Nia Wyn

Name, where are you from?
Nia Wyn, Llandudno, North Wales.

Describe your style in three words?
Retro, masc-sometimes-a-little-femme, streetwear.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Definitely watching Fleetwood Mac in 2019 in Wembley. Even better than I imagined it would be. Bucket list gig.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
If I’m going to bend the parameters of the question a bit, it would be a Soulquarian supergroup line-up, and Anderson .Paak as well. True musicianship!

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I think mod fashion and even some skinhead clothing have influenced how I dress. The jazz scene in the 1950s. I enjoy a good pair of sneakers, so I’d also go with hip-hop subculture too. Both hip-hop and jazz are at the root of neo-soul at the end of the day. Nowadays I feel more comfortable dressing more masculine, and the increasing visibility of queer and masc-presenting women in popular culture and everyday life has empowered me.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Bessie Smith. A blues legend and queer icon. She’d be fascinating to talk to over a tea.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I’ve seen Kehlani and Akala at KOKO in Camden over the years - beautiful venue and round the corner from one of the first places I lived in London. Hopefully, it reopens next year as planned.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Billie Holiday - she is a big influence on my singing style. She was a pioneer for jazz singers, and women in music. She lived a tough life and deserved better.

Growing up in a small town in North Wales, Nia Wyn found solace in old blues and soul records she found in junk shops. Nia has a talent for powerful socially conscious storytelling with her unorthodox vocal style.

You can catch Nia supporting Paul Weller on tour later this year, details on that and for all other news and updates visit linktr.ee/niawyn.