
Can you remember the first song that made you want to pursue a life in music?
It wasn’t a specific song but moreso the YouTube era as weird as it sounds. Seeing all these people putting themselves out there, posting covers, recreating music, making medleys – seeing all that made it seem like it was actually possible to pursue music.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Frank Ocean and Nujabes are some of my all time favourite artist and I always listen to them. I also love SZA and I’m super excited for her upcoming album. More recently I’ve learned about Kelsey Lu who is an incredible artist. Jazmine Sullivan, Summer Walker and Mereba have also been on repeat.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Definitely the majority. Even though I’m not always intending to or thinking about a specific person, as I’m writing I’ll often have a realisation of “oh yeah, this sounds a lot like this experience I’ve had with this person.”
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
I don’t know if it counts as unusual, but I’ve received supportive messages of people I would never expect. Everytime I get a positive message or comment about my music it feels so good to know that my music is being heard and that it resonates with people.
Outside of music, what is your biggest passion?
I love dancing! I used to take classes here and there but even when I wasn’t, there were times where I would learn choreographies from YouTube videos. It’s really therapeutic for me.
If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
I would still write one way or another. Songwriting is one of my favourite parts of making music so I would just opt for something similar.
And what advice would you give to other musicians looking to start a career in music?
The most important thing is to actually start. You probably won’t have the best equipment, the most money or always the best connections at hand starting out but that’s okay. You can build these things overtime and there is so much value in the process and so much to learn. Refine your talent to the best of your abilities and keep putting yourself out there.
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Nora Lani's new single 'You Know' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.