Nia J on Southern Prima Donna, Pop Music & Self-Expression

Key Takeaways

• Artistic identity doesn’t require one genre. Nia draws inspiration from R&B, pop, funk, folk, country, rock, and soul, allowing different influences to shape her music naturally.
• Confidence and softness can coexist. Southern Prima Donna explores the balance between taking up space, embracing ambition, and maintaining a more understated side.
• Music videos are part of the storytelling. Nia uses visuals to expand the world of her songs and give audiences another way to connect with her artistry.
• Creativity can thrive on a limited budget. Thoughtful concepts, practical choices, and collaborations with talented local creatives can produce compelling results.
• Collaboration helps music evolve. Nia’s work with longtime partners and newer producers gives her room to experiment and discover unexpected directions.
• Persistence matters in an independent music career. Her reflections on setbacks and mental health highlight the importance of continuing to show up, even when the path isn’t easy.
• Intimate performances can reveal a song’s heart. Stripped-down arrangements allow lyrics and vocals to come forward in a different way.
• Authenticity is central to her next chapter. Nia wants listeners to feel empowered to embrace who they are rather than dim their light to fit someone else’s expectations.

Nia J Embraces Her Own Sound and Style on Southern Prima Donna | Oui Talk Raw

Independent artist Nia J is stepping into a new chapter of her musical journey with Southern Prima Donna, a project that blends confidence, creativity, storytelling, and a willingness to break the mold. During her conversation with Greazy Keyz on rBeatz Radio, Nia opened up about her evolving sound, the creative process behind her new music, her visual approach to storytelling, and the determination it takes to keep showing up as an independent artist.

A returning guest on rBeatz, Nia J brought her thoughtful, candid personality to the conversation, sharing the stories behind her songs while giving listeners a glimpse into the person behind the music. Greazy Keyz kept the discussion relaxed and music-focused, exploring the production choices, collaborations, and artistic decisions that make Nia’s work distinct.

From the genre-blending single “Raising Hell” to a documentary capturing her journey as an artist, Nia is building a creative world that reflects who she is—without feeling the need to fit into one musical category.

Nia J Introduces a New Chapter With Southern Prima Donna

Following her earlier EP, Melomaniac, which received Album of the Year recognition from Queen City Nerve, Nia J is preparing to share a new body of work with Southern Prima Donna. For Nia, the recognition surrounding her previous project was meaningful because it showed her that the time, care, and emotion she put into her music were connecting with listeners.

The new EP represents another step in defining her artistic identity. Its title brings together two sides of Nia’s personality: the confidence and presence of a prima donna and the Southern upbringing that helped shape her.

She described the idea as embracing the ability to take up space, know what you want, and put in the work while still maintaining a softer, more understated side.

That balance is central to the project’s identity. Nia isn’t interested in limiting herself to a single image or sound. Instead, she is exploring what happens when different parts of her personality can coexist.

“Raising Hell” Blends Southern Storytelling With R&B, Pop, and Funk

One of the central topics of the conversation was Nia’s single “Raising Hell,” a love song inspired by her wife. The track brings together elements of country, folk, R&B, pop, and funk, creating a sound that reflects Nia’s broad musical interests.

Although she doesn’t consider Southern Prima Donna a country project, Nia was interested in experimenting with country-inspired sounds for this particular song. Her wife, who enjoys country music, had encouraged her to try writing something in that direction.

The result combines a train-like drumbeat, fiddle, layered harmonies, playful wordplay, and a shift in rhythmic feel between the verses. Nia explained that storytelling was a natural connection between country music and her own songwriting, while the strings and funk elements helped make the track her own.

The song also highlights her sense of humor and affection. Its Southern Belle imagery plays with expectations, presenting a character who can be both charming and mischievous.

The Creative Process Behind “Raising Hell”

Nia’s songwriting process is collaborative and flexible. She began developing the song using loops, keyboard ideas, and an initial lyrical concept before sharing it with producer and longtime collaborator Grayson. From there, the track moved through additional collaboration with Ike Byers, known professionally as Becky, and other members of her creative team.

Nia also works with Tajani, who has become another important part of her musical circle, as well as a producer from Atlanta who contributed to the project.

Rather than following a rigid formula, Nia allows songs to evolve through experimentation, feedback, and production changes. The process reflects her willingness to try ideas that may initially feel unfamiliar before discovering what works.

Nia J Uses Music Videos to Expand Her Artistic World

For Nia, the music doesn’t stop at the recording. She sees music videos as an opportunity to give listeners a deeper understanding of her personality and the world surrounding her songs.

While short-form social media content has its place, Nia values the storytelling possibilities of a full-length music video. Visuals allow her to create settings, moods, and moments that give audiences another way to connect with the music.

Her video for “Raising Hell” brings a playful, colorful energy to a song whose title might suggest something entirely different. Featuring her wife, the video adds a personal dimension to the track while emphasizing Nia’s interest in styling, aesthetics, and visual storytelling.

Creative Music Videos Without a Massive Budget

Nia also shared how resourcefulness plays a role in bringing her ideas to life. When working with a limited budget, she developed a concept built around a white studio wall, props, and clothing sourced from local Charlotte thrift shops.

By changing the props and arrangements, she could create the feeling of different environments without the expense of elaborate sets. The approach demonstrates how a strong creative concept can be just as important as a large production budget.

Nia credited Rudy, who directed both of her recent videos, for helping bring the visuals together. Their collaboration shows how independent artists can work with talented creative partners to produce engaging content while making practical decisions about spending.

For Nia, the visual side of her artistry is another way to stand apart, communicate her identity, and invite audiences into her creative world.

The Influences Behind Nia J’s Genre-Blending Sound

When Greazy Keyz asked about the artists who influenced her growing up, Nia described a wide-ranging musical background.

She grew up singing in church, participating in musical theater, and singing in choir. Her family also listened to a variety of artists and styles, including folk music, rock, and classic soul.

Among the influences she mentioned were Beyoncé, Ray LaMontagne, Mumford & Sons, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Marvin Gaye. She has also been exploring contemporary country music and appreciates artists such as Kacey Musgraves.

Beyoncé stood out to Nia as an influence because of her storytelling, world-building, and versatility. Those qualities connect with Nia’s own approach to creating music that can shift in sound while maintaining a recognizable artistic identity.

The range of influences helps explain why Nia doesn’t always know where to place herself genre-wise. Rather than treating that uncertainty as a problem, she is allowing it to become part of her creative freedom.

Her music can draw from multiple traditions without needing to settle into one category.

A Documentary Captures Nia J’s Journey as an Independent Artist

Another exciting part of Nia’s journey is 10,000 Hours, a documentary series created through Mislabeled Productions by Nick Will.

Nia explained that the opportunity came about after she met Will approximately two years earlier. He reached out about documenting her life and work, giving her the chance to preserve this period of her career in a tangible way.

The documentary follows more than the music itself. The filming has included studio sessions, performances, travel to shows, and interviews with people close to Nia, including her parents.

For an emerging artist, having that process documented offers a different perspective on what it takes to build a career. It captures the work behind the finished songs, the people involved, and the experiences that shape an artist over time.

Nia expressed gratitude for the opportunity, recognizing that not everyone gets the chance to have their creative journey documented at this stage.

The project also complements Southern Prima Donna: both offer audiences a closer look at the person behind the music.

Stripped-Down Performances Reveal the Emotion Behind the Songs

Nia also discussed a release event where she performed stripped-down versions of songs from the project. The evening included a violinist, acoustic arrangements, merchandise, and an opportunity for attendees to experience the music in a more intimate setting.

Performing with fewer instruments was initially nerve-racking. Without layers of production, every vocal detail becomes more exposed, leaving less room to hide behind the arrangement.

But once she settled into the performance, Nia found beauty in that vulnerability.

She explained that a simpler arrangement can help listeners connect more directly with the lyrics and emotional meaning of a song. While full production gives her room to experiment with different sounds and textures, a voice accompanied by one or two instrumentalists can bring the heart of a song into sharper focus.

The experience reinforced the value of presenting music in different ways. A carefully produced recording and an intimate live performance can offer two distinct, equally meaningful connections with the same material.

Persistence, Self-Belief, and the Reality of Being an Independent Artist

One of the most personal moments in the interview came when Greazy asked Nia what she had learned about herself since becoming an artist.

Her answer centered on tenacity: the ability to continue despite rejection, unexpected setbacks, and the challenges that come with balancing creative ambitions and everyday life.

Nia spoke candidly about the difficulties she faces, including mental health struggles, while recognizing how much she has accomplished by continuing to show up.

Her perspective offered a reminder that progress isn’t always measured by immediate recognition or a steady stream of opportunities. Sometimes, it is found in the decision to keep creating, keep moving, and acknowledge how far you’ve already come.

Greazy connected her experience to a familiar challenge for artists at every level: the feeling that a quiet period means people have forgotten about you. His encouragement reinforced the importance of recognizing previous achievements rather than allowing temporary uncertainty to define the journey.

Nia’s willingness to discuss these realities brought another dimension to the conversation. Behind the polished visuals and carefully crafted production is an artist navigating the same uncertainties that many independent musicians experience.

Breaking Molds and Showing Up as Yourself

When asked what she hopes listeners take away from Southern Prima Donna, Nia returned to a central theme of the project: confidence in who you are.

She wants the music to inspire people to embrace their identities, express themselves, and resist the pressure to make themselves smaller for the comfort of others.

That idea also informs her willingness to experiment with music. Nia isn’t interested in making something simply because it fits an expectation of what she should sound like. She wants to explore different directions because she can—and because those ideas can work.

As she continues developing her artistry, Nia expects the sounds and stories to evolve. What she wants to maintain is the sense of identity behind them. The visual world she is building around Southern Prima Donna gives audiences a consistent point of connection, even as the music explores new territory.

Her message is straightforward: creativity becomes more meaningful when you allow yourself to be fully present in your own identity.

What’s Next for Nia J?

Nia has more plans in motion as she continues building momentum around Southern Prima Donna. While she wasn’t ready to publicly announce all of her upcoming shows during the interview, she shared that she is working toward opportunities that could help her reach wider audiences.

Rather than planning an independent tour specifically for the EP, she would love to open for another artist. She is also thinking about the practical preparation needed to make that next step possible, including having the right equipment and choosing the right performance opportunities.

Physical releases are part of the plan, too. Nia discussed producing CDs with a DIY approach that fits her independent identity.

She even floated the idea of traveling to other cities to busk, perform songs, sell CDs, and connect with people directly. It’s an idea that fits her hands-on approach to music: bringing the songs to listeners and creating opportunities for genuine interaction.

As for the music itself, Nia isn’t committing to a single direction. Listeners can expect the unexpected, with her artistic identity remaining a consistent thread through whatever comes next.

Where to Follow Nia J and Hear Her Music

Listeners can follow Nia J’s releases, upcoming shows, and creative projects through her official website and social media channels.

• Website: theniaj.com
• Social media: Search for Nia J on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
• Streaming platforms: Find her music by searching for Nia J.

Follow her channels for updates on Southern Prima Donna, merchandise, new music videos, and upcoming live performances.

Final Thoughts: Nia J Is Building a Creative World of Her Own

Nia J’s conversation with Greazy Keyz offers a look at an independent artist who is continually discovering what her music can become without losing sight of who she is.

With Southern Prima Donna, she brings together genre-blending production, personal storytelling, playful visuals, and a message about self-expression. Her approach to music videos, collaborations, live performances, and future opportunities shows an artist who understands that building a career involves more than recording songs. It means creating connections, developing a recognizable identity, and continuing to put the work in.

What makes Nia’s journey especially compelling is her willingness to acknowledge the challenges alongside the wins. She celebrates her progress while remaining open to experimentation, and she approaches her next chapter with curiosity rather than a need to have every detail figured out.

As Greazy Keyz highlighted throughout the interview, Nia’s sound and visual presentation are helping her carve out a distinct place in Charlotte’s independent music community.

And if there’s one message at the heart of this conversation, it’s that being yourself isn’t something you need to apologize for.

As Nia put it: “I wanted to help others step into themselves and feel confident in the ways that they show up and not feel like they ever have to dim their light.”

That’s the spirit behind Southern Prima Donna—and a fitting reflection of an artist continuing to grow on her own terms.