The power of collaboration and artistic connection emanates throughout Between Two Worlds, a new album from London-based artist Nelda. “For this album I interviewed foreign songwriters, who currently live in London and co-wrote a song with each, using the themes discovered,” Nelda explains. The researched concept pairs with soulfully melodic songwriting, melding with themes focusing on the experience of one leaving their own country and starting anew.
As Nelda further elaborates: “The intention of the music and lyrics is to take a listener on a journey of leaving home and then arriving, living and settling in a new country and to make him or her feel like travelling through the various emotions and themes of importance that arise.”
Starting aptly with a depiction of departing home, “Everything Is Scary” was written with Italian artist Viola Ugolini. “I move to another world,” the fervent vocals let out. “Where faces have no names.” A sense of daunting prospects is conveyed in the title-touting refrain, though also acknowledging a desire to move away from boredom and into a new invigoration. “Heartache” continues the themes of starting anew, written with Bangladeshi artist Hasib Sunny. Jazzy pit-pattering percussion and swelling electric guitars resonate into the “wipe up the tears,” multi-layered vocal catharsis; it’s a standout track on an album full of many.
The closing tracks capture a sense of finality and belonging, ranging from the themes of togetherness on “Not a Stranger” to the brass-touched finale “No Place Like Home,” written with Nigerian artist Tunday Akintan and capturing the beauty and comforts of feeling at home, wherever that may be. Between Two Worlds is a successful conceptual achievement from Nelda and these talented array of guest songwriters.
“Everything Is Scary” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Soul.
