Nyah Grace Talks New Album, Songwriting And More

Jun 10, 2025 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Feature Image Photo Credit: Maisie Dickinson

The Manchester by way of Oregon neo-soul singer Nyah Grace will release her new album ‘Divinely Devoted’ on Friday 20th June 2025 via Palawan Productions. We spoke to her about the new album, songwriting and more:

What is your earliest musical memory?

Taking singing lessons at 6 years old. I took singing lessons from a girl who was in College at Western University which was right by my house.

When did you begin songwriting?

When I was 11 and started writing lyrics in notebooks. I didn’t know how to play any instruments at this point but used to write lyrics in this little notebook.

You will release your new album ‘Divinely Devoted’ on Friday 20th June 2025. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

At the time I approached this hesitantly as I was feeling a little stuck songwriting wise. I started to fall into a flow of experimenting and letting go of all the usual barriers once I started writing with De’Jour.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

At The Dairy in Brixton, London with De’Jour

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album’s recording sessions?

Whilst recording the album, I was the most sick and ill I’ve ever been. Towards the end of the trip I got the flu the worst I have ever had it which made things incredibly difficult at the time. I also got our producer De’Jour hooked on Sainsbury’s Meal Deals and created a new Meal Deal convert.

Who were the musicians who performed on the album with you?

De’Jour mainly, along with Abi, Sachin, Alex, Connor and Jon

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

A lot of the recording was keys or piano based and this was the main sound we were after – rich keys within the recordings. We started using a mandolin in “I Know” because one of the engineers played the mandolin.

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) Only Mine
b) Down
c) Seventeen

You have also released the new single ‘Down’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The inspiration behind Down was about a couple of relationships I had where I didn’t feel like I was being treated particularly well. Reflecting upon this a couple of years after the fact and not knowing at the time how to navigate this.

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

The thought process behind the video was to show the story of someone who repeatedly lets you down over and over until you’re finally fed up with it.

Did you work with anyone else in terms of the songwriting?

Du Jour especially and Abi for Only Mine

Was it a difficult album to write?

Not at all. Pretty much the opposite. We were writing a song a day at one point.

Who designed the album artwork?

The artwork wasn’t originally intended to be the album artwork. Maisie took some photos and as soon as I saw them I knew that this would be the artwork.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Monmouth Oregon
– Green, Spacious, Homely, Rainy and Family

How do you look after your voice?

A lot of water. I don’t sing particularly loud or harshly either which helps. Honey and Lemon tea, lozenges and lots of rest also helps. I love to sleep a lot, so lots and lots of rest.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025/2026?

I am performing at the Jazz Cafe for the Global Soul Showcase on 6th July in London, and after that looking forward to hopefully more touring opportunity throughout the year.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I hope to have achieved a feeling of calmness within myself and not any anxiety. I hope to step off the stage feeling calm with the audience having hopefully felt something from hearing my music.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

To play – my acoustic guitar, it’s a blue ridge which I have had since I was 15.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

An American Marriage by Tayari Jones
Have read this a few years ago, and would love to score this as it’s incredibly moving.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Musical Influences: D’Angelo, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Cleo Sol
Recommendations: Sasha Keeble, Spill Tab as have just played with them live

What makes Nyah Grace happy and what makes you unhappy?

Candles, Dark Chocolate Digestives and being able to song write without any expectations on myself make me really happy. Songwriting without any idea in mind of what I want to achieve from it.