You may have heard of New Zealand pop artist Navvy who last year dropped not one, but two EP’s – The Breakup EP and No Hard Feelings – EP. — She just released her brand new single ‘Pieces’. ‘Pieces’ was produced by Starsmith. (Jessie Ware, Jess Glynne, Dermot Kennedy) and showcases Navvy’s ability to pick apart complex emotions within the confines of a pop song.
1. Can you tell us a bit about the ideas you wanted to explore in your new single ‘Pieces’?
It occurred to me on the day that we wrote it, that I was kind of a lot further into the healing process than I had thought. I think I still wondered if I was going to be OK, and then while I sat and talked to Rory Adams and Starsmith (the co-writers) we realized that I already was OK. So we tried to explore that a little bit.
2. Your first 2 EPs explore heartache and lost love. How does ‘Pieces’ fit into that narrative?
Well, EP1 really dove into the ‘break up’ portion of that relationship. It covered which emotional alleyways that had taken me down, and also details of how the actual break up even happened. EP2 was kind of about beginning to move on, and realizing that I wasn’t angry that it happened, but I was still a bit sad to be out of the relationship. Pieces fits into a new narrative, which I’m excited about being ready for something new. I think the EP this single is attached to will kind of close off this story.
3. How does it feel to be releasing a new track right now?
It’s been pretty surreal. I mean, I wrote the song almost exactly a year ago, and I have been so incredibly excited to have it out in the world, and I still am, but at the moment, I am just trying to do a lot of reading, and listening, and watching, about Black Lives Matter, and how I can be a part of that conversation without adding too much noise. I can be pretty loud when I am passionate about something, but I’m trying to let other people do the talking, and trying to amplify other peoples voices. But I am happy that the song is about healing, because maybe it will find its place in it’s own time.
4. What musicians and other artists have influenced your approach to music?
I am really fascinated with huge, stadium level pop artists. Mainly because it’s amazing to me that one person could command 60,000 people for 2 hours of their life. I think there is a lot of planning, and very deliberate decisions that go into that, which I love. On a more connected level, the way Julia Michaels includes detail in her work is second to none, and Lennon Stella’s voice just wraps me in the warmest blanket imaginable.
5. How has growing up and living in Auckland / New Zealand influenced your approach to music and/or your career?
I think that perhaps I am more laid back because I grew up in New Zealand. I’m passionate, but I’m not about to stand on other peoples shoulders to grab some sliver of fame or whatever. I think we know there is room for everyone to have success, because there are less of us? I don’t know, I might sound crazy. But I do think growing up here has been the best thing ever.
6. It looks like New Zealand will be one of the first countries to lift all restrictions due to Cover 19, what will be the first things you will be doing?
Yeah, we are, which is AMAZING. I am going to see my friends a lot, and go to my favourite teppanyaki restaurant. There are also Black Live Matter protests and marches that I will be getting involved with. I also really want to go dancing, so I will probably grab my best friend Jess and dance the night away.
7. What’s next for you?
That is usually a really exciting question, but at the moment, kind of daunting. I honestly don’t know what is going to be possible with everything going on, but I do know I will be releasing more music very soon. I love releasing songs, and especially EP’s, so hopefully there is one of those on it’s way in the next few weeks/months. I also am hoping to play a show here, because everything is opening back up with no number restrictions. So I think there will be enough exciting stuff to grip on to.
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Credits:-
Artist – Navvy @thisisnavvy
Photographer – Lula Cucchiara @lulacucchiara
Stylist – Helen Young-Loveridge @helenyounglove
H&M – Lara Daly @lara.daly
Produced by Positive Creative @positivefdbk
Clothing credits:-
Red Vest – Waves Vintage @shopwavesvintage
Shirtdress & Pants – Penny Sage @pennysage
Shoes – Fila @filausa
Hat & Necklace Stylist’s Own
