Nia Smith Finds The Strength To 'Give Up The Fear' On Debut EP

During your twenties people find it easy to get lost, and still finding her way British Musician Nia Smith shares a brief but intimate journey on her debut EP Give Up The Fear as she learns to be gentle with herself and understand that the ugly parts of life are as fleeting as they are sharp.

Opening the five track project with the passionately sung ‘Little Red Car’, Nia shows us that she isn’t one to shy away from difficult conversations. Vocally she mimics the peaks of mountains showcasing a musical dynamism.

She reflects on falling in love with the idea of someone rather than the reality of the person. Bitter sweet, she expressives the fustrations and pain of coming to the realisation that her feelings aren’t truly returned.

Sweeping into Nia’s debut single ‘Give Up The Fear’ a bid to reclaim that sense of freedom and fearlessness that sometimes gets lost as we become more aware of people’s expectations and judgments as we get older.

We also, become a lot more lost, doubting our own abilities when we hit unexpected objects in the road on the way to our dreams.

“It’s about finding that inner-child again,” she says, “You know how when you’re a kid you don’t overthink or second-guess creativity? I would watch my little brother paint when he wants to paint, draw when he wants to draw, while I second-guess what I want to do.” 

Slowing down on the deep feeling ‘Reckless Soul (demo)’ we are lulled to a stop by the ebb and flow of an acoustic guitar patten. Floating over the production – less is more in this case as an air of inherent intimacy is present as Nia’s timeless vocals are lay central to it all.

Heartfelt and torn, you hear the frank honesty bleed out. And being in the midpoint of the project, it’s a surprise unveiling as she voices her struggles and the feeling of being lost.

On 'Personal', Nia rises up and removes herself from a romantic experience rather than entertain the nonsnse of a former partner. Sonically pairing her soulful delivery with dub percussion she xplores her Jamacian hertiage by applying regagae elements to the production.

Leaning into a more gospel influence and upbeat, ‘Don’t Cry’ housing a soulful essence at its core with Nia’s enrichening velveteen tone. The Brixton singer-songwriter returns to the theme of romantic relationships as she demonstrates her power.

Likening it to a “drop in the ocean”, the record is a shrug, when confronted with the problematic nature of relationships, rather Nia throughout the course of the ep has learned to choose herself and be happy in her own company. Composed with choir harmonies that are weaved throughout the track the air of the track is celebratory.

The South Londoner by finding comfort in her skin, allows the project on a convicted note. Nia’s no longer swayed and has no problem in being attentive to her own needs.

This year Nia has opened for Jordan Rakei at The Royal Albert Hall, and has also spent time supporting Elmiene on his UK and US tour.

The ep is a remarkable debut, and a promise of a full-length album in the future is a exciting thought as we eagerly wait to see how the twenty-year-old will develop as an artist and a person.

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