This is SOUND ADVICE, a weekly destination for playlists curated by Interview’s friends, enemies, and lovers. Over the past few weeks, we’ve gathered playlists from Sasha Colby, Amaarae, and horsegiirL. This week’s edition is brought to you by Dutch-Caribbean songstress Naomi Sharon. Earlier this year, her sultry neo-soul sound caught the attention of none other than Drake, and she joined the rap magnate’s hyper-curated label, OVO Sound, as their first female artist. Last month, when she dropped her debut album Obsidian, a star was born. She’s like a new-age Sade, taking us on a transportive journey over thirteen tracks that touch on rebirth, spirituality, and nostalgia. The latter was the inspiration and title for the playlist she made us, and it’s a little behind-the-scenes on the songs that inspired the making of Obsidian—plus. she answered a nostalgic Q&A where she tells us about crying to Sting and her first jazz concert.
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Where do you dance? I’m not really a club going person but recently I’ve been dancing with Malou Linders and her team. They are awesome!
What’s on your bedroom playlist? Mostly campfire sounds, actually.
Bluetooth or wired headphones? Bluetooth.
Who do you trust most with the aux? My father.
What was your first concert? North Sea Jazz Kids.
Where’s the afters? Wherever the night takes us!
Name your favorite artist no one knows about: Eva Cassidy.
What song do you have on repeat? Q – “Today”
Favorite album cover of all time: Not an album but Erykah Badu – “Southern Gul”
What song on this playlist makes you cry? Sting – “Shape of My Heart”
Where’s the best place to listen to Obsidian? In the car, on the bed, and on the couch.
Dead or alive, who is your dream collaborator? Sting.
Sunglasses inside, yes or no? Yes.
Name a song that reminds you of your childhood: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
The world is ending, what are you wearing? Nothing.
What song is your guilty pleasure? I only do innocent pleasures.
Who’s the queen of R&B? Mary J. Blige