Following her debut EP, This is How The World Made Me and single “Breakup Sex,” singer/songwriter NERIAH is finding emotional closure on her new single “Unfinished Business.”
The slow-burning power ballad reflects on a relationship that ended just shy of 3 years. “We’ve got unfinished business, that I wish we could finish, ’cause in my mind, you’re always mine,” she sings.
Her intimate recollections highlight her as a powerful storyteller and make her one to watch out for.
We chatted with NERIAH about writing the single, her upcoming EP, and more.
You recently headlined your first ever sold out show at LA’s Troubadour. What was it like to play that iconic venue?
That honestly might have been the best night of my life. I remember hearing the whole crowd sing back the entire chorus of “at least i’m good at it.” It was such a surreal experience. I have always dreamed of playing that venue, so I can’t believe this dream actually came true.
What was the inspiration behind your latest single “Unfinished Business”?
I was in a long relationship with an ex and even though it ended I never felt like I got the closure I needed. Sometimes for me without closure, it is a lot harder to move on. I was left feeling like there was always unfinished business between us. I spent a lot of time wondering about our “what-ifs.”
Did you find that writing it helped you close that chapter?
It actually did. After I wrote that song I remember feeling like I finally got the closure I needed. That’s how it usually goes for me. Every song I write helps me through all of my feelings. Sometimes, without even realizing it, I write about something that happens later.
You co-wrote the song with Jason Parris and Alex Nobile. What was it like collaborating?
It was really fun! That was the first session I did with Alex and we clicked very fast. We literally wrote that song in 15 minutes. I absolutely adore Jason, he plays a big part in all of my music and is one of the most talented people I know.
Your music is all inspired by real life. Do you find that your experience as a vlogger helps with your writing and storytelling?
I don’t necessarily know if there’s a direct connection to the writing, but I definitely think vlogging in the past made it easier for me to be so vulnerable and honest to the public.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the single, what do you imagine it looking like?
Oh my gosh, I love this question. For some reason the first thing that comes to my mind is in a parked car while it’s dark out or raining and absolutely blasting the song. There is seriously something so special about listening to this song while driving late at night.
What can fans expect from your sophomore EP in October?
It is definitely a little bit of a change up. The project shows a very different side to my artistry. I experimented a lot and I am really happy that some of the songs lean more towards my acoustic singer/songwriter roots.
What can fans look forward to next?
There is honestly so much. I don’t think there will ever be a month that new music is not released from me. But, if we’re focusing on now, I am really excited for “Unfinished Business” to be out… and you may or may not be getting a music video. 🙂
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
It’s on YOU to get YOU where YOU wanna be.