Artist interview : Niara

 

Blending rock, indie, house, and soul trap, Niara is an artist who refuses to be confined to a single genre. Born in Croatia and now based in London, Niara’s music reflects a global palette of influences wrapped in bold storytelling and emotionally resonant lyrics. With her debut EP "Via Dolorosa" making waves and her highly anticipated mixtape "lover bird" on the horizon, Niara continues to expand her artistry while centering queerness, healing, and fierce authenticity. We caught up with Niara to talk about her journey, inspirations, and what’s next.

Tori: Your music blends rock, indie, house, and soul trap—a bold combination. How did you develop such a genre-fluid sound?

Niara:I've always listened to everything, and I feel like most people nowadays do. Whenever I ask people what they listen to, they usually say "everything, as long as it's good music." I’m the same. I love how cunty pop is, how soulful R&B is, how fierce rap is, and the roughness of rock. I tried to fit myself in a box for a long time, but I just couldn’t. I decided that being eclectic is my box—the one under your bed full of random nostalgic things. That’s my music.

Tori: Growing up in Croatia and now living in London, how have both places shaped your musical identity and artistic voice?

Niara: I’m half Bosnian, so I connect deeply to sevdah music. My dad plays the accordion, so that sound was always around me. London, on the other hand, is vast and multicultural. I discovered afrobeats here and got into more subgenres of rock. Being around other artists showed me what’s possible, inspired me, and gave me a sense of community.

Tori: Your debut EP ,Via Dolorosa" was a powerful statement. What themes were you exploring, and what did creating it teach you about yourself?

Niara: "Via Dolorosa" is my first-born baby.  It was about my first heartbreak, and even then, I explored multiple genres in just five songs. It drew from afrobeats, trap, and soul. I was listening to a lot of Rema, Doja Cat, and Beyoncé at the time. I made the EP with my close friend Patrik Petelka (who went by EIFAR for the project). I never studied music, but I feel like that EP was my bachelor’s degree, and "lover bird" will be my master’s.

Tori: How does your queerness influence your music and storytelling?

Niara: I only recently came out to my dad—at 27. I come from a very Christian background, and the Balkans are still very homophobic. I’ve always been queer, but maybe not as proudly and loudly as I am now. Being in London and witnessing so many Black queer and trans people being their unapologetic selves despite the hardships gave me strength. My song "Into Your Heart" is written for us, by us. We love who we love, and we’re not going to stop.

Tori: You’re known for emotionally intelligent lyrics. Where do you draw inspiration for your songwriting?

Niara: From other artists and my obsession with emotional literacy. Frank Ocean is one of my favorite songwriters—his words are magic. Kendrick Lamar, too. Beyoncé is undeniably one of my biggest influences. I’ve always tried to dig deep within myself and understand exactly what I’m feeling, which led me to research human behavior and cognition. I’ve dealt with depression since my teens and was recently diagnosed with PMDD, so a lot of my life has been about figuring out “how to be okay”—and that extends into my music.

Tori: Your live performances as a three-piece are known for their energy and intimacy. What does performing live mean to you, and how do you prepare?

Niara: The energy is indescribable. After a gig, I’m on a high for a month. Connecting with people is one of the biggest reasons I do music. My guitarist and friend Josh Blue has been by my side since I started in London. We rehearse for months before shows, usually once or twice a week. Singers are literally athletes—you have to care for your body and mind. Before shows, I rest my voice as much as possible, because those high notes won’t hit themselves.

Tori: You’ve performed in both London and France. Do you notice differences in how audiences respond?

Niara: Honestly, all the crowds have been welcoming and responsive—it’s always a good time. I put a lot of effort into my shows, and people notice. I feel grateful to have amazing fans. I think if you put out good energy, the crowd will give it back. Gigs should be cathartic—for me and the audience.

Tori: Your visuals are striking and bold. How involved are you in the creative direction for your videos and artwork?

Niara: I direct and produce all my music videos. I’m surrounded by amazing, talented friends who contribute. I love films and put emphasis on photography and story. This year I shot seven music videos in six months while working full-time. Each was filmed by a different videographer, which was a great learning experience. I want to keep working toward full-length projects in the future.

Tori: The title of your upcoming mixtape "lover bird" is intriguing. What can fans expect, and how does it differ from "Via Dolorosa"?

Niara: "lover bird" is another study of love, but this time it’s not just about romance or heartbreak—it’s about my deeper layers and how I process emotions. The world can be cruel, but I rebel by loving more. I want to remind people that staying tender-hearted helps us as individuals and as a community.

Tori: As a self-produced artist, how do you balance the technical with the creative?

Niara: It’s always a learning process. I started producing six years ago. "Bilo je" was the first song I produced alone, and its reception motivated me to keep going. I make everything in my bedroom studio, which gives me freedom. Sometimes I wish I had an engineer so I could focus purely on writing, but there’s magic in doing both. If you’re an artist thinking of producing, do it—it’s a whole new world of creation.

Follow Niara Here!