British Musician Nia Smith is just 20 years old, but her talent and wisdom are not indicative of her young years. Today, she shares her stunning debut single ‘Give Up The Fear’ – an earnest and heartfelt offering filled with ruminative, uplifting pianos underpinned by lyrics on pursuing a dream.
Produced by Grammy-award-winning producer Jimmy Napes, the song presents a deeper meaning alongside an innate musical charisma; “[it’s] about finding that inner-child again… you know how when you’re a kid you don’t overthink or second-guess creativity? I would watch my little brother paint when he wants to paint, draw when he wants to draw, while I second-guess what I want to do” Nia states.
The track arrives accompanied by a beautiful visual directed by British Director LOOSE (aka Lucy Hickling.) Conveying the brain-child message of the song, the video includes iconography of bikes and children and was shot in Brixton – specifically Windrush Square – a stone’s throw from where Nia spent her youth.
Nia has been singing since her early years; writing songs from the age of 14, she soon learnt the guitar and piano, before attending a succession of prestigious music schools, including the Brit School, followed by ELAM. Her interest in music stemmed from her dad’s record collection playing around the house and she was brought up on a versatile musical diet listening to a range of artists from Aretha Franklin to Lauryn Hill, Adele, Amy Winehouse. “I would steal his iPod and learn the lyrics,” she recalls.
Nia soon started garnering buzz via her breathtaking covers and song clips on TikTok (her cover of Adele’s ‘Set Fire To The Rain’ has over 3 million views). She’s also a striking live performer having supported Mahalia in Manchester in 2021, then Tems at London’s iconic Koko, the following year. In 2023 she sold out her first ever solo show at BeauBeaus (she can namecheck its owner, renowned British artist Slawn, as a fan) – “I was always hustling to try to get on stage,” she grins. It’s evident that seeing the hustle and bustle around her, life in Brixton gave Nia a sense that there was always something she could be doing to make things happen.
Fast forward to now and Nia is able to present her art to the world. Powerful and technically impressive, there is a tender vulnerability threaded through her storytelling and although she may just be getting started, Nia’s songs already feel accomplished and full of heart.
Watch the video below now!