Nisa, the project of New York-based singer-songwriter Nisa Lumaj, who already wowed us with her debut EP Guilt Trip just this past Spring, has returned with her new single, “St James Gate.” It’s taken from her second EP, Time To Plant Tears, which will be released on December 2nd.
The EP sees her once again working with collaborator and producer, Ronnie Di Simone, with the title taken from the final stanza of an Elizabeth Bishop poem called Sestina.
“St James Gate” is a noticeable evolution in Nisa’s sound – no surprise, as she has seemingly taken a new step forward with every new release. Sure, it’s one that does feature those familiar powerhouse vocals production. but this track is one that at a brisk 2-minutes doesn’t trade time for simplicity. There’s a shifting sonic sound and worldview here, packed with that 90s indie rock sound, but complemented by horns, shifting melodic sensibility that takes your expectations, turning them on their head, and leaves you alone to pick up the pieces and reflect in solitude.
When discussing the single, Nisa says:
I wrote “St. James Gate” after reading Sally Rooney’s Normal People and feeling deeply affected by the author’s descriptions of love in private spaces. The raging horn solo and blistering shouts over the final chorus are sobering reminders of the emotional claustrophobia of hiding.
Stay tuned for more about the EP soon and find “St James Gate” streaming now below, where we have also included the EP artwork and tracklist.
Time To Plant Tears EP tracklist:
- St James Gate
- Cold
- We’re In For It
- Optic Nerve
- The Savior 6. Unthinkable
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