The singer is gearing up to release her debut album, and we want to get you ahead of the curve.
Nilu’s impassioned vocals are destined to captivate larger audiences and propel her to new singer-songwriting heights. The Orange County-based Iranian-American musician has given just a hint of her talent in solo work; collaborations with EDM’s Singularity and live performances, including playing for the Dalai Lama when His Holiness celebrated his 80th birthday arena-style at the Honda Center in Anaheim. But a methodically produced full-length debut album nearing release this year will give a greater sense of the fullness of her musical being. Stay ahead of the curve with these 10 things should know about Nilu!
She Could Have Been a Chemist
Before spending hours in the studio perfecting songs, Nilu studied away in labs. She majored in Chemistry while an undergrad at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “I was moving into chemical engineering right before I said, ‘Oops never mind’ and switched to music,’” Nilu laughs. Even though she’s busy these days creating a different kind of chemistry with music, Nilu doesn’t rule out a return to the subject. “I’d love to get a master's in Organic Chemistry one day,” she says. Smarty pants!
Young The Giant Helped Her Go Viral
Nilu burst on the scene four years ago with “Sing For You,” her first video. Originally from Irvine, CA, she came back home to record the tune and got a big assist from fellow Irvine musicians Young The Giant. The band shared the video on their social media helping it go viral. “They've been great friends,” Nilu says. “They’re awesome guys and I'm so happy to see them succeed.”
She Covered "How to Save a Life" for ‘Grey’s Anatomy‘
“My publishing label asked if I'd be interested in making a 'Nilu' version of that song by the Fray for the season finale last year,” the singer says. “I've always loved that song and thankfully, it worked out. That was the first time I watched TV in, like, a year!”
She’s Working With Randy Jackson in the Studio
The musician spent the better part of last year working diligently on songs at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles. Her talent has a powerful ally in Grammy-award winner Randy Jackson. “He hears things that most people don't and gives me the creative freedom I need,” Nilu says. “He's also great at keeping me focused when I get too in my head and start over thinking things, which happens a lot.”
Her Full-Length Will be Similar to Her EP, But With Some Twists and Turns
Speaking of Nilu’s new album to come, she does reveal some things about it. “Sonically, it's in the same family as my EP, Dichotomy, but there are a few twists and songwriting turns,” she says. For those who missed it, Dichotomy rode along art rock arrangements with Nilu handling piano and guitar. The instruments anchor her new work. The twists and turns? Keep on reading…
Iran Helped Inspire Her New Album
The musician came back from Iran with new inspiration. “We were pretty much done with this album but the trips completely re-inspired me,” Nilu says. “I ended up bringing a few instruments back to the US of A, so there are hints of Persian percussion on a few tracks that my daf (Persian frame drum) teacher, Erfan, played.”
Rumi and Her Sister Inspire Her Lyrically
Nilu’s mesmerizing vocals are one thing, but the words she sings are another. Lyrics don’t come easy to her, though. “I feel I have all these ideas in my brain and articulating them just the way I want is tough,” Nilu admits. She looks to poets to help her write songs that inscribe themselves on fans’ hearts. “Rumi is a favorite,” she says. “So is my sister, Yasmin. She's the best writer I know.”
Her Playlist Rarely Changes
“My friends always make fun of me for this, because I listen to, like, the same 5 artists everyday and should branch out,” Nilu admits. She’s got Radiohead, The Roots, My Brightest Diamond, James Blake, Bjork and Erykah Badu on Spotify rotation. “Okay, I lied, six,” she says. These days, Nilu’s branching out a little bit by listening to Beach House and St. Vincent. And what pianist doesn’t love classical music? Nilu always has time for Chopin, Bach, Beethoven, Philip Glass and her favorite, Debussy.
She Likes Video Games…A Lot
When Nilu isn’t playing, recording, listening to or even thinking about music, she has plenty of activities to keep her busy. Randy Jackson turned her on to yoga. Family and friend time is very important in the hectic mix of a musician’s life, too. But Nilu really loves playing video games. “Sometimes they start taking over my life so I'm like trying to get better about that,” she admits. Challenge her to a game of Super Smash Bros and chances are she’ll rack you up!
