The Story Behind Niinety9’s Music
Meet Niinety9, the young artist who’s bringing a fresh sound to the music industry! With his latest EP “Signs of You”, released last month, Niinety9 is cementing himself as a strong Alternative/Afro-fusion artist. We caught up with him to talk about his journey, his inspirations, and what’s next for this talented musician.
Q: It’s been a year and 6 months since your last release, your newly released EP has achieved some amazing milestones. Congratulations! What inspired the beautiful EP, “Signs of You”?
Niinety9: The inspiration for ‘Signs of You’ came from a place of longing and hope. I wanted to capture the excitement and uncertainty of new love, as well as the pain of heartbreak. The EP explores themes of attraction, desire, and the complexities of relationships. Songs like ‘Impress’ and ‘Wonder’ celebrate the thrill of falling in love, while ‘Vacancy’ delves into the emotional turmoil of heartbreak and the longing for connection. I wanted to create music that resonates with listeners on a personal level, and I’m thrilled that the EP has been so well-received.
Q: How would you describe your music genre, and what influenced you to make this genre?
Niinety9: Well, my music is a blend of Afropop, Alternative, and Afrosoul. I’ve always been passionate about expressing myself through music. It’s a way for me to connect with people on a deeper level and share my emotions. I draw inspiration from life experiences, love, and the beauty of the human spirit. My goal is to create music that resonates with listeners and evokes a range of emotions.
Q: By my understanding, Afropop, Alternative, and Afrosoul are very different sounds. How then do you go about getting the desired sound you need for each track?
Niinety9: As an alternative artist, I’m always striving to create something new and exciting. I love blending Afrobeat, R&B, and hip-hop influences to craft a sound that’s uniquely mine. It’s a fun and creative process, and I’m always looking for new ways to push the boundaries. I think that’s what makes my music so special – it’s a fusion of different styles that come together to create something truly unique.
Q: As an alternative artist, you’ve successfully explored a wide range of emotions in your music, from the joy of love in “All of You” to the pain of heartbreak in “Understand.” How do you balance these contrasting themes in your songwriting, and what inspires you to delve into such diverse emotional territory?
Niinety9: I believe in the power of music to connect with people on a deep level. I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including traditional African music and contemporary influences, to create a unique sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. My songs explore a wide range of emotions, from the joy of love to the pain of heartbreak. Tracks like “All of You” and “Understand” demonstrate my ability to convey these emotions authentically. By engaging and connecting with my fans, I can better understand their preferences and tailor my music to their needs.
Q: Based on your diverse genre, how do you decide what producers to work with? Do you have any you prefer working with?
Niinety9: When choosing producers, I look for individuals who share my artistic vision and can bring a unique perspective to my music. I’m drawn to producers who are versatile and can adapt to different styles, as well as those who can push me creatively. I had an amazing experience working with Gbeduboss. His diverse production style and innovative approach really elevated my music. We were on the same wavelength, and our collaboration was seamless. I also had a great time working with Ozedicus. We were totally in sync, and our collaboration resulted in some of my favorite tracks. I’ve recently started exploring production myself, and I’m excited to see where that takes me. Co-producing two tracks on my latest EP was a rewarding experience, and I’m eager to continue developing my production skills.
Q: In 2021, you released “Bodied Soul EP” and so far it has garnered over 1,000,000 streams across all platforms. What expectations do you have for your new EP “Signs of You”?
Niinety9: While it’s exciting to see the success of ‘Bodied Soul EP,’ I’m not setting specific expectations for ‘Signs of You.’ The music industry has evolved so much over the past year and a half, and I’m just focused on sharing my music with my fans. I hope they enjoy it and connect with the songs on a personal level. Ultimately, I’m grateful for every listener, and I’m excited to see how people respond to this new project.
Q: All the tracks on “Signs of You” are amazing, but do you have any favorite?
Niinety9: It’s hard to pick a favorite from ‘Signs of You’! Each song was a unique journey, and I approached each one with a different creative process. I poured my heart and soul into every track, and I’m proud of the final product. Ultimately, I hope listeners can connect with the music on a personal level and find their own favorite.
Q: One thing prominent in your work is your lyricism. Do you write your songs yourself, or do you employ the services of songwriters? (Don’t get me wrong, I am not belittling your creativity or saying it’s bad to use songwriters.)
Niinety9: Well, I write my own lyrics. Songwriting is my way of painting pictures with words and crafting melodies that resonate with people’s souls. It is truly a magical process, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my music with the world.
Q: Do your life experiences, especially when it comes to love, influence your lyrics in any way?
Niinety9: Absolutely, my life experiences, particularly those related to love, have a profound influence on my lyrics. As an artist who has always loved deeply, I find that my emotions and experiences fuel my creativity. I pour my heart and soul into my music, using it as a platform to eulogize love and express the depth of my feelings. It’s through these heartfelt expressions that I hope to connect with listeners on a personal level and inspire them to embrace the power of love. My journey as an artist is intertwined with my experiences in love, and it’s this authenticity that sets me apart and drives my rise in the new school music scene.
Q: Your music artworks tell a story on their own even before listening to the track. How do you achieve this? Are you actively involved in the creative process with the designer?
Niinety9: Man, working with my team and Xeus Imagery is like having a secret weapon. They have an amazing ability to capture the essence of my songs and translate it into stunning artwork. It’s a collaborative process where we bounce ideas off each other and push creative boundaries. I’m grateful for their dedication and skill in creating visuals that complement my music perfectly.
Q: How do you envision your music evolving in the future, and what themes or genres do you hope to explore next?
Niinety9: I’m always striving to evolve as an artist, and I’m excited to explore new sonic territories. While love, loss, and hope will always be central themes, I’m eager to delve into the darker corners of the human psyche and the brighter aspects of existence. You see, I’m always chasing that next level; you know? Love, loss, hope – those are the biggies, but there’s a whole universe of emotions out there, you know?
Q: Your lyrical depth is quite impressive. Who are your musical influences, and how have they shaped your artistry?
Niinety9: Burna Boy has been a major influence on my music. His ability to blend traditional African sounds with global influences is truly inspiring. He’s not just a musician; he’s a cultural icon who’s breaking barriers and making a significant impact on the global music scene. His raw lyricism and powerful delivery have definitely shaped my own approach to music. Then you’ve got guys like Mr. Eazi, Adekunle Gold, Ajebo Hustlers, and Victony, and so much more that I cannot even mention. These guys are pushing the boundaries of African music, each with their own style and flavor. It’s a really exciting time for music, and I’m proud to be part of it.
Q: Considering the fact that the music industry is currently saturated and seems to be dishing out a plethora of artists on a daily basis, do you think this might affect you and how do you plan on navigating the industry?
Niinety9: Yeah, the music industry is a jungle out there. It feels like there’s a new artist popping up every day. But hey, the sky’s big enough for everyone to fly, right? I’m just focused on staying true to myself and my creativity. My sound is unique and stands out on its own. As long as I keep putting in the work and connecting with my fans, I believe I can carve out a space for myself.
Q: How do you define success in the music industry, and how do you plan to achieve this success with your new project?
Niinety9: Success, to me, is less about the red carpets and more about the raw connection. It’s that magical moment when you’re lost in the studio, crafting something from nothing, and it just clicks. Then, you share it with the world, and people feel it. It’s like a secret handshake, a shared experience. That’s the real win, the ultimate high. And that’s what I’m chasing.
Q: If you could change anything about you, your music or craft, what would that be and why?
Niinety9: If I could change anything about myself as an artist, it would be the ability to teleport. Imagine being able to instantly share my music with fans around the world, or connect with other artists for spontaneous collaborations. It would revolutionize the way music is created and experienced. But seriously, I’m always looking to level up my skills, especially when it comes to the technical aspects of creating art. I want to be able to master different tools and techniques, so I can bring my creative visions to life in the most innovative ways. It’s all about pushing boundaries and experimenting, you know?
Q: If not music, what do you think you would find yourself doing?
Niinety9: If I wasn’t making music, I’d probably be crunching numbers as an accountant or something finance-related. I’ve always had a knack for numbers and problem-solving.
Q: What message do you have for your fans and potential fans?
Niinety9: To all my 99 Citizens, thank you for your incredible support. Your love and encouragement mean the world to me. Even during my quiet periods, I’ve always been working hard behind the scenes to bring you new music. I’m grateful for your patience and understanding. Let’s continue to build this amazing community together. Let’s keep making noise and taking over the world, one song at a time. And to all you potential 99 Citizens out there, what are you waiting for? Let’s take on the journey together, and make some noise! Let’s build something special together. Peace.
