6 February, 2018Print
Nilüfer Yanya's New Single and Video "Thanks 4 Nothing" Out Now
"The 22-year-old London-based singer-songwriter has a knack for writing lyrics that seem to stare you straight in the eye." - The FADER
"For a young artist, Yanya already has an impressive range, and her ability to render the highs and lows of life in her songs is no small feat." - Pitchfork
"One of the best new artists of 2017." - Pigeons & Planes
Nilüfer Yanya, London's 22 year-old "effortlessly smooth new soul star" (The FADER) today releases her new single "Thanks 4 Nothing", via Blue Flowers/ATO Records, which she premiered last night on Huw Stephens' Radio 1 show.
"Thanks 4 Nothing" is Nilüfer's first single of 2018, and follows last year's releases "Baby Luv" (number 18 in Pitchfork's 100 Best Songs of 2017) and "Golden Cage" (number 64 in the same list). Detailing the darker thoughts surrounding a break up, "Thanks 4 Nothing" is a poignant look at a crumbling relationship that can't be fixed: "I won't even try in case it don't work / I hate you and I hate this."
Speaking of the track, Nilüfer explained "Thanks 4 Nothing" is about "drawing a final line under something that should have ended a long time ago. The song shows you can be bitter and grateful about it at the same time."
The video was directed by new creative duo ENERGYFORCE, who helped Nilüfer realize her vision of recreating a cult, existing within the aesthetic of a classic indie film. Nilüfer explains "We wanted to make the Handmaid's Tale meets Pulp Fiction. It carries a strong outdated 70s vibe with occult twists where nothing really goes according to plan and nothing really happens. This echoes both the current political climate and the inner failings of a relationship, both cult-like in their own way and blindly following one another, shot on 16mm film for that cinematic effect."
Watch the video "Thanks 4 Nothing"
Nilüfer has also announced a trip to SXSW and her first headlining U.K. and European tour dates of 2018, starting with a run of six dates across Europe in April and then an eight-date U.K. tour in May, finishing with a night at London's Village Underground on 29 May, her biggest headline show thus far.
Tickets are on sale now.
2018 is looking bright for Nilüfer Yanya after landing a spot on the BBC's annual Sound Of poll longlist, continuing a stellar 2017 in which she enjoyed extensive support from both mainstream and independent music, culture and fashion publications such as Pitchfork, The FADER and The New York Times, plus a host of DJs at BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music (where Nilüfer hit the C List with 'Baby Luv') and BBC Introducing in London. A further slew of best-of lists, including DIY's 'Class Of' and The FADER's 'British Artists To Watch', as well as GQ's and Dork's, firmly established Nilüfer as one of the most promising British songwriters and guitarists of her generation, and an in-demand new talent for this year.
See Nilüfer Yanya at the following live dates:
March 9-18 - Austin, TX @ SXSW
April 9 - Paris, FR @ Le Pop Up Du Label
April 10 - Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
April 11 - Antwerp, BE @ TRIX
April 12 - Hamburg, DE @ Mojo Club
April 13 - Berlin, DE @ Auster Club
April 25 - Istanbul, TR @ Babylon
May 18 - Brighton, GB @ The Great Escape
May 19 - Cardiff, GB @ Buffalo Bar
May 20 - Manchester, GB @ Deaf Institute
May 21 - Birmingham, GB @ The Sunflower Lounge
May 22 - Barrow-In-Furness, GB @ Barrow Library
May 23 - Glasgow, GB @ Broadcast
May 24 - Leeds, GB @ Brudenelll Social Club
May 29 - London, GB @ Village Underground
For more information on Nilüfer Yanya, please contact Josh Page, Rebecca Shapiro, or Hannah Schwartz at Shore Fire Media, 718.522.7171.