Yesterday, 20th October, London-based singer Nilüfer Yanya shared her latest single ‘Crash’ with fans via BBC Radio 1 show Future Sounds with Annie Mac as the Hottest Record in the World. This is the artist’s first release of 2020 after her debut album in 2019.
‘Crash’ has been hugely anticipated and was well-received by fans. Musically, the song reflects the title well with its crashing drums and distorted guitar, while on the other hand Nanya’s vocals are clean and reserved to contrast. The music video was also released yesterday, and has already gained close to 8,000 views. In the visual, the lyrics are taken literally as the singer is found performing from a control room dressed as a flight attendant.
Nanya explained the premise of the single and the video to Pitchfork, saying “Last year, doing a lot of touring I found myself becoming more and more anxious each time I boarded a plane, something which was new for me as I’ve never had a fear of flying. With each flight we took it felt like the turbulence was getting worse and I was convinced my luck was due to run out. I didn’t write ‘Crash’ about being on an aeroplane but I really like it visually as an embodiment of the song.”
Speaking directly to Annie Mac on the radio show, Nanya discussed her writing process: “I started writing it last year and it was a pretty busy year for me. I was just touring a lot, playing lots of shows – I think I actually started writing it on the road which I don’t normally ever do, so that was a first.” It was also confirmed that there are two more tracks on the way, which will form an EP along with ‘Crash’, to be titled ‘Feeling Lucky?’.
Along with ‘Crash’, Mac played a song from Nanya’s 2019 album ‘Miss Universe’: ‘Heavyweight Champion of the Year’. As detailed by the presenter, the debut album was widely acclaimed, and it was noted by many that Nanya has an incredible ability to move between musical styles.
