Nille Nyc’s first single of 2021, “Someone Else”, not only effectively sets the stage for her upcoming full-length album, but illustrates her belief that artists should experiment and innovate to keep from becoming static. Moreover, the song with its striking R&B references unlocks a new path in the electro-pop artist’s musical journey.
For “Someone Else”, Nilly Nyc collaborated with Danish producer Christian Coer (FRAADS, Daniel Firth) for her vision of the track. Instead of dark, heavy synth sounds found on her songs such as “Safe Island”, R&B elements were wrapped around traditional singer-songwriter instruments. Not only did she like how this approach matched her clear, crisp vocals, but also how it underlined the song’s message.
“Someone Else” is about taking a look back on the aftermath of a bad relationship from the safety of a better place. Through Nille Nyc’s potent vocals and songwriting, the song’s message is delivered with clear-eyed honesty.
The intro opens with melodic harmonies over a smooth solo guitar and then the bass-line comes in, drawing you in with its slow, R&B vibe. Nille’s commanding vocals enter the stage with an extraordinary pull. The lyrics signal this is no ordinary looking-back-on-a-breakup song. No wallowing in the heartbreak found here. Nille’s edgy vocals penetrate with a raw intensity that compels you to focus on the sheer strength and determination emitting from each word.
Then you reach the pre-chorus which slides effortlessly into your ears. This transports you into feeling that moving on after the bad relationship ends was your best decision. The lyrics paint a soundscape shaped by Nille’s brilliant visual depiction of the breakup and ensuing aftermath as a circus that has overstayed its welcome and needs to leave town.
There is no build-up or anticipation going into the chorus, but the subtleness is enough that you feel that emotional shift. Slipping into the chorus, the strong vocals carry a resoluteness illuminating that she’s looking back in a safe and better place, that the other person in this past relationship was wrong for her. But with the last line of the chorus, Nille’s fierce vocals drive home the reveal that she knows can do better than this.
Coming out of the chorus, the first couple of lines of the next verse carries a bluntness of how destructive and broken the relationship was. Her emotional state is laid bare with the lilt and raw-tinged vocals hanging onto the last two lines and effectively form a catch in your throat.
You again embrace the fierce pre-chorus and chorus until you are swept along to the bridge. You are greeted with softer, captivating vocals and a brighter melody that cradle you in a comforting place to reflect. The powerful lyrics and honey dripped vocals deliver a disguised dressing-down to her former lover of their inability to realize what they wanted wasn’t meant for them.
“Someone Else” is the journey of rising up from the embers of a bad relationship and having the strength to recognize that not only can you move on but you deserve better.
Highly recommended. Nille Nyc is a talented singer-songwriter who can successfully change up her musical style and explore new sounds. Her musical journey is one that is ever-evolving which keeps her music fresh and inspiring.
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