Nilüfer Yanya, London’s 22 year-old “effortlessly smooth new soul star” (The FADER) today releases her new single ‘Thanks 4 Nothing’, on ATO Records via [PIAS], which she premiered last night on Huw Stephens’ Radio 1 show.
‘Thanks 4 Nothing’ is Nilüfer’s first single of 2018, and follows last year’s releases ‘Baby Luv’ (#18 in Pitchfork’s 100 Best Songs of 2017) and ‘Golden Cage’ (#64 in the same list). Detailing the darker thoughts surrounding a break up, ‘Thanks 4 Nothing’ is a poignant look at a crumbling relationship that can’t be fixed: ‘I won’t even try in case it don’t work/I hate you and I hate this’.
Speaking of the track, Nilüfer explained ‘Thanks 4 Nothing’ is about “drawing a final line under something that should have ended a long time ago. The song shows you can be bitter and grateful about it at the same time”.
The video was directed by new creative duo ENERGYFORCE, who helped Nilüfer realise her vision of recreating a cult, existing within the aesthetic of a classic cult film. Nilufer explains “We wanted to make the Handmaid’s Tale meets Pulp Fiction. It carries a strong outdated 70s vibe with occult twists where nothing really goes according to plan and nothing really happens. This echoes both the current political climate and the inner failings of a relationship, both cult like in their own way and blindly following one another. Shot on 16mm film for that cinematic effect”
2018 is looking bright for Nilüfer Yanya after landing a spot on the BBC’s annual Sound Of poll longlist, continuing a stellar 2017 in which she enjoyed extensive support from both mainstream and independent music, culture and fashion publications such as Pitchfork, The FADER and The New York Times, plus a host of DJs at BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music (where Nilüfer hit the C List with ‘Baby Luv’) and BBC Introducing in London. A further slew of tips lists, including DIY’s Class Of and The FADER’s British Artists To Watch, as well as The Sunday Times’, GQ’s and Dork’s, firmly established Nilüfer as one of the most promising British songwriters and guitarists of her generation, and an in-demand new talent for this year.
