Dropping Out, Moving Up and Claiming Space: In Discussion With Pop Singer Niiasii
Though the public image of Niiasii, often wearing a pair of clear perspex platforms and standing in front of a violently pink greenscreen, conveys a sense of unerring confidence, there is a more sensitive side to the budding popstar. Nia Hayes (professionally known as “Niiasii”) is an eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter from the US, who rose to success on Tiktok following the virality of her original music, including her most popular 2020 single “I Wanna Get Out.” After making the decision to leave full-time education and pursue her music professionally, Nia released her latest album, “Exuviated,” in April of 2021.
Editor Caitlin Andrews had the lovely opportunity to ask Nia a few questions about her album “Exuviated,” the nature of having an alter-ego, and the kind of cultural legacy she would like to leave behind.
Caitlin Andrews: Hey Nia, lovely to meet you! How are you feeling? What’s new in life?
Nia Hayes: “Hey! It’s nice meeting you as well. Life has been pretty chaotic these past few weeks, but in the most beautiful way. I recently made the decision to leave my university to pursue music full time, and it was the most terrifying and exciting thing I’ve ever done in my life. As soon as I got back to my hometown, I put together my own open mic show to showcase talent in my area, as well as meet new creatives. I’m also working on a new EP and I think it’ll be the best project I’ve put out yet.”
CA: Can you tell us a little bit about your most recent 2021 release,“Exuviated”? Based on the Dictionary definition of the word “exuviation,” the term usually connotes the shedding of skin—was this album especially vulnerable or revealing for you to develop?
NH: “This album was a very vulnerable project for me to create. At the time I began writing it, I was starting my senior year of high school. I had gotten my first job, and I was beginning to get a taste of adulthood. Through the process of creating the project, I was also trying to decide what I wanted to do with my life, and it was such a hard time. I had so much on my plate, and the music was my therapy. I chose the title “Exuviated” because it was representative of what I felt. I was shedding out of the old Niiasii and becoming someone new.”
CA: Previously, you’ve stated that, “Niiasii is a representation of everything I’m scared to be in my daily life—Nia is scared, but Niiasii is fearless.” Over the course of your career, have any personality traits transferred from Niiasii to Nia, or vice versa? Do you think knowing that you have a music career has made you more confident as a person?
NH: “I’ve always been a pretty shy person. I’m usually the type of person who has to get my friends to order my food because sometimes I get too anxious! I would say that traits from “Niiasii” have definitely transferred to “Nia.” I turn into Niiasii when I have to perform, record, or shoot music videos. Niiasii is bold, outgoing, and not afraid of anything, whereas “Nia" tends to be much more shy. But when I step onto a stage and turn “Niiasii” on, I’m free from fear. Knowing that I’m capable of that definitely makes me a more confident person.”
CA: As someone who’s been outspoken about their decision to quit college and pursue a full-time music career, would you advise other budding artists to do the same? Do you ever worry about the instability of the industry, or is the music itself enough to push through the hard times?
NH: “I could never advise someone to just drop out of school, because that's not my choice to make for them. However, I do believe that if you have a dream, and you know what you want out of this life, never let anyone stop you from chasing it. We only get one chance here, so don’t waste it on what you think is “safe” or what will make others happy. Your life is your own, so you should live it as such. Your gifts will always make room for you.”
CA: In the context of your love for Prince and the existence of your own alter-ego, what are your thoughts on the concept of separating art from the artist? As a budding artist yourself, does the notion of “cancel culture” and the quickly changing cultural expectations concern you in any way?
NH: “Separating the art from the artist is kind of a tricky subject. It honestly varies depending on the person. Some people create things that are a direct reflection of themselves and others don’t. So it really just depends. I can’t say that “cancel culture” scares me because things are constantly changing. I know who I am and what I stand for. If other people can’t get down with that, it’s okay. No love lost. I just hope that people understand that I am human and not perfect. I am constantly evolving and learning, just like everyone else.”
CA: If you were to become famous for your music, how do you think that would affect your life and potentially your character? What element of fame motivates you towards seeking it?
NH: “Fame from my music would change my life’s circumstances, but I don’t think it would change my character. I am who I am and no amount of money, fame, or notoriety could compromise my morals or integrity. Truthfully, one of the biggest reasons why I got into music (besides my love and passion for the art) was because I want to one day start a farm where I could provide affordable HEALTHY plant-based food to people in areas who don’t have access. Not only that, but I overall just want to give back to my community. I’ve been blessed with a great 18 years of living, and granted privileges that not everybody has, including housing, food and clean water, so I’d like to be able to help on a large scale.”
CA: You’ve previously spoken casually about your dif iculty finding fellow POC female musicians in your area—do you feel underrepresented as a Black woman in a predominantly White music industry? Do you think social media has helped or hindered women of colour in relation to being exposed to wider audiences?
NH: “It has been a struggle finding other POC female musicians in my area, but I know they’re out there lol. In a lot of ways, I do feel underrepresented in the industry. The entertainment industry can be a very unfair place, to say the least, and I understand how it works. So I’m going to be the change I want to see. I want to show other Black girls that they are just as capable as anyone else. They can’t deny us. Social media has definitely helped WOC be exposed to wider audiences. It has helped me for sure because we can kind of create our own rules on our own pages.”
CA: What would you like the world to know about Niiasii or Nia? Is there a certain legacy you’d like to leave behind?
NH: “I’d just like the world to just know my story. I’m putting all that I have into my dreams. This hasn’t been easy but I feel so fulfilled in knowing that I’m pursuing this journey. I want the legacy I leave behind to just inspire others to chase their dreams, to be selfless, and to love everyone.”
CA: Are there any plans to release some new tracks in 2022? What are your goals for the year?
NH: “I’m actually planning to drop a new EP with visuals this summer! It’s gonna be super dope. I’ve been writing and really taking my time on this project. I’m also going to be doing a lot of shows in the Virginia area, as well as headlining my own concert. The details for all of that will be coming out soon.”
CA: Where can our friendly Periphery readers find you?
NH: “I can be found on Instagram and YouTube @Niiasii. My music is on all streaming platforms as well. I do mini concerts on my Instagram live from time to time, so be sure to tune in to get to know me on a more intimate level. Thanks again for this awesome opportunity.”
Periphery Magazine thanks Niiasii for her contribution, and wishes her luck with future releases! You can find her on social media and streaming platforms here: