‘Here Goes Nothing‘ is the debut full-length offering from NJ-based singer-songwriter Naja Young. And as the title suggests, this is her jumping in with both feet this time. Although Naja conveys her anxiety across various genres like contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and soul, the soundwaves here are concise. At 11-tracks in length, ‘Here Goes Nothing‘ feels like an emotional battle zone, but by the time it winds up with the final track, all we’re left with is a picture of Naja standing tall and proud, ready to face up to whatever’s set to come with her heart.
This album follows another similar pattern to her earlier work as Naja’s gentle harmonies are laid over formidable and infectious production from Good Food, Derrick Braxton, Døøf, brainorchestra, and MoRuf. On ‘Here Goes Nothing,’ Naja deftly manages to deliver by showcasing her gentle evolution as an artist. Presenting a more mature version of herself this time around, Naja is able to expertly explore themes of hopelessness and concern for the future, while standing tall and conquering whatever life throws at her. We sat down with Naja to talk about the debut album.
This is your first full-length offering since your 2018 release, “Stretching” correct?
“Stretching” was just me getting my feet wet. “Here Goes Nothing” is me honing in on my sound and being more vulnerable with my feelings.
With this being your debut, how did the album come together?
Well, the album initially started from me working with Good Food. He had sent me a pack of beats back in like 2018 and I just starting writing to them. Those songs were pretty much the foundation of what my album is today.
How would you say you have grown as an artist since in the last 2-years?
Experience. I’ve come across so many people and encountered so many things over these past few years. I’ve definitely grown and learned so much. with that being said, all of that relays onto my music.
Whenever you and Good Food connect, you guys always elevate. What’s it like working together?
Easy peasy. No-fuss at all. I’ve always been a fan of his music and his beats definitely bring something out of me. So the music has always flowed effortlessly.
Do you think that you’ll ever dabble in different genres other than the ones you utilize at this current point in your music?
Yes! I have some different things in the tuck but I definitely interested in dipping my feet into a few different genres.
Do you plan on rolling out any visuals off the album?
Yup, I got some things on the way. Just getting started!
Favorite song off the album?
Hmmm, that’s a hard one. I’d probably have to go with “Tranquil.” I’m in love with the beat and it’s a song about being overwhelmed with everyday stress but still finding a way to carry on and remain positive. It’s a very real song that I know will resonate with a lot of people.
What do you hope people take away from the album?
Strength and healing. I was going through some trying times when I was writing this album and for me, it was very therapeutic almost. I was able to rationalize a lot of things in my head and came to terms with things that were going on in my life. So listening back to everything, it’s very strengthening and healing for me and I hope it does the same for everyone else.
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