Growing up in the heart of London, 21 year-old Nilüfer Yanya’s exploration of music was immersive from the very start. After discovering classical piano at secondary school in Pimlico, a little later at Saturday music school Nilüfer’s relationship with the electric guitar grew and was taught by Dave Okumu of The Invisible.

“I had some great teachers and really got into the idea of writing my own songs, being in bands and playing the guitar,” says Nilüfer, “when I first started writing music I listened to a lot of indie guitar bands such as the Pixies, The Cure and Bloc Party, but since then my influences have widened and now include more soulful artists, like Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley and Bill Withers.”

Calling to mind artists as diverse as Tracy Chapman, King Krule and Portishead, each track Nilüfer writes leaves a perfect imprint of simplicity. She takes her inspiration from iconic songwriters such as Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley as well as modern influences Conan Mockasin and Rosie Lowe

The subject matter of songs is subservient to mood, beauty and feel. “I don’t have a definitive process of writing but normally I will come up with the main pattern, then the melody and the words follow,” Nilüfer explains.

Nilüfer’s music incorporates the city’s urban edge with beautiful wandering guitar lines, downtrodden soulful and jazz flickered melodies, on top of minimalist and atmospheric beats.

First two singles include ‘Small Crimes’ and ‘Keep on Calling’

Second EP includes singles ‘The Florist’, ‘Golden Cage’ and ‘Sliding Doors’

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/niluferyanya/?fref=ts

Sound Cloud – https://soundcloud.com/niluferyanya

Twitter – https://twitter.com/niluferyanya

‘…sneaks into your brain and keeps hitting the pleasure center’ – Pitchfork

“We love it.” – Loud and Quiet 

” The frighteningly-talented Yanya…has followed up with her debut, “Small Crimes”. It’s a song that brushes touchpoints lime John Martyn and The XX while managing to be something entirely new.” Line of Best Fit

“It’s simple but effective – her voice and lyrics are that’s needed to grab your attention and not let go.” – Pigeons and Planes

“A rising talent way her beyond her years.”  – The 405

“the shuffling, narrative-rich Small Crimes confirms the impression that this Dave Okumu-mentored singer and guitarist is one to keep a super-beady eye on” – Sunday Times Culture “Breaking Act”

“Just talking about how great that track is. Brilliant new single…Very much one to watch.” Lauren Laverne (6 Music)