Sophisticated dark pop, dazzling indietronica and cinematic folk pared to a strikingly alluring voice, NEAV is an emerging singer-songwriter from the Central Coast.
NEAV, aka Niamh Watson, recently released her debut six-track EP 'Elegy', a project that saw her collaborate with Mario Späte (Washington, Montaigne), Jess Dess (King Princess, Brockhampton), Rod McCormack (Paul Kelly, Gina Jeffreys), David Turley (Millie Turner), and Tristan Barton (Greta Stanley)."'Elegy' has been in the works since the beginning of 2020," begins Niamh. "'Silence Song' was the breakthrough track for me as it was the moment when I discovered who NEAV was sonically.
"I had written and released songs in the past but this one felt different. Little did I know it would act as the catalyst for my debut EP.
"Working before, during and after lockdown periods with a group of super talented songwriters, producers and sound engineers has been a hectic yet beautiful experience.
"The rest of the EP came together afterwards, with each song that was created I challenged myself to be more vulnerable and push the boundaries of who NEAV is as an artist.
"We spent a long time deciding what songs made it onto the EP and made sure that they all fit the concept we went with regarding the title.
"Because of this, the finished project is something that I can truly say I am proud of and can't wait for it to be out in the world."
Here, Niamh shares 10 songs that inspired the 'Elegy' EP.
Bea Miller - 'Buy Me Diamonds'
I fell in love with Bea Miller's album 'Aurora' in 2019 with this song being my favourite. The production of this song and melodic hooks that come from the instrumentals have such an amazing feel and bring a vibrant energy to me every time I hear it.Billie Eilish - 'Bellyache'
This was the first Billie Eilish song that I ever heard. ['Elegy' EP tracks] 'Silence Song' and 'Built The Same' in particular were both influenced by the acoustic guitar and electronic instruments mix that this song does so well.I was fortunate enough to see Billie perform this one live this year and it made me very emotional as this song has been inspiring me for a very long time, transcending this EP alone.
BANKS - 'If We Were Made Of Water'
I can't remember how I came across this song, but ever since I found it I have been obsessed with how BANKS brings atmosphere and space into a song. I wanted to replicate that with my music, creating emphasis on my lyricism and melodies through moments of simplicity and almost silence.Halsey - '1121'
When Halsey released her album 'If I Can't Have Love I Want Power' in 2021 I had the whole thing on repeat. I constantly consumed the music. I love how uncomfortable and unconventional it is. It's interesting and surprising when you listen which is something I aspire to do when I create music.Allie X, Troye Sivan - 'Love Me Wrong'
Besides the fact that I love Troye Sivan and love everything he's involved in, this song's drama and cinematic nature is captivating.I used the end section of this song as a reference for a few of the songs on the EP, from a production and musical stand point in building tension and then having that release of energy and emotion.
Adele - 'To Be Loved'
I cried when I heard this song. Adele is incredible and I absolutely adore her and her work. This song and the album '30' helped me in my healing processes and inspired my vulnerability that I've presented in the EP.Lennon Stella - 'Pretty Boy'
I love the atmosphere this song brings and Lennon's approach to her vocals. It makes you feel like you're running in the woods and I love when a song creates visuals through imagery.I remember sitting and doing nothing but listen to the album 'Three Two One' that this song is on when it was released, as I find Lennon Stella's work to be beautifully put together.
CXLOE - Swing'
While delving into the dark pop and alt pop genres, CXLOE has been an awesome artist to look towards. This song has awesome production and is definitely one of my favourites of hers as it inspired the direction I took my music sonically.Lana Del Rey - 'Bel Air'
Lana Del Rey is one of my favourite artists. I have the album this song is on vinyl and I love all of it. Her music reaches an emotional part of me in ways I can't describe.I love the cinematic elements of this song in particular and the imagery the lyrics present. The beautiful lyrics and orchestral beds of music that are featured in this song are so inspiring.
