Her voice lilts with her jazz and soul roots that divulges the greats she reveres: Joni Mitchell, Prince… Her live shows penetrate audiences with a musical style that paints a dreamy world.
A maverick from her earliest of years, as a youngster she absorbed jazz, soul and hip-hop, learning to play piano by ear. The self-taught musician was sponsored by the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, hiding the fact she couldn’t read notes. This incited an inner battle between her raw talent and lack of classical training until she finally succumbed to the latter rival, hastily abandoning music altogether.
Hoping to transfer her passion for playing to a different set of keys, nia embraced writing. Her first published works were featured in The Fader Magazine. Later, as a treatment writer, directors clamored for nia’s prolific ideas. Her concepts directly resulted in multiple MTV Video Music Awards, and launched visuals for countless recording artists and internationally-recognized commercial brands.
But her love of music could not be quelled. Taking a position as creative assistant to three-time Grammy winning recording artist, Common, after just one month of touring her passion delivered when nia swapped behind-the-scenes duties for the microphone in Common’s live band, becoming his first ever background singer. Reigniting her love for music with a surprisingly new instrument – her voice – within a year nia’s talent was recognized and she performed as a background vocalist for Mary J. Blige at the 2007 Grammy Awards, and for eight-time Grammy winner Lauryn Hill for her 2007 Brazil and Europe Tours.
Never one to rest on laurels, since then nia has either written for, recorded, toured and/or performed with artists including Big Boi, B.o.B, Bruno Mars, Joi Starr (Kanye West), Marie Daulne (Zap Mama), Shafiq Husayn (Sa-Ra Creative Partners), and industry-insider darling, Timothy Bloom, creating a growing buzz on LA’s music scene. Her debut performance as a solo artist in July 2010 at Angel’s Piano Bar in Santa Monica pulled an impressive record draw for the new venue.
Other recent credits include: Background vocalist for recording artist Janelle Monae (2011 Grammy Awards and 2011 Europe Tour); Featured vocalist/songwriter with producer/recording artist Mark de Clive-Lowe (Renegades album, Tru Thoughts/EMI); Creative Director for recording artist Common (Universal Mind Control album, Interscope/Geffen); Featured artist for Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape series (2009).
nia is currently collaborating with Golden Globe nominated songwriter, Andrea Remanda and producer, Deron Johnson (Miles Davis, Alanis Morrisette, Seal) on her debut album…
Colours
Nia Andrews Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Every shade brings something new for me to discover
Show me your shadows show me your dreams show me the faces no one ever sees
Let me inside I'll be what you need don't be afraid you are safe with me
The colours shining from you lighting up the skies
Illuminates the journey through your darkest night
In all your happiness and even when you're blue
When the day is crashing down and you hear the thunder
I'll lead you to safer ground there's no need to wonder
If I'll withdraw when the light starts to fade or if we'll get lost in this lonely parade
Build us a castle where love can remain open the doors I am here to stay
The colours shining from you lighting up the skies
Illuminates the journey through your darkest night
In all your happiness and even when you're blue
In all your colours my love I see you
The lyrics of Nia Andrews's song "Colours" talk about the beauty and complexity of a person's emotions and the idea of unconditional love. The first two lines, "I'm sorry you're feeling blue but I love all your colours. Every shade brings something new for me to discover," suggest that the singer understands the other person's sadness and sees the beauty in all of their emotions, not just the ones that are traditionally considered positive or desirable. The singer asks to be let inside the other person's psyche and promises to be a safe space for them to express themselves.
The chorus emphasizes the idea that the other person's emotions are what make them unique and special: "The colours shining from you lighting up the skies. Illuminates the journey through your darkest night. In all your happiness and even when you're blue. In all your colours my love I see you." The singer sees the other person shining with their own individual light, even when they are going through difficult times. They want to support the other person through every emotion and experience they have.
The second verse continues with this theme of supporting the other person through tough times: "When the day is crashing down and you hear the thunder. I'll lead you to safer ground there's no need to wonder. If I'll withdraw when the light starts to fade or if we'll get lost in this lonely parade. Build us a castle where love can remain open the doors. I am here to stay." The singer promises to be a steadfast support system for the other person, no matter what challenges come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm sorry you're feeling blue but I love all your colours
Although you may feel down at times, I love every aspect of you regardless of your emotional state or mood.
Every shade brings something new for me to discover
Each part of you unveils different facets of your personality and reveals new things to learn about you.
Show me your shadows show me your dreams show me the faces no one ever sees
Let me in to see the uncharted areas of your life, the places and people you keep hidden from the world.
Let me inside I'll be what you need don't be afraid you are safe with me
Allow me to enter your life and I will be what you need me to be. Do not let fear hold you back, for I will protect and comfort you.
The colours shining from you lighting up the skies
Your true colors are glowing brightly and illuminating everything around you.
Illuminates the journey through your darkest night
Your colors guide us through the darkest moments of your life, providing direction and hope.
In all your happiness and even when you're blue
I love you and your colors in every moment, whether you are happy or sad.
In all your colours my love I see you
Through your colors, I see your true self and love you for who you are.
When the day is crashing down and you hear the thunder
During the tough times, when life seems difficult and chaotic.
I'll lead you to safer ground there's no need to wonder
I will guide you and keep you safe, removing any worry or doubt about what lies ahead.
If I'll withdraw when the light starts to fade or if we'll get lost in this lonely parade
I will not abandon you when things get tough or when you feel lost in a crowd.
Build us a castle where love can remain open the doors I am here to stay
Let us create a space where love can flourish and grow, and where I will always be present and committed.
Contributed by Adalyn V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
C Gray
Ms Andrews is one of the most underrated songstress that I've heard. Very talented with an amazing voice. Keep up the good work. We're listening
northrify
Heard Nia Andrews for the first time tonight on local jazz station. Rushed back to YT to find this video, so glad I did. Her looks match her angelic sound.
Cheryce Sanderlin
The remix just took this song to the next level!! I liked the first one but I love this one! Ps the video was beautifully made.
Davia Hunter
Congratulations! I love this song, it's beautiful. So flattered that a Via Davia Vintage piece has a cameo.
Roderick Mack
Whoa! A lovely combination of subtle sensuality with a touch of driven energy. When I listen with my eyes closed, I picture this as a theme to a Bond film. Thank you for works. Peace+Blessings.
Porter Lori
Absolutely beautiful...so wonderful to hear you.
Germa A. Bulkeley
love it, great song nia!
Charles Davis
Powerful! Great Track. Great Visuals.
hollyvinyl
Simply gorgeous - all of it!
Def Sound
this song is every shade of beautiful and thee visuals are pure neon. TIME . LESS !!!