Nyla Simone recently sat down for a compelling conversation with Smino, diving deep into his musical journey, past projects, and his exciting new venture, Maybe a Nirvana. The conversation touched on everything from Smino’s creative process to the ups and downs of independent artistry, offering fans a glimpse into what’s next for the artist.
Smino’s Musical Journey: From “Netflix and Duse” to “Maybe a Nirvana”
In this candid interview, Smino reflected on his earlier work, including his 2020 hit “Netflix and Duse.” While the track made waves at the time, Smino admitted that he no longer feels connected to it. “I regret releasing it,” he said, revealing that his personal growth and evolving artistic vision have led him to distance himself from the track.
The discussion also touched on one of Smino’s newer songs, initially titled “Pimp Soda.” The track underwent a transformation and was ultimately rebranded as “Pronouns” to reflect a more positive and affirming message. Smino shared how important it was for him to focus on themes that uplifted listeners rather than staying attached to older, possibly darker material.
The Creative Process and Independent Artistry
Throughout the conversation, Smino opened up about his creative journey. He revealed that his upcoming project, Maybe a Nirvana, was initially going to be titled Love for Rent. He discussed his shift to independent artistry, explaining that while he values feedback, it’s his own instincts that guide his creative direction. “I trust myself more than anything,” he stated, emphasizing the freedom and empowerment that comes with working independently.
As for the future, Smino hinted at multiple album releases in 2024, signaling a busy year ahead. His commitment to constant creation shows no sign of slowing down, as he’s already thinking ahead to the next wave of music.
Smino also shared some personal advice for navigating life’s challenges. When it comes to dealing with breakups, his strategy is simple: move to a new city. “It’s hard, but it works,” he quipped, acknowledging the emotional weight that comes with songs like “Netflix and Duse.”
The conversation took a reflective turn when Smino discussed how songs like “Black Swan” continue to resonate with him. Despite the evolution of his sound, he expressed how his earlier work still holds a special place in his heart, and how the growth of his fanbase has been one of his greatest joys.
Nyla Simone: Artistic Expression and Future Projects
Throughout the interview, Nyla Simone brought her own perspective on artistry, relationships, and personal growth. She discussed how she navigates expectations, both from her fanbase and herself, especially in terms of her music. While fans might expect her to focus on introspective and deep material, Nyla revealed a desire to release more “turnt” tracks. However, she expressed feeling conflicted, as she balances her own artistic expression with the expectations of those who’ve supported her.
Nyla also shared her excitement for the upcoming Country Cousins festival in St. Louis, an event designed to create a space where fans and artists can interact through art. “It’s going to be a year-round thing,” she said, excited about the potential for the festival to grow into something bigger.
The interview wrapped up with a lighthearted game of “questions that need answers,” where Nyla reflected on her personality, her thoughts on “sleeper” music hits, and moments in her personal life that have shaped who she is today.
