Naya Interview

Conducted by Bethany M

London and Paris-based singer-songwriter Naya Sego recently finished her European support tour with Nxdia. On November 14, she is set to release her newest single, "Feed on My Heart." The track blends punk, rock, and pop elements to create a powerful and aggressive sound.

What's one of the most surprising things you've learned about yourself through songwriting and releasing music?

The biggest thing I've learned is that I can actually work in a team. I grew up playing very individual sports like tennis, so I always struggled with creating something alongside other people. Music really taught me how to collaborate with producers, writers, musicians, and build a whole team. It also showed me that even when you think something is meant for you, it's not always what feels most natural until you try it. I did theater and film before, but recording music made me realize this is truly where I'm most comfortable. I love being able to put my emotions into something and then release it out into the world.

What do you want your audience to take away from your new song, Feed On My Heart?

I want them to survive the seasonal depression of winter because it's cold and rough, but it's okay. The song is upbeat and dancey, which makes it fun to release during a time that's usually more nostalgic or mellow. There's also a deeper layer in Feed On My Heart about how avoidant attachment styles don't always have to be a bad thing. Sometimes it's just a different way of expressing yourself, and that's something I hope people understand from the song, that we're not all bad.

Do you face any challenges as a smaller singer-songwriter?

Definitely. One of the hardest things is being taken seriously by people in the industry. With TikTok now, there are so many small artists trying to do the same thing as me, with great music and writing, so it's hard to stand out. It can be tough to stay motivated knowing that it might take five or six years before you're really taken seriously. I don't want to spend that long just trying to convince people I'm worth it.

On the flip side, what's your favorite part about being an artist?

Honestly, the people. We just got off tour a couple of weeks ago, and it blew my mind how many amazing people we met. You travel, visit new places, and see firsthand that your music can impact someone's life, even if it's just for 30 minutes. I also love the satisfaction of finishing an idea. Unlike film, which can take a year or more, you can create a song in a few days with your friends, then share it with the world. Seeing people connect with it and feel better because of your work is just awesome.

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

For someone who's no longer with us, definitely Whitney Houston because she's my number one idol. Or maybe Lil Peep, which would be a really weird mix but I loved every single one of his songs. For artists who are alive, I'd say YUNGBLUD or Avril Lavigne. And Lenny Kravitz would be amazing too.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to your younger self or anyone interested in pursuing music?

Do it like it's going to work, even if you don't believe it will. That applies to everything in life, honestly. You need a certain level of delusion to put your whole life into music. Just go for it, and if you hit a wall, figure it out along the way. Don't wait until you're ready or until you feel like you know what you're doing, because you'll waste so much time waiting for the perfect moment.