Listen here // Watch here
[New York, NY – November 14, 2024] Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Nao returns with her latest single “Elevate” via Sony Music UK/RCA Records – Listen here / Watch here. The single is an energizing blend of sound that channels nostalgia with a modern twist. With shimmering guitar riffs and an infectious rhythm, the track captivates with its upbeat and mesmerizing quality.
“ELEVATE” OUT NOW
Listen here // Watch here
Nao explains, “Elevate captures the intoxicating feeling of love. It describes a relationship so powerful it feels addictive, yet freeing, like floating without fear of falling. I wanted it to sound euphoric, which is why we have this soaring, Prince-like guitar solo, beautifully played by my guitarist, Andy Vickery.”
Nao co-wrote “Elevate” with the talented Dayyon Alexander and Nate Cyphert, who even lends his voice to the post-chorus, singing, “off of my face with no fear of falling.” Produced by longtime collaborator Stint, “Elevate” embodies the essence of a timeless classic.
Nao released “Wildflowers” last month, a radiant and heartfelt exploration of love, growth, and vulnerability – click here to listen.. The track was created during a memorable period for Nao, as she was heavily pregnant at the time, adding different layers of emotion to it. Recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios in November 2023 in collaboration with celebrated producers Coffee and Detonate, the song uses the free-spirited metaphor of wildflowers to capture the highs and lows of life and the journey of coming of age in your 30s.
The visual and conceptual elements surrounding “Elevate” have been brought to life by frequent collaborator Lillie Eiger (Arlo Parks, Florence Welch etc), with creative direction from SpaceBroth, merging the album’s themes into a cohesive visual narrative. To celebrate her new release, Nao performed at her sold out show in Los Angeles yesterday, which will be followed by a series of intimate shows across New York, London (Hackney Round Chapel), and Amsterdam, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the emotional and spiritual depth of her new music in an up-close and immersive setting. Demand has been overwhelming, with each performance selling out within seconds of the announcement.
This new music marks the start of an exciting new chapter in Nao’s iconic career, bringing a fresh wave of innovation and artistry as she continues to push the boundaries of music. The best is yet to come.
Live dates:
November 13th – Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Fever, Los Angeles, CA (Sold Out)
November 17th – St Ann & The Holy Trinity Church, New York, NY (Sold Out)
November 27th – Hackney Round Chapel, London, UK (Sold Out)
November 29th – Bitterzoet Chapel, Amsterdam, NE (Sold Out)
KEEP UP WITH NAO:
Insta / X / FB / Soundcloud
About Nao
Born Neo Jessica Joshua, Nao grew up in South Woodford, having moved from Nottingham. After learning piano as a child she shifted from studying law to attending the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Nao supported herself as a backing singer for artists like Kwabs and Jarvis Cocker and was a member of the experimental a-capella group The Boxettes. Her breakthrough came after a performance at Corsica Studios, leading to the release of her debut project, So Good (2014), which featured a collaboration with AK Paul.
Nao quickly gained momentum, landing a MOBO nomination for “Best Newcomer” and performing to packed-out crowds at Glastonbury. In 2016, she released her debut album For All We Know, which earned her a Brit Award nomination for “Best British Female Solo Artist.” Her follow-up,Saturn (2018), was widely praised for its bold, experimental sound, featuring collaborations with Jessie Ware and MØ. The album was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize and earned her another Brit nomination.
In 2021, Nao released her third album, And Then Life Was Beautiful, a deeply introspective collection shaped by the challenges and transformations of the world during the pandemic. The album was nominated for a MOBO Award for Best R&B/Soul and led to collaborations with Stormzy and Mura Masa and performances at Coachella. Her recent single “Balance” continued to showcase her sonic evolution, incorporating her Jamaican and Vincentian roots with infectious melodies and a feature from Jamaican rapper Skillibeng.
