O T H E R W E B S I T E S
Facebook | facebook.com/naomi.king.official/
YouTube | youtube.com/poffercake/
Artwork | threevoices.deviantart.com/
Twitter | @poffercake
Instagram | @naomikingofficial @naomikingtattoos
NAOMI KING
M U S I C I A N
BLACK WATER is the latest album by Naomi King.
Completely self-written and produced, 'Black Water' is a deep and personal project, exploring mental health, bipolar disorder, manipulative relationships, coercion, assault, and healing. From quiet and ambient tunes, to loud and angry rock, to happy pop, to fantasy soundtrack themes, 'Black Water' explores the deepest parts of some of the hardest years of Naomi's life.
"It's honest, it's deep, and it's also a lot of fun," says Naomi. "I've written a lot of music and released a lot of albums, but I really took my time with this one. Black Water is by far my favourite album to date."
To celebrate the release of the album, Naomi shared videos for 'Fetish', 'Like All The Other Boys', and 'Shadow'.
'Fetish' is the lead single released from Black Water. The bare-bones, in-your-face lyrics were about one of their friends, who unfortunately turned out to be exactly what Naomi had thought.
"'Fetish' is a song I wrote about a friend," says Naomi. "Funnily enough, just a few months after I'd written it, he proved himself to be exactly what I knew he was. If only I'd listened to myself and trusted my gut. I know who I am in the eyes of men - I'm a fetish.”
More reviews for FETISH:
"Introduced by misty and gloomy textures, ‘Fetish’ moves with unfiltered quirkiness and fierce character, navigating alt-rock styling with a strong pop prowess. The latest effort by Canadian songstress Naomi King, the record carries honest and stark storytelling, functioning as a sort of personal anthem towards toxic and misleading friendships. Friendly planted in personal experience, ‘Fetish’ combines King’s sharp and witty songwriting with fuzzy and hard-hitting musical matter, a combo which leaves the listeners powerless, fully drawn to such a powerful offering. "
"Alt-rock musician Naomi King brings a powerful, evocative sound in Fetish. The Vancouver-based artist plunges into the dark depths of human connections, exploring themes of manipulation, love, lust, and more through an equally rousing, bold soundscape."
"Naomi King’s passionate musicality shines through in their mercurial tones, impassioned delivery, and honest expressions. The song is highly emotive, harboring within it the wrath, melancholy, and disillusion illustrated in the lyrics."
"As both the writer and producer of “Fetish,” King fearlessly confronts the unsettling realization about a friend who turned out to be exactly as she suspected. The song serves as a poignant anthem of empowerment, a declaration of reclaiming one’s identity in the face of deception."
"King’s multifaceted talent as a musician and artistic prowess are on full display from start to finish. Her ability to seamlessly blend elements of alt-rock with pop sensibilities creates a rich tapestry of melodious beat that’s as infectious as it is introspective. This sound envelops the listener and resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with the complexities of manipulation and betrayal."
"Throughout the song, Naomi's vocals really prove her skills as she effortlessly goes both ways between low and high notes. The combination of percussions and airy background vocals as instruments, in the background, elevate the song to its captivating state."
"Fetish is an impressive single which presents many facets of Naomi King's skill and originality."
INTERVIEW with PUNK HEAD
What was your favorite moment in making the music video?
The making of the music video for “Fetish” was so much fun. I built the bloodbath scene from a tub found on Craigslist and a bunch of candelabras from various thrift stores across Vancouver. I set up the entire thing in my friend's garage and froze my ass off because we had to use the garden hose to fill the tub. My videographer was splattering me with blood between every take, and while I was shivering and shaking in the ice water, he was dripping with sweat from the candles. So that will always come to mind! But the other scenes in the video have just as fond memories -- I absolutely love the look and colours of the 'manic pixie dream girl' scene, but for the group shot -- a couple of those people are actually fans! I posted on Instagram to see if anyone wanted to join in for the video shoot, and I managed to get a couple in! That will always make it special.
How does this song fit into your overall artistic vision and what can listeners expect from you in the future?
I think “Fetish” gives a good feel of what I'm like as a musician, at least when it comes to rock. I like catchy tunes and lyrics that are real, raw, and actually mean something. I also like harmonies and vocal layering, and strong guitars, but that being said... my music really varies. I can go from quiet and cozy to loud and angry, to epic and fantasy-inspired. It just depends on the day.
What is your songwriting process like? How do you usually start crafting a new song?
I only write when it happens naturally, and when it does, the lyrics, melody, and basic accompaniment chords happen at the same time, whether I'm writing with a guitar in hand or at the piano. Ever since I was nine, I just sit with the instrument and sing to myself, and it happens at the same time. I'll usually have the full song, lyrics and melody, done within an hour, and from there, that's when the real fun begins. Producing. Recording. Playing around. I enjoy working around the skeleton to build up the song!
How do you continuously grow and evolve as an artist?
By living, and experiencing, and just... paying attention, I guess. I try to slow down and listen for ideas and inspiration, sometimes when listening to music, but also just in life. I'm also a digital and tattoo artist as well as an author, and I can honestly tell you that simply living and experiencing more years really adds to who you are as an artist. I like to tell stories, whether in art, writing, or song. With every new album I try to do something different and do something better. Onwards and up!
'S
'Shadow' is a song about loss of innocence. About losing oneself when surrounded by others. Many people go through hard times that force us to create versions of ourselves that might actually survive.
'I became what I had to just to stay alive, I couldn't get through the battle alone.'
"The opening track is undoubtedly the best choice for the lead song. When you listen to it, you'll understand why."
--It's All Indie
"The track comes with a self-directed video from the artist that looks to a sense of artful subtlety in order to amplify the sheer beauty and stripped-back power of the track. The package as a whole makes for a truly awe-inspiring and all-encompassing experience that will stick to you both for how stunning the melodies and musical arrangements are while also for how poignant and purposeful the message is. The track truly is a showcase of a nuanced and expansive artist operating at the peak of their powers, and showcases how less can often be more in devastatingly moving fashion."
"This minimalistic dark pop track is anchored by Naomi’s ethereal and haunting vocals, which immensely convey the song’s deep emotional currents. The production is spacious and meticulously crafted, building gradually with subtle layers that enhance this innately introspective atmosphere. “Shadow” is a testament to Naomi King’s ability to blend vulnerability with classy musical elegance, resulting in a piece that resonates deeply with anyone who has faced their own battles and transformations."
"To say that this is a beautiful track is underselling it, this is a must-play for any dream-pop fan who wants a chilled song to stick on."
"Angelic is a word thrown around a lot these days, but it's very apt on Naomi King's vocals. They're both cinematic and charismatic, as when you listen to this for the first time you can't help but be fixated by the sheer beauty.
Toward the end of the song you'll hear some strings, this only elevates it from the atmosphere and into the stars beyond. To say that this is a beautiful track is underselling it, this is a must-play for any dream-pop fan who wants a chilled song to stick on."
More... more... more...
Naomi King - FETISH (Music Video)
Naomi King - SHADOW (Music Video)
Naomi King - LIKE ALL THE OTHER BOYS (Music Video)
Naomi King - You Don't Know (Music Video)
Naomi is a singer, songwriter, and producer, creating all their music from home. They have released over twenty albums, one under the band name Outrun the Voices. Naomi occasionally does livestreams on Instagram to interact with fans and play song requests.
Naomi has always been musically inclined, in fact, their mother says they began singing before they began talking. They started learning the piano at four years old, the violin at six, and the guitar at nine, which was when Naomi began to write songs.
At fifteen, Naomi made a YouTube channel and started posting their original music. At eighteen, they started to record their music at home. Their first album, Bedroom Records, was released in 2011.
Because Naomi has always recorded their music independently, you can hear development as the songs progress. You can hear the evolving singer, songwriter, producer, audio engineer, and even the evolving human behind the songs.
All albums are available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, BandCamp, and other mainstream platforms.
In 2016, Naomi founded the band Outrun the Voices. They played various shows around Vancouver, Canada, and Singapore, and even got to perform at a rooftop bar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. That was pretty sick. They disbanded in 2018 and Naomi returned to making everything independently, however they still force their old bassist to still do bass.
Naomi is known for being very honest in their music – possibly too honest. They write about things that are real: love, life, loss, and trauma. Self-reflection. Learning. They heal through their music. It's why a lot of their music is depressing. They tend to write when they're depressed. They're trying to write more happy songs. I promise.
A L B U M S
