Q&A + Debut: Nev
Photos By Angelica Hornewer
DREAMY, SWEET AND FRESH - Nev has arrived and you’re gonna wanna listen. Nev Rosales, better known as simply Nev, has dreamed of making her way into the music industry since she was a young child. Nev’s parents introduced to her a variety of music from heavy metal to 80s to an array of Spanish music. The young artist found herself singing all the time so her parents decided to put her into piano lessons, which fueled her path into the world of music. A Chicago native, Nev is fortunate enough to surround herself with many of the talented artists of the city, including Deadstock and Girl K. Nev finds herself inspired by both her creative friends as well as Chicago itself, as the city “spreads so much love and that's what inspires [her] to keep going at it.” Currently, Nev finds herself busy in all aspects of life as she is a full-timestudent, a part-time worker and of course, afull-time musician. Despite her packed schedule, she is confident it’s all worth it as she knows music will be her career.
The Luna Collective is happy to premiere Nev’s debut EP Solita. Learn more about Nev and her new project through our interview with her.
LUNA: Who are you listening to lately for inspiration? Were there any artists you referenced in the EP?
NEV: Lately I have been watching a lot of live performance videos. I love watching Tiny Desk videos, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse. Some of my all time favorites are Johnny Cash, Tyler the Creator and Princess Nokia. Recently a friend put me on to Tierra Whack and I have been losing my shit to her. I am in awe of her. I think Tierra Whack showed me that not all songs have to be 2+ minutes. If I’m just feeling 1-minute songs and I feel done with it, then I can be done with it. If not, I’d probably be working on one song forever.
LUNA: How do you describe your music to someone that has never listened before? What does Solita sound like?
NEV: I always feel hella stumped when people ask me about my sound. I say that it’s Spanglish Alternative Hip-hop. Solita is a little mix of everything. I have some western/cowboy inspired sounds right away to some 50’s retro going on. It goes from happy to sad to even angry songs.
LUNA: You’ve definitely got an awesome & curated aesthetic - how do you come up with it all?
NEV: Thank you so much! Visuals are everything to me. I’ve been through a lot of phases and styles including awkward and embarrassing ones and so I think I just know what I like by now and go off of that. Last year I was really into bold and bright primary colors and this year I am super into nudes and pastels. I feel like I think in color.
LUNA: Is there a common theme lyrically or mood wise in the EP?
NEV: Sad songs ALWAYS! I have a hard time writing happy songs. Sunday Love Song was my first ever lovey-dovey song though! I think these songs are a reflection of what I’ve felt for the last few months and a common theme I noticed was trying to find comfort in change.
LUNA: What was the creative process like for Solita?
NEV: It was truly different with each song. Some songs began as little melodies I sang and recorded into my phone walking home while others like "Babyz Gone Freestyle" was literally just a freestyle I recorded at the mic. All of the songs came from a personal place and with a visual in mind. Sort of like I am trying to write a movie score in my head.
LUNA: What’s your recording set up?
NEV: I’ve got my own lil set up in my room. I have an audio interface, a mic and midi keyboard. Something that no one ever talks about is how hard it is to get your own setup and DIY everything. For anybody out there trying to start their home studio, Youtube tutorials will become your best friend. It is time-consuming, challenging and frustrating - but in the end, it's worth it.
LUNA: What’s next for Nev?
NEV: Deadstock and I are always working on something! More videos and songs are always in the works. Some goals are getting better at creating and producing. More bedroom youtube covers. More shows. More collaborating. More planning. Drinking more water, eating more fruit and doing more booty exercises!
