Photo by Lola Banet. |
From the vibrant heart of Northern England, a unique sound has been echoing since 2020, growing progressively louder and more distinct. This phenomenon is led by Nia Archives, a 24-year-old multi-talented artist who excels as a producer, DJ, singer, and songwriter. She is at the forefront of introducing the dynamic energy of jungle music to a new generation of dance music enthusiasts, redefining the genre with her unique touch.
Today, April 12th, it's a grand moment: Nia's highly anticipated debut album, 'Silence Is Loud,' is finally available worldwide on all platforms, brought to us by her own label HIJINXX under Island Records. Featuring a total of 13 tracks, the artist delves deep into life's complexities, connecting with listeners through the magic of music. It's a journey of contrasts, consistently surprising and keeping us captivated from start to finish. Playing the first track inevitably leads to dancing and deep contemplation until the very end.
Nia's unique approach to jungle music is defined simply as 'anything over a breakbeat.' This album demonstrates this, as she masterfully blends diverse sounds over each track, resulting in a captivating mix of rhythms and melodies. Her exceptional talent as a vocalist and lyricist shines through, with her voice seamlessly weaving through the complex musical patterns, delivering a performance that deeply resonates with everyone who listens to it. Leveraging her extensive experience, she skillfully merges contrasting elements to create a sound that is rich in texture, depth, and complexity. "Jungle is so chaotic and intense. That's one of the things I've always loved about the music — the hectic drum patterns. But in my music, the songwriting is always quite emotional with a lot of meaning in it. Bringing the two together always makes something quite interesting." Nia explains in a recent interview for GRAMMY's. (read it here)
Her contemporary take on jungle pays tribute to its '90s origins, a time when the genre was at its peak and resonated with the rebellious spirit of the youth. She skillfully incorporates elements of this era into her music, creating a nostalgic yet fresh sound that appeals to both old-school jungle fans and new listeners. Each track in 'Silence Is Loud' showcases her musical prowess and her ability to create a sound that is uniquely her own. It's a sound that is bold, innovative, and, above all, loud. Looking ahead, she views 'Silence Is Loud' as a milestone in her career. With ambitious touring plans and a commitment to continually push jungle music, she envisions a lifelong dedication to her craft.
The album mirrors Nia's journey, a journey characterized by loud moments, yet punctuated by periods of silence. We are all invited to join this, to experience the power of silence and the intensity of our shared passion for music. "Silence Is Loud" is a sonic odyssey that demands to be heard, felt, and experienced.
Stream it below:
Stream (Apple Music, YouTube Music)
Editors RatingYas; 100/100Favorite track: Crowded RoomzPh; 100/100Favorite track: F.A.M.I.L.Y