Lighting incense or a fresh candle in your sanctuary, sunrise on the beach, tiptoeing through light rain showers, a deep breath at sunset… Adia’s voice is smooth as shea butter and reminiscent of these pockets of peace. Composed of Neo-soul, Hip-hop, and R&B elements, Adia offers a fresh sound and experience as she floats on her tracks and dares you not to feel her. Formerly releasing music under the name NDO, Arkive’s featured vocalist has entered a new era as Adia [uh-dee-uh] after reflecting on her personal and creative growth during her career as an artist since entering the scene. “Also, funnily enough I was told by a few supporters that NDO in Igbo translates to “sorry” which I considered.” Adia is clearly conscious of and intentional about the meaning and presentation of her name and art. “The name I was born with, Adia, means ‘a gift,’ “she apprises.
New Era as Adia
NDO “served a beautiful purpose, but now it’s time to present myself, as myself.” Adia provides a deeper dive into this and shares boldly “In the past I have … hidden behind titles, and that’s something I am working on.” One of Adia’s main goals in her next chapter of creation and beyond is to come from behind [title’s] and stand firmly in front of all that she is creating. With her art and through her actions Adia aims to ensure her artistry is authentic and reflective of her truths. “With personal growth lately, taking on my name felt more… light… and right than hiding behind an alias or a stage name,” she notes coolly.
Symphonic mental respite fluent in her delivery, smooth yet bold, Adia’s music is a window to her soul. More than neo soul, transcending the experimental, Adia’s discography speaks for itself. Her early tracks like “LA,” “Somethin” (produced by Nu$e – one of Adia’s notable faves) and “Stay” introduce a soft, soulful essence that summons relaxation and welcomes elevation. Her collaboration with Donnie Freeman & Blanzino on “Better Off” highlights her skill of effortlessly and harmoniously eluding genre pigeonholes. Surfing waves of neo soul, funk, and electronic elements in her signature light and airy tone, Adia sculpts sound. On her soul-pop hit “One Night” Adia’s strong and soothing vocals invite you to feel, to move. She has created her own lane in music and continues to experiment and expand.
Balancing Art and Life
Being an independent artist requires dedication, true craftsmanship, time, and effort. Booked and busy, a working professional, and an artist lauded by many, how does Adia maintain her peace? “I consider myself to be a very self-aware person. I am able to [deep dive] and understand how I impact others and the flow of my life.” This consciousness is mirrored and fluidly expressed through her music. In terms of drawing inspiration as an artist – live performances are a staple in Adia’s creative process. “I am so big on live music, live performances. I LOVE going to see someone talented, and just be in their element… That is the most inspiring thing for me. Witnessing that in person.” Aside from getting her life live, like all great artists Adia pulls from personal life experiences to shape her perspective and infuse within her art. Breakups, issues we all experience with family and friends, and just the realities of everyday life are fuel for Adia’s creative fire.
As a creative mom from a musical family herself, it is no surprise when Adia shares that her daughter is following in her artistic footsteps. “My daughter enjoys singing, she is also very big into visual art.” Adia shared on influences of music present in her early childhood. Maybe she’s born with it? “Most of my family on my dad’s side know how to sing or play an instrument,” Adia explained. “Some play professionally.” Adia’s older brother works in music. A rapper and producer, he helped shape Adia’s music taste when she was younger. “I got a lot of my music knowledge from my brother. He put me on to so many talented artists.”
As soon as Adia became old enough, she was in the studio with her brother, singing on some of his songs. “That was my first real taste of recording music.” After her introduction to music, Adia went through a transition. “I had my daughter. She was a baby at the time.” Adia rediscovered her passion with newfound drive. “My daughter is my main motivation to be successful. If it weren’t for her, I don’t think I would be going as hard as I am. She motivates me to keep going.” On forging forward with her career and calling as an artist, Adia relates, “It was a time. I knew I loved music. I started by writing a song on my own and had a friend who was an artist and engineer – he helped me with a lot of my early stuff – we recorded… and after that it was a wrap! Besides singing, Adia says her daughter inspires her to find new ways to express herself. Her interests lately have included returning to playing instruments, expanding her skills in the production aspect of music, and exploring visual art. “I want to try it ALL,” Adia states in finality.
Visualizer shot by Kell Too Dope, Directed by Xandra Robyn
Her focus now? Branching out and innovating. Adia has always held deep appreciation for ambient music and intends to continue exploring new genres and experimenting with her craft. Another big goal of hers is to perform outside of Tampa on a larger scale. “Further than ATL… and eventually outside of the country,” Adia manifests. “My favorite piece I have created so far is my current project,” she shares with a laugh. She elaborates “Music, it’s not mine. I feel it, I create it, and when I let it go, it’s not for me anymore. So… my favorite piece is [usually] the one I’m currently working on. Adia just released her 2nd EP titled Stubborn Nature. “I put everything into this project and I’m so excited for everyone to experience it with me.”
Tampa raised Adia is Arkive’s neo-soul vocalist to add to your playlist and keep an eye out for all 2024 and beyond!
