Following the Release of her Debut EP, Surinamese/Dutch Folk-Pop Singer-Songwriter néomí Shares her Top Five Tips to Mend a Broken Heart
As a youngster néomí’s first step into music didn’t exactly start on the right foot when she was told she had to attend piano tuitions. It was agreed that she would attend the lessons for 5 years and, after these 5 years, she could decide whether to continue or not. Nevertheless, 5 years passed and the unimpressed Neomi quit the piano and vowed never to play music again.
4 years would float by until néomí would find herself at a musical junction. During a browse on a popular Internet video website, she stumbled across a live video of Ben Howard performing ‘Old Pine’ with a cellist in tow. Spellbound and inspired, néomí came out of her musical retirement, picked up a guitar, and began teaching herself how to play from online tutorials. Whew, are we glad for that!
As her skill and confidence grew she looked at applying to music schools and, due to an administrative error, was invited to audition in Amsterdam. Despite being too young to apply néomí was accepted on her raw talent and potential. Over the next 4 years, she would hone her songwriting and sound, her main influences stemming between Bon Iver, Bob Dylan, and Ben Howard. She says of the trio “their lyrics are outstanding and insanely beautiful. I don’t think they make songs, but they make art, poems. That’s something I also really try to do; make little poems instead of songs.”
Now fast forward to this summer when néomí (real name: Neomi Speelman), delivered her eagerly-awaited debut EP before, previewed by singles ‘i’ll be there’, ‘if I wasn’t made for love’, and ‘eyes filled with sky’.
Speaking about the new EP, she said, “This EP is about the juvenile you, the story from ‘before’ life starts. It’s for the inner child who’s careless, free maybe even a bit heartbroken. On the verge of growing up but fighting against it. I hope it awakens and reminds listeners of the juvenile we all have inside. This EP means growing up to me, and seeing the world from the first baby steps into adulthood.”
2. Write a breakup song and sing it over and over for a lot of people. While singing it, think about the shitty stuff that was in your relationship but also be grateful for the motivation it gave you. Because look at you now babe! Singing a breakup song in front of a big crowd! (and if you're in the mood, write a whole album. They say break up songs are the best, so you might get rich).
4. Don't sit on the couch too long, because you want to take good care of your body. Eat your greens, fresh fruit and take your dog for a long walk. Run, swim, go to the gym and do some yoga. I can't decide this for you but, make sure you feel happy in your body and love yourself. You need to love yourself so much your heart will explode and mend itself.
Having already cultivated a strong reputation for warm and wistful compositions, the new EP ‘before’ looks to cement her vibrant aesthetic to date, and deliver a beautifully rich and alluring array of calm yet powerful offerings. Featuring both previously shared singles ‘if i wasn’t made for love’ and ‘eyes filled with sky’, the new five-track collection establishes néomí as a wonderfully inventive emerging artist, showcasing the full breadth of her sound throughout.
Next In Next In
⇥ Take A Walk Through Portland, OR with Ural Thomas
