After announcing her next album, up-and-coming R&B singer, Nao, released a new track and video. ‘Wait’ is the title of her latest single that takes an unhurried acoustic approach similar to that of a ballad. On the record, Nao is taking an intimate look at how mistakes can slowly develop a relationship.
In addition to the piano-laden production, it effortlessly highlights Nao’s velvety vocals. According to the soulful UK artist, it is also one of her most streamlined instrumentation to date.
In an exclusive press release, Nao uncovers in her own words how simple the instruments needed to be to let her vocals shine.
“The song is really just voice and piano, and I don’t think my audience has heard me so stripped back,” She said.
The song is also accompanied by Lisette Donkersloot directed visuals that are a gorgeous surrealistic dreamscape that fits the song’s vibe.
What’s In The Works Right Nao
This newest single comes off Nao’s third studio album coming this September. On the 24th she will release And Then Life Was Beautiful. The 13-track project is set to have some great emerging R&B soul acts featured on it as well including Lucky Daye and serpentwithfeet.
The album is a follow-up to her critically acclaimed, Mercury Prize and Grammy-nominated album Saturn. Before that, Nao released her debut album, For All We Know, in 2016. Blending pop, R&B, funk, and electronic music, the LP reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and cracked the Top 20 on the UK pop charts.
Her upcoming project is looking to have the same kind of magic, especially with how much meaning is behind the album. In the same press release, Nao also talks about what the name of the album means and how it is different from her previous ones.
“Life isn’t perfect; we still go through ups and downs, but it can be beautiful as a whole. I do think it’s a hopeful album, in an honest way – it’s not shiny or all ‘isn’t this great!’ and ‘party party party,” She said.
“But it’s hopeful in that through every rough patch, every dark patch or struggle we always come out again. That’s what life is. You keep going. But most of all you try and step into a place of gratitude so that you can see life in all of its beauty.”
Right now, Nao has five singles out including “Wait” that are set to go on the new album. Check out “Messy Love,” “And Then Life Was Beautiful,” “Antidote,” and “Woman” all available now.
And as far as tour dates, Nao has still canceled all her upcoming stops but expect revised tour dates to be released soon.
