Niia joins me to unpack her forthcoming album—a modern, live-first take on jazz that blends an acoustic rhythm section with subtle, future-leaning electronic colors. Trained as a jazz vocalist and raised at the piano, she set out to create something timeless, without relying on retro tropes or trend-bound sounds. The result is a record that breathes: spacious mixes, genuine dynamics, and arrangements that allow for interplay while keeping the vocal narrative at the center.

We trace her path from a fiercely musical Italian family outside Boston—classical piano with her mom, jazz studies at The New School in New York—to early studio reps as a jingle singer, where she learned mic technique, speed, and how to “translate” creative direction. A move to Los Angeles opened new collaborative circles and ultimately led to the creation of this album, co-produced with Lawrence Rothman and Spencer Zahn (whose bass work is a standout). Most core tracks were cut together, with Niia revisiting vocals after living with the songs; mixer John Castello kept the feel alive rather than over-processed. Her version of “Angel Eyes,” distilled to voice and piano, anchors the record and nods to the tradition she loves.

We also discuss the human side of performing—stage fright, perfectionism, and the transition from singing with eyes closed to fully engaging with an audience. For Niia, connection beats ego: the goal is to help people feel something, not to sand every edge. As the album rolls out (release date: October 10), she’s launching a 10-date European tour starting in Germany and Copenhagen, with hopes of bringing the show to Asia and the U.S. next. Long term, she dreams of a lush standards album—but, as she puts it, not just yet.

To learn more about Niia, visit her website.

Music from the Episode:
throw my head out the window (Niia)
pianos and great danes (Niia)
f*cking happy (Niia)
angel eyes (Niia)

Thank you for listening! If you have any questions, feedback, or ideas for the show, please contact me at [email protected].