soudvsystem x Nieri

Dance-pop artist Nieri has unleashed his new EP Flow State. The 9-track release is a journey into the multi-hyphenate’s inner world. From finding inner peace (“Where Would You Drive?”) to owning his vulnerability (“Every Feeling”), Flow State encompasses ideas of personal growth and resilience. Working with producer Joakim Buddee, the LA-based songwriter, producer, director, singer, and dancer (we told you!) creates a seamless project from start to finish. Pulling from genres such as dance/electro-pop and nu-disco, Nieri’s Flow State is all bangers.

We asked Nieri to curate a playlist of the songs that influenced Flow State. Read our Q&A with Nieri and learn more about his picks. Scroll down to listen to the full playlist.

Congrats on your new EP Flow State! How would you describe your artistic development up to this point?

Thank you! Flow State was a little bit of a turning point for me. I always used songwriting as a form of therapy. I went into the writing process with life experiences that I wanted to share, or at least get out of my chest. Throughout, I realized that, for me, being open and vulnerable allows for the best songwriting.

Sonically, it’s bolder and more experimental than what I’ve done before. I wanted the production to mirror the themes of the songs, creating a journey that resonates even if you're not paying close attention to the lyrics.

I also pushed myself creatively with the visual aspects of this project, directing the music videos for two of the singles. Creating visuals is now an integral part of my artistic identity.

On “Where Would You Drive?” you explore getting away from it all to a place of healing. What is that space for you?

I feel the most free and happy when I’m creating, in the recording studio, on stage, or in dance rehearsals. I have ADD, and some days I feel like my brain is overloaded with so many thoughts and I don’t know which one to prioritize. That could be a frustrating feeling. But when I’m writing, singing, or dancing, I can be present and enjoy the moment.

You worked with your longtime collaborator and producer Joakim Buddee on Flow State. What was the process of working with Joakim on this project?

Joakim is a force of nature: he’s a master of music production and an incredible songwriter. Over the past three years, we got to know each other well, and he helped me perfect my sound and execute my vision.

For Flow State, I went to Stockholm for a week, where we worked on most of the EP with some other amazing songwriters. I came in prepared with some demos, melodies, and lots of ideas to talk about, and each day we worked on a different song. Then there was a lot of back and forth on email, Zoom sessions, and additional recording sessions. It was a great process, and I’m so proud of what we’ve created.

As an independent artist, you manage to write, produce, run your socials/PR, and so much more. What are some of the biggest blockers that you’ve faced so far? What motivates you to keep going?

The biggest blocker is the feeling that I’m never doing enough and comparing myself to other artists. It can be such a debilitating feeling, and I end up second-guessing every decision. I try to enjoy the process and be thankful, reminding myself that I am so lucky to be able to do everything that I’m doing.

I have big goals and dreams, but it is the act of creating and making music that brings me the most happiness. Ultimately, it is the creative process itself that serves as my motivation.

Grace Jones - “Nightclubbing”

One of my favorites from Grace Jones, written by none other than David Bowie and Iggy Pop. She’s a big inspiration for me, so I wanted to pay tribute to her in my own way by producing a cover featured on my EP.

COBRAH - “GOOD PUSS”

This is a fun, fierce song that I'm completely obsessed with. Cobrah's unapologetic delivery and the song's sound just draw me in. Fun Fact: I was so in love with it that I tracked down the mastering engineer, Johan Åkerström at Cosmos Mastering in Stockholm, and asked him to master my EP too. And he did!

Tiga - “Pleasure from the Bass”

Tiga is a master of techno and house music, and this track proves it. You can't help but dance to it. I wanted to channel this vibe for the EP.

Robyn - “Indestructible”

Robyn is a pop music queen, and a source of endless inspiration for her melodies, production and lyricism. This song of hers is incredibly uplifting. It's a slightly happier version of her more famous "Dancing on My Own."

Peaches - “I Feel Cream”

Peaches is known for pushing boundaries. Even though this song might be one of her tamer ones, it's still super sexy, a hot anthem for the dancefloor. I always have to hit repeat when it comes on.