néomí has released her debut album ‘somebody’s daughter’.
Produced by Will Knox, the album from singer-songwriter Neomi Speelman follows her journey through adolescence, young adulthood and newly found womanhood.
Speaking of her album, néomí said: “The reason why I wrote an album like ‘somebody’s daughter’ is because I often can’t find words to express myself in certain situations. Where feelings can be overpowering and take control because I felt them so deeply. It has been my therapy in times of despair and my joy when I truly needed happiness. I tried to be as honest as possible. I’m telling stories about letting go and forgiving a loved one after being convinced they would be in your life forever. It is about grief, grief for yourself, the old you who you are leaving behind. It includes anger, for the times I didn’t stand up for yourself when I should have. It was getting to know myself, and to do that is to go through the past and look back on certain situations and times. This record pulled me through so many things.
“On ‘somebody’s daughter’ I’ve been honest about things I wasn’t even honest about to my therapist. As such you can imagine I’m scared to death about letting people hear it. But most of all it feels like an emotional relief. I am letting go of these words for good, so I can move on to my next chapter.”
To celebrate the release, néomí shared with us 5 tracks that influenced ‘somebody’s daughter’.
Elliot Smith – Between Bars
When me and Will (producer) started with this record he asked if I saw the film ‘Good Will Hunting’ which I hadn’t. I went home to watch the film and it is one of the most stunning films I’ve seen. Elliot Smith wrote a lot of music for that film, or they used a lot of songs of his. Very inspiring. So that’s why that song comes up first to mind. What a film, and what an artist. I really enjoy when music and film come together as they are my favourite forms of art. So when the music fits the art that good, that’s lush.
The Japanese House – Boyhood
This record was released while we were working on ‘somebody’s daughter’ and we just enjoyed listening to it so much. We loved the sparkling production whilst still having something to tell with the lyrics and melodies.
Patrick Watson – Lighthouse
Just because he is a classic to me. I love the dreamy landscapes and the classical instruments. I hope I’ll never lose that.
Julia Jacklin – To Perth Before The Border Closes
I know it might feel like a mismatch but I hope it doesn’t that much. I love Julia Jacklin so much, and I just think she is very cool. Hopefully one day I can be cool as well like she owns her lyrics and songs. Maybe not an inspiration for our work but to me she certainly is.
Bon Iver – Holoscene
I’m not sure if my work is compatible with Bon Iver music but it’s just that; he inspires me always. Justin Vernon has this way of writing which feels like an end goal to me. In everything I do and create I wish I’ll come one step closer to being as real and heartfelt as his/their music. And maybe in a whole different way of course, the “neomi” way. But I hope one day I can give someone the same feeling they give me when I listen to Bon Iver music and seeing their live shows.
Discover the 5 tracks that influenced néomí ‘somebody’s daughter’ below:
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