Catching up with Eora/Sydney artist NORA about her new break up anthem ‘DAMN!’
Rising indie pop artist NORA is set to captivate music lovers once again with her electrifying new single, 'DAMN!'. This infectious track, born during the pandemic lockdown, showcases NORA's evolution as an artist and her ability to infuse soulful, funk-inspired elements into her signature pop sound.
Originally conceived in the confines of her bedroom during lockdown, 'DAMN!' underwent a remarkable transformation that took it from an electro indie pop vibe to a groovy, soulful anthem that's impossible to resist. NORA's journey with the song led her to experiment with her band during live performances, where they discovered the perfect groove, infusing the track with elements of funk and soul. The audience's reaction was electric, confirming that 'DAMN!' was destined for greatness.
Embracing the song's transformation, NORA and her band headed to Church St Studios in Camperdown, where they collaborated with renowned producer and engineer Luca Dimakopolous. Over two intense days, they breathed life into 'DAMN!' in the studio, capturing the essence of the song's message.
'DAMN!' delves into the rollercoaster of emotions one experiences when blindsided by a breakup – the shock, sadness, and anger. Yet, it's also an empowering anthem that radiates "fuck you" energy, celebrating the journey of moving on and becoming stronger independently.
Speaking about the track, NORA shares, "To me, DAMN! is an expression of finding your groove again after a break-up. The song explores the process of shock and grief but is also an empowering, 'fuck you' anthem for everyone who has had their heart broken unexpectedly when they deserved so much better."
NORA, hailing from Gadigal Land in Sydney, has been making waves in the indie pop scene with her catchy melodies and honest lyricism. Following the success of her 2021 single 'Don't Make Me Found' and her 2023 release 'Nicotine,' NORA has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the Sydney Pop Scene. 'DAMN!' encapsulates everything central to NORA's sound – irresistible melodies, effervescent personality, and a keen ability to blend lyrical depth with expert production to create music that exudes pure fun.
We caught up with NORA for a quick chat about her new single!
NORA, Your latest single ‘DAMN!” has a captivating blend of soulful and funk-inspired elements. Can you share the story behind how the song evolved from it’s original concept during lockdown?
So I wrote DAMN! in the 2021 lockdown at home and worked with Chelsea Warner over zoom to create a Dua Lipa inspired electro pop demo for the song. I had envisioned lots of synths and a groovy bass line for the track, within that Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia kinda of sound. I brought the song to my band at the end of 2022 and when we jammed it the bass line really inspired us to create something a bit more funk/soul inspired. I’m so lucky to have some incredible musicians in my band and they just took the song to a whole other level. After some very positive reviews of the song from our live performances we decided to get in the studio and record and thats how you hear the song today.
The transformation of “DAMN!” was a collaborative process with your band. How does your creative synergy with the band contribute to the unique sound of your music?
I do most of my writing by myself or with a producer which really suited the earlier style of my electro pop sound but since forming my band for gigs and it’s really breathed new life into my music. I take all my songs to the band to be workshopped and see how each of their skill sets can add something to the track, which I think has taken my sound to a whole new level.
“DAMN!” seems to convey a range of emotions tied to a breakup. Could you elaborate on the inspiration behind the lyrics and the message you want listeners to take away from the song?
I wrote DAMN! about a breakup that takes you by surprise and I really wanted the listener to experience the rollercoaster of emotions that you go through during the song. The song starts in the initial state of loved up obliviousness, before alarm bells start ringing that something is wrong. The songs moves through stages of shock, sadness, self-loathing, anger but all with a degree of melodrama and sarcasm that alludes to the realisation that actually you deserve better. I think the take away for the song is that if someone’s going to treat you like that, don’t let them bring you down, you’re better off without that negative energy in your life.
The live audience’s reaction to “DAMN!” played a role in shaping it’s final form. Can you share a memorable moments or experience from one of these live performances that influenced the song’s direction?
One of the major ways in which the live performances of ‘DAMN!’ have influenced the song is the inclusion of the instrumental and final chorus which wasn’t originally in there. The first time we performed it we got such a great reaction we decided to just keep extending, at one stage we had several different instrumental solos and 2 extra chorus’ at the end! We did rein it in a little for the studio version but really the end of the song was one big jam section for us which is just so fun to perform live and hopefully comes through in the recording too.
Working with producer Luca Dimakopolous at Church St Studios must have been an exciting experience. What did he bring the table that enhanced the recording process of the single?
I’m actually in the band ‘North of Quasi’ with Luca so we already have a great working relationship for bouncing ideas off each other which made the experience even better. Church St is an incredible space to work in and Luca is an amazing producer, the song definitely sounds as clean and vibrant as it does because of him. One of my favourite additions Luca made was he found some chimes at the studio and that sparkle you can hear at various moments throughout the song, my favourite being the 2nd pre chorus.
Can you describe your songwriting process? Are there any rituals or routines you follow when creating your music?
I’m very much a "when the inspiration hits me, go, go, go” sort of songwriter. I’ll regularly pull over while driving or whip out my phone at a social event to record a song idea and then as soon as I can I will sit down to elaborate on it and get out a full song. I wouldn’t say I have any rituals as such but I’m a big one for going for a run or swim if I ever get writers block, something about clearing your head outside always helps me get back on track.
“DAMN!” exudes empowerment and resilience. How important is it for you to infuse your music with messages of strength and personal growth?
I definitely wouldn’t say that every song I’ve written has messages of personal growth in them, although that is something I love about DAMN!, the fact that is both a sad song and yet is fun and empowering. I think rather my main aim in writing a song is to share emotions and experiences that the listener can connect with and experience along side me. While in the case of DAMN! those experiences are resilient and empowering, sometimes I think it’s just as valid to have song where the take away message or feeling is one of loss and melancholy.
Are there any other artists or genres that have influenced your musical style and the direction you’ve taken with your music?
It’s so hard to pick just a few artists who influence me because I listen really broadly and love all kinds of music. Specific to my new Funk/Soul Pop trajectory though I have been listening to artists such as Misterwives, Sammy Rae & The Friends, SKYLAR, Jungle, Lizzo and of course Dua Lipa. I also love listening to other local Australian artists, if you’re a fan of DAMN! I would really recommend Lady King, RISSA, Thunder Fox, Miramar and Melita to name a few.
What’s on the horizon for NORA? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited to share with your fans?
The next big thing for me is my headline at The Alley on the 10th of November! I’m so excited to get back in front of an audience after a couple months of gigging and can’t wait to perform DAMN! again with everyone singing along this time hopefully! In terms of other new music, there is definitely some in the pipeline so keep your eyes on my socials.
Upcoming Gigs:
7/10/23 - Bridge Hotel - supporting Vinyl 45
10/11/23 - Headline single release for DAMN! at the Alley - Supports TBA
Follow NORA on social media to stay updated on her musical journey
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/norasounds/