Interview by Carol Wright
We got to chat with singer/songwriter Novi about her EP For The Wild Ones and her songwriting process.
When did creating music go from a hobby to a passion for you?
I think it’s always been a passion of mine. Since I was a little girl, all I wanted was to be on stage performing for people in some way. I was around 19 when I truly decided to go for it in the music biz, as an artist/songwriter and to release music as Novi.
Your EP For The Wild Ones is out today. Why did you choose “For The Wild Ones” as the title track?
I chose “For the Wild Ones” as the title track because it has a powerful message that we can all connect on. We are not alone in this world. It’s really important that we don’t alienate each other. Especially now! Everyone has their own battle to fight, and at the end of the day, compassion for one another is the most important thing in my book. Love like you want to be loved and all can heal. It’s up to every single one of us to do this, no one gets to be off the hook.
Tell us about “Mulholland.” What was the inspiration behind that song?
“Mulholland” is written about the famous drive in LA. There’s lookout points along the way where you can get an awesome view of the city. This song is about a love connection I had on a date driving through those hills. When I first moved to LA, everything felt so new and exciting. Almost surreal. I almost felt Like I was living in a movie. Some moments just stick with you more than others, and this was one of those.
What’s your songwriting process?
I typically write to tracks that I have been sent by whoever I’m working with at the time, I normally improv a melody over the track and then write lyrics to that melody. I love to layer and stack vocals in interesting ways to create feeling and mood.
The EP is super upbeat and something that’s needed in these hard times. Was that a conscious choice to give listeners something positive and fun to listen to right now or did that end up happening organically?
Maybe a little of both! I always truly have the intention of uplifting people. This EP originally had more songs but I felt these all fit nicely in this sort of sweet, and heartfelt landscape. I’m interested in people feeling warm after listening to it.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
Keep persisting!!! Keep sharing your gifts regardless of how you’re feeling that day. Write down big goals and dreams and don’t let those out of sight, listen to your intuition and not the criticisms of others. Forge your own path. Keep creating regardless of all the reasons not to. And don’t be too hard on yourself.
