NJOMZA SAYS SONGWRITING IS CRUCIAL TO HER HEALING PROCESS
Songwriters don’t get enough credit for their contribution to the music industry, but that is slowly changing. Njomza has been in the game for over a decade and is quickly making a name for herself from working with some of the biggest names in the industry. I got the chance to catch up with her about her writing process, new music and much more.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
How did you get your start in the music industry? Tell us your story.
I’ve been writing songs and singing for as long as I can remember. I always knew I wanted to be involved in the music industry. I started a band at 14 years old and after a couple years I moved on from that and decided to do covers of songs I loved and upload them onto YouTube. One of the first covers I put out was of a song called “I’ll be there” by Mac Miller. He saw the cover and we got in contact shortly after and gave me my first record deal to put out my EP “Sad For You“. The rest is history!
What was it like growing up in Germany and Chicago? How does your Albanian-Kosovar heritage influence your music sonically?
I was born in Germany and shortly after moved to the states. I grew up in a suburb outside of the city but Chicago has my heart. There was tons of inspiration all around me growing up there. I spent my summers going back to Kosovo. Albanian culture is ingrained in me. From the traditional music to the modern music – all of it still inspires me to this day. I’m really hoping to one day release a song in Albanian.
Top – Jacquemus
Belt – Escada
Shoes – Jonak Paris
Necklace – Tercero
Ring – Aslan
Ring – Panconesi
Earrings – Lag World
At only 20 years old you signed to the late Mac Miller’s label. Take us back to this time and talk about what you learned from this experience.
He took me under his wing when I was 17 years old. I was a huge fan so meeting him felt surreal at the time. I sent him every demo I recorded for feedback and that was the start of our songwriting journey. We worked really well together and I learned so much just from being in the studio with him. It was such a blessing to have him support me and its something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in music, from Ariana Grande and Ari Lennox to name a few. Who would you like to work with next?
There are so many artists I would love to work with but to name one… Rihanna! We’re all waiting on that new album haha. She has always been an inspiration to me and I would die if I ever got the chance to work with her.
Last year you released your project “Stages” which features 7 songs. Talk to us about the process of creating it and your current favorite song on this album.
I was going through a break up (what’s new haha) and it was the only thing getting me through at the time. Writing the songs and getting my feelings out was crucial to my healing process. I was sad, angry, petty, and everything in between. I think you can hear it in the songs. My favorite is “Over You”. That song is so special to me. I feel like it captures the feeling of loving and losing someone perfectly.
Top – Jacquemus
Belt – Escada
Shoes – Jonak Paris
Necklace – Tercero
Ring – Aslan
Ring – Panconesi
Earrings – Lag World
You’re currently working on your next project that will be released soon. What can you share with us about it?
I have an ungodly amount of music waiting to be released. I can’t share too much just yet but I am so eager to get it all out into the world.
How do you balance creating music for yourself and deciding which songs you give to other artists as a songwriter?
I know when a song is a Njomza song. It’s just a feeling. When I’m writing for other artists I’m usually working with them directly and I get to channel whatever they are going through to help create something specific to them.
Top – Jacquemus
Belt – Escada
Shoes – Jonak Paris
Necklace – Tercero
Ring – Aslan
Ring – Panconesi
Earrings – Lag World
What are your top 3 must have beauty items for summer?
Brown lip liner, lip-gloss, and sunscreen!
What are some of your favorite things to do in LA?
The food here is amazing. So I would say going out to eat is one of my favorite things to do. Also just being outside! hiking, going to the beach, or laying by a pool. I’m trying to soak up the summer as much as I can.
Where can supporters catch you performing live this year?
Live performances are still in the works and I can’t share too much yet! I’m really excited to get back on stage though. Keep up with me on Instagram for updates on music and shows. There is a lot more to come.
Outside of your new album release, what else do you have planned for the remainder of 2024?
I want to get more tapped in to fashion. I love experimenting with my style and finding new brands, so I hope to connect more with designers in the future. Outside of work, I’d love to travel some more before the end of year.
Top – Jacquemus
Belt – Escada
Shoes – Jonak Paris
Necklace – Tercero
Ring – Aslan
Ring – Panconesi
Earrings – Lag World
TEAM CREDITS:
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: StillVika (@stillvika)
Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist: Arianna Blean (@ariannachayleneblean)
Wardrobe Stylist: Elizabeth Margulis (@bighairbigcity)
Public Relations: TATA PR Los Angeles (@tata__la)
