Ny’a: Music From The Soul

Let’s hop right into this latest single, “On The Daily,” produced by P.M. Dawn’s Eternal—Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

Well, I can’t take credit for this track or ideal at all. Eternal is working on my EP. He wanted this to be the next track. We co-wrote this one, but he came up with (the) track, melody, etcetera. We wanted something fun for the next release…“On the Daily” seemed to fit.

How then does “On The Daily” either differ and / or compare to previous entries?

My last release “Chillin’ with My Baby,” which Eternal also produced, was more laid back, more of a chill vibe song. Easy listening. Whereas “On the Daily” is upbeat and energetic. As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from? Most of my writing comes from life, which I believe most artists draw from. We’ve got so much to write about, especially nowadays! Experiences that I might have had or it could be from someone else’s perspective. Writing isn’t easy. Sometimes you have to be willing to bare your soul, in order for it to come across authentic in the music.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Ny’a?

I come from a house that loves music. At an early age, my mom introduced me to that good ol R&B music. I’m talking about Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, etcetera. When you are young, you listen to what’s playing in the house. The music was always on in our house. Honestly, I don’t think I’d be able to appreciate music like I do if my mom didn’t set the musical foundation for me. Going to college, I started to take my career a little serious. I was doing talent shows and different kinds of events. But it took a turn for the better when I met my husband / manager, Eugene Napoleon. He saw something in me that I might not at the time saw in myself. So together we created a label, he got the label worldwide distribution. We were, at the time, an independent label running like a major.

Now you’re a native of New Jersey, correct? So growing up in ‘The Garden State,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, I am!! Born and raised. Wow, that’s a tough one. Unlike now, we were able to listen to a variety of music. Anything from Janet Jackson, New Edition…Queen Latifah or Whitney, those are my Jersey Girls!! I listened to all kinds of music. I did a tribute for my mom on my first album Embrace by doing a remake of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and Betty Wright’s “Tonight Is The Night.”

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Wow, that’s a hard one…I’ve been told that I don’t have one sound. The word most use is eclectic. Depending on the track, I can pretty much adapt to most tracks.

Switching gears here…

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Honestly, the greatest moment in my career is right now!! After all these years to still be able to do what you love and be successful at it is amazing. Longevity is my greatest accomplishment. I’ve been through physical CDs to digital distribution, from telephone calls to social media and everything in between.

What’s an average day like for you?

No sleep Lol! I get up everyday and go (to) my 9-5, come home, record or write or prepare for a performance. In between, I got to find time to work out to stay in shape. If I’m in basketball season, I go to practice or games – I’ve been coaching women’s basketball on the college level for years – cook dinner, go to sleep and do it all over again Lol! They say staying busy keeps you young.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I keep in touch through social media. I always respond if they like something (‘cause) I gotta let them know I appreciate their support and love. When I’m on the stage, I make it personal for each and everyone in the crowd. We are having fun together; it’s a party!

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

I love being on that stage! The energy and just the connection with all the fans; it’s what it’s all about! It’s not about me!! Preparing for a show and video is work. Video shoots are probably my least favorite. It’s work!! All day long! Plus as a women it’s different, we can’t just roll out there looking crazy Lol! People only see the end results, but it’s hard work!! I must say though, watching the end results after a hard days work is gratifying.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I would implore them to please, please, please, to know the business part of this music game!! You should never be in a business, and you not know everything you can know about it. That is to protect yourself from being ripped off.

Lastly, what’s next for you, Ny’a?

Right now, I’m working on my EP. Hopefully that will done by mid-summer. In the meantime, I would love to keep speaking to the youth and motivating them through my music. I have an educational program out called Youth Empowerment with Ny’a.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I think we’ve covered pretty much everything. If I forgot anything, I’d love to come back and chop it up again.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Just to leave you all with this: never sacrifice your soul for fame. It’s better to be rich than famous. Take the time to find your joy, and follow that to wherever it may lead you. Thanks so much for all of the love!!

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Tags: betty wright, Eternal, Eugene Napoleon, Janet Jackson, New Edition, Ny’a, Otis Redding, P.M. Dawn, Queen Latifah, Sam Cooke, Whitney Houston, Youth Empowerment with Ny’a