Hear Today Records / NA-vi-IM-be

NA-vi-IM-be

I know Naim. Very well. Too well. I spent a memorable year living with him in a filthy house in Brighton making stoner rap. He moved back to his native Copenhagen and started making soulful electronic pop music. You may have heard him on a TM Juke album or singing a hook on an obscure UK rap album but you probably don't know that he has an amazing album out right now called Balloon Pop, he's going to be in London for a one night only special show at the Vibe Bar in Brick Lane on Saturday the 15th of May, and he used to have a really big Afro. I decided to catch up with him in his favourite local Internets for a quick chat:

HT: So I know you like a brother but not everyone reading this does, so just let everyone know who you are and where you are.

Naim: I'm an artist, I'm in Copenhagen, Denmark and I make music - right now I'm in the process of promoting my debut album "Balloon Pop" and I've also begun work on my follow up solo album.

HT: You mention Balloon Pop; I know it's been out in Denmark for a while now but what about us poor sods in the UK? Can people cop a CD of it?

Naim: It's out there on various digital platforms, Juno etc. But it's not on iTunes or out in a physical format in the UK yet, only in Denmark.

HT: Well I hope someone gets the CD out here at some point, until then people should just grab the digital version. If someone does go on into their local Internet and buy the album what can they expect?

Naim: I put a lot of work into forming the album as a whole - from start to finish - so as it stands I couldn't take out one track without it disturbing the whole balance. That has been very important to me throughout the whole process, to create a solid album. That's what people can expect; a solid album - not just an alright single, a less alright single and then 9 fillers...

HT: Damn skippy, that's what I get from the album as well. Despite it being all brap and no crap there must be one tune that means the most to you, what is it?

Naim: Hmmmmmmm, that's a hard one - I think "I Was You", the end track on the album. Lyrics wise, it's the sort of theme I live by, or quite often remind myself of. It's all about learning and developing as a person - and not to criticize your every move, but more to go with the flow. I'd like to get to a point where I'm completely satisfied and accept myself as a whole, flaws and everything - and just go and explore and live it out!

HT: Word.

Naim: God, that last bit sounded awful.

HT: Nah, it sounds very Naim. Don't worry.

Naim: Explore your full potential!!! Go to Naim.com and see what YOU can do!!!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!!!!! But I'm also a bit boring, I like to drink also, and throw balls at people, yes…That's me! Give me a ball and I'll throw it out there man!

HT: Indeed. We're about halfway through so keep focussed.

Naim: Is the interview half done or half not done?? I don't know! I'm just a ball thrower! What do I know!!

HT: Quite. Speaking of balls, do you throw any balls around when you play live? With your upcoming show at the Vibe Bar in London's not-so-trendy Brick Lane, what can the clamouring, plimsoll clad masses expect from a Naim show? Balls?

Naim: The main thing for me is to connect with the audience - I suppose that involves some balls, I don't know, but something happens when I'm on stage - It's as if everything is allowed. Like holding someone's hand all of the sudden or caressing someone's head you know? Anyway, lots of energy and I also like to make little jokes with my face. Not to forget, I have The Amazing Drummer Machine with me - he also sings like an angel - but he beats the crap out of the drum kit, he's a bad boy!

HT: I'm already a bit aroused to be honest. Are you looking forward to showering down London with your voice and music?

Naim: YES!! So fucking much man, can't wait - I'm psyched!

HT: That's what I like to hear. We need you here more though. Who can people get in touch with if they want to bring Naim over to the UK?

Naim: Promoters should get in touch with me directly! I'm soooo up for playing the UK a lot more!!

HT: You heard it promoters, get on the blower, the Internet, Carrier Pigeon, whatever! Just holla at ya boy, and with the future in mind, what's next? New album? New projects?

Naim: Yeah, I've just started working on a second solo album and a little side dish, an EP of minimal house'ish style that should be ready this August! A little chillness pleaser for the day after the night before when you had a bit too much to drink, but you also need something to remind you of how great it was the night before.

HT: Well as long it's not trip-hop I'm cool with it. One of your side projects that has been getting love from the HT fam is a little slice of lunacy called Smell Your Bacon, what's the story behind that?

Naim: Smell Your Bacon is out as a single in Denmark, for now. It's a side project I'm on with Danish producer/singer/song writer - Frederik Thaae, he also goes under the name A Kid Hereafter...

HT: Cheers for clearing that up. Like many people who make music, you also listen to music as well, so what have you been listening to recently?

Naim: To be honest I listen to a lot of my own stuff, but I also make time to listen to Ariel Pink, Rinse FM and Adam Buxton's Big Mix Tape on BBC 6 every week.

HT: Can't fuck with Rinse and the Buxton for sure. Well cheers for taking the time out of your busy child rearing and marriage schedule to chat to HT. Any parting shots for the readers (yes, both of them)?

Naim: Stay true to yourself others and make sure you touch someone's face at least once a day. Thanks for having me on the Hear Today Show; it's been an utter pleasure!

So there you have it, wise words from Naim. Make sure you come down to the Vibe Bar on Saturday the 15th of May, it's 4 quid to get in and you get the full Naim live show, support from Hear Today's own Rupert Rappingfluff and a whole host of DJ's and booze and things. If you don't come to the show make sure you pick up Balloon Pop in any format you can. It's very good. Trust me.

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Posted by rup on 05/12 at 02:24 PM