Emerging London artist Nayana IZ released her debut EP, SMOKE & FLY, earlier this year, and has recently followed it up with a celebratory new single called “partner in crime”. Rather than look back on the difficulties of life ruefully, she’s seeing the bright side, as she explains:
“‘Partner In Crime’ “is about that person you trust most even if that person might be yourself. It’s my appreciation for the love we’ve shared and a reminder to them that I always got their back. We’ve been betrayed and hurt before but we know we always got each other through all the pains and all the wins. This is a celebration of us and how far we’ve come, we did it.”
In a year when the focus has been on the negative, it is a treat to hear someone being a ray of positivity – especially doing it in such style as Nayana IZ does. A slick and glossy production, “partner in crime” is built of flashy synthesizers, synth horns and spacious beats, leaving plenty of room for Nayana’s words and flow. She doesn’t need to get loud or boisterous to get her feelings across, the love and happiness is right there on the surface of her mellifluous vocals, which drip with satisfaction as she finds herself in a space she feels both safe and confident. An infectious track that provides a much-needed sultry brightness as we head into the winter, “partner in crime” is further evidence that Nayana IZ is an artist we have to watch.
The video for “partner in crime” was directed by Sekou Abineri, and you can watch it below or listen on your preferred streaming platform.
