NIASHA’s ‘4 AM’ Is A Modern Twist On Classic R&B Sounds
NIASHA. Photo via NIASHA’s Facebook page.
Zimbabwean-born, Melbourne-based singer/songwriter NIASHA’s latest track 4 AM tells a story that’s common in music. She's received a picture from someone, and it features infidelity from her boo. 4 AM shares similarities with classic R&B artists like Aaliyah and Brandy. However, NIASHA’s vocal range help her form her own identity, and keeps the listener's attention throughout the song. In fact, it feels a little bit short! You’ll find yourself getting angry at the cheater. You can’t help but get pulled into the song’s story.
The song really does feel like you’re listening to it at 4 AM. It's got a stormy, moody feel - which helps to highlight NIASHA's vocals. The production doesn't overwhelm NIASHA at any point, but instead sits under her voice. I’m most impressed at her ability to harmonise on the track. There’s no point on the song where her voice loses its silky finish. Every lyric hits home, and I’m able to visualise the exact situation in my head. This track feels polished and radio-ready, and it’s a great sign of what’s to come from NIASHA.
It’s interesting to hear more and more artists start to look back at 90s R&B, and emulate those sounds while having better technology available. Once, this level of finish would only be available to superstars. However NIASHA has managed to bring a crisp, soulful track to her audience without the resources of a major artist. It’s further proof that music is becoming more accessible to the world. As listeners, we’re all the better for it.
Speaking about the track’s origin, NIASHA says it comes as a result of a situation that’s all-too-common. “The song came about from the many conversations that I’ve had with my friends and different women as they recount their stories of their unfortunate encounters with unfaithful partners. It details the mental breakdown and dot connecting process a woman goes through upon seeing an image that shows her partner in a perceived compromising situation and concluding that he is cheating on her.”
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Check out 4 AM below. The track shows a lot of potential, and I’m excited to hear what NIASHA drops next. She’ll only continue to get better at experimenting with her sound. 4 AM helps establish NIASHA as part of the new wave of R&B artists in Australia. It’s exciting seeing R&B in Australia blossom before our very eyes.