Written By: Sammy Approved @thecnsamuel

Multifaceted artist Neila shares how her dynamic journey and authenticity has allowed her to thrive in an oversaturated music market. The talented rising star wears several hats as a singer, songwriter and recording artist. While some might label her an R&B singer and others may call her Pop, she prefers “R&POP.”

The gifted singer debuted her latest single, “Receipts” in April 2024. She released her last project Bite Me, Bitch in 2023, which features her hit single, “Impatient” with Capella Grey.

Neila, which is alien spelled backwards, aims for “world domination.” The South Florida artist continues to break barriers by building an unstoppable brand that feels authentic to who she is. Neila credits her authenticity to what, “keeps [her] brand alive.”

More recently, she landed a huge campaign with designer fragrance brand Mugler’s “Alien Hypersense,” which perfectly coincides with the brand she’s been building over the years.

When asked about the collaboration, she notes that, “It honestly fell in my lap. Perfect alignment.”

Despite her stage name’s foundation, the otherworldly songstress hails from planet Earth -- South Florida to be exact. Neila pays homage to her Jamaican and Bajan heritage as a first generation American, who was immersed in rich culture. Her style, cadence, and charisma oozes with the ethos of her Caribbean roots.

Neila has perfectly carved out a lane for herself, but she also has a “melting pot” of influences that she has studied over the years.

“I got into The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Queen when I was very young, like in middle

school,” Neila shared of her inspirations. “Their freedom of expression and their

seemingly lack of desire to blend in have always inspired me.”

She goes on to share that her influences expanded to artists like Pharrell Williams,

Missy Elliott and Tyler, the Creator, who have been “consistent sources of inspiration

musically, fashion-wise and artistically.”

When admiring Neila’s artistry, fans can’t deny the consistency and how she stretches

herself creatively to build a strong aesthetic and name for herself. The green hair, over-

the-top editorial looks, and originality speaks for itself.

“Blending music with fashion and aligning my art with a storyline are very important to

me,” Neila said of her mission through art and storytelling.

Neila attributes her knack for branding and creating a name for herself to attending college for music business. The singer made sure that she got her money’s worth for her degree and has been putting it to use ever since.

“I soaked up everything I could from those classes and applied it to myself and my brand,” she shared. “I study artists who’s branding really makes an impact. Everything connects and tells a bigger story.”

She also credits her stellar planning and organizational skills as the two keys to her success so far.

“I'm a huge planner! I can't stress that enough. Organization is key,” Neila shared.

The journey has not been short and sweet. Fans may see a flourishing brand now, but Neila has been working independently for years to make her dreams a reality. As a journalist and media personality, I have personally witnessed her evolution.

“Over the years, as I've discovered more and more about myself, I've incorporated it into my artistry,” Neila shares of her evolution. “I don't take ‘breaks’ from making music. I just keep going. I have hundreds of demos that may never be heard, but that consistency has made me a better songwriter, singer, and visual artist.”

This journey wasn’t short of insecurities and what some may consider “L’s,” but Neila explains why this made her a better songwriter and overall, a great recording artist.

“I used to be insecure about my writing ability when I first started making music,” Neila revealed. “At the beginning, I didn't have anyone to help me. So, out of necessity, I wrote and wrote. Now, I would consider myself a writer – it's one of my favorite things to do.”

She goes on to add how her online presence may appear to look effortless, but it hasn’t been a walk in the park. Neila works tirelessly to thrive as an artist and human being. She has recently been more candid online about the struggles that come with pursuing her dreams.

“I grind hard, the tears flow, the doubts creep in. All normal stuff,” Neila revealed. “I just wanted to be more transparent. People keep asking what label I'm signed to, and I gotta

be clear: my team and I are doing this all ourselves. Just imagine what we can achieve with a major label behind us!”

Neila expresses that her authenticity is how she’s been able to thrive and innovate in an oversaturated industry, where music is infinite. As a spiritual and multidimensional artist, she explains that with “Pluto in Aquarius, it’s time to forget the inauthentic, façade nonsense and just be yourself.”

As an intentional artist, she credits the universe for gifting her with ideas in her music and campaigns.

“I'm constantly receptive, so creative sparks or entire songs often just download into my head,” Neila revealed. “From there, I follow that creative current.”

In terms of her creative process, like many artists, she lives for a mood board.

“Pinterest is my go-to, and recently I've been using Canva to create decks as well,” Neila adds. “Sometimes, I'll even sketch ideas in my journal. I'm a big planner – the more I plan, the smoother the execution, organization, and release of my art into the world.”

With the rapid technological changes, she also urges artists to stay on top of technology if they want to thrive in the ever-changing market.

“Innovation and technology are going to be huge for the next 20 years,” she shared. “Get used to AI and use it to your advantage.”

Neila aims to take over the world with her music and beyond. She hopes to one day partner with a major label and continue studying her favorites like Tyler, The Weeknd, Travis Scott, and Kanye, who have been able to market their projects with the majors.

“The details, the way everything connects and leads back to the music and message,” Neila shares of their marketing strategies. “It's incredible.”

She also uses Beyoncé as another example of “top-notch marketing and storytelling.”

“Of course, I'm independent right now, so I can't pull off a Beyoncé or Weeknd budget,” Neila shared. “But I do what I can at the creative level the artist I mentioned do it and I'm lucky to work with some incredible creatives. Having a team that understands and believes in you as an artist is crucial.”

Neila’s team extends beyond her music and goes on to her support including family, friends and her spiritual team: God.

“Being supported helps you to keep going and stay focused,” Neila shared with love and gratitude.

Beyond the music, Neila aspires to thrive in her personal life through “peaceful relaxation.” She prioritizes time with family to recharge her soul. When she’s not creating music, she’s hitting the trails or soaking up some sun by the water like a true Caribbean queen.

“Nature’s my happy place,” Neila shared. “That's where I truly thrive.”

Neila also shared helpful tools and resources that allow her to restore balance and continue to thrive in and out of her career. She credits exercise, her spiritual routine and high-vibrational literature to maintaining her overall well-being.

“My mornings and nights are structured around a spiritual routine. Before checking my phone, I prioritize prayer, affirmations, meditation, and visualization,” Neila shared. “I’m an avid reader, particularly drawn to spiritual and self-help books. Sometimes I revisit the same book multiple times, finding new meaning at different stages in my life. Consuming high-vibrational literature and positive affirmations nourishes my mind and counterbalances the negativity that can permeate social media.”

For new listeners, Neila welcomes you with open arms. She believes her music community is made for “free thinkers.”

“I strive to create anthems that inspire listeners to feel confident and capable of achieving anything they set their minds to,” Neila offered.

Neila is most excited for new listeners to discover her music and she hopes to make them all fans.

“I dream of millions around the globe connecting with it [music],” Neila shared. “I'm incredibly grateful for my current fanbase, the 'Invaders,' and I'm ready to use my music to uplift and heal even more people. Philanthropy is another huge passion, and I can't wait to expand my efforts in that area. World-renowned artist, fashion icon, philanthropist – that's the vision!”

To continue to support Neila, be sure to share her music, add your favorites to your playlists and spread the word to your family and friends that your new favorite indie artist is an alien from outer space.

“Every little bit helps this dream come true,” Neila concludes our interview. Be sure to stream and purchase Neila’s latest single, “Receipts” here.

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