R&B Star Aisha Nicole Talks "Say Less," Influences, & Forthcoming EP

Emerging from the heart of North Carolina, R&B singer-songwriter Aisha Nicole has the ability to capture the heart and ears of many with her haunting, evocative vocals. The 24-year-old artist uses music as a vehicle to express her stories and emotions for the world to relate. “I’m a very emotional person so music has always been an escape,” she states. Coming from a childhood of rough times that shaped her, Aisha fittingly found a passion for music.

Now, older and more experienced, Aisha Nicole is successfully carving her own path in Carolina’s R&B circuit. She draws influence from staple artists like Aaliyah and Lauren Hill, who served as the soundtrack of her early years. With her characteristically charming vocal prowess, Aisha lives up to her name joyfully, which means “she who lives” in Arabic.

Earlier this month, Aisha shared her debut single titled “Say Less.” It’s an emotional ballad about the ups and downs of being in a toxic relationship. “I reached a point where it didn’t work anymore, I didn’t care what was said or threatened,” she recites. “Say Less” arrives ahead of Aisha’s forthcoming EP, Out of the Blue. Furthermore, we sat down with the North Carolina talent to talk about her childhood, influences, and new single amongst other things.

Talk to me about your childhood, what was it like growing up for you?

Growing up it was rough. My mom was a single mom of 4 kids, so it was always a struggle. I didn’t have stability, we just bounced around to family members houses, living in hotels, motels, rest stops… it was wild but I will say that me and my siblings have a bond unlike any other. We went through hell together and really held each other down throughout our childhood, so it wasn’t all bad, there was always a lot of love.

How did you gravitate to music?

The same way most people do. I’m a very emotional person so music has always been an escape or a form of release. Whether I’m happy or sad or even if I have no clue what the hell I’m feeling, music is a way to take all those thoughts and emotions and organize it into a body of art. It makes everything make sense.

As far as influences go, are there any artists who paved the way for you?

For sure, every female artist regardless of category or genre paved the way but for me specially I was influenced by artists like Nina Simone, Lauren Hill, Amy Lee, Erykah Badu, Aaliyah. They’re who I grew up listening to.

Let’s talk about “Say Less,” what’s the story behind it?

So “Say less” actually started from a text. I was in an unhealthy relationship. A lot of back and forth, manipulation and mind games. One night something just flipped. We were arguing about something and usually that would go on for days, but I just decided not to engage. I hit him with the “Say less, that’s a bet” and then naturally I wrote a song about the whole experience.

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How do you feel about the critical reception of the song so far?

I feel good! There has been so much love and support. The fact that people are listening, supporting and just vibing with me is wild. I’m really grateful.

Now that you’ve dropped your single, what’s next?

“Say less” is just the start, I have more music coming soon. I’m currently working on my EP, Out of the Blue.

Lastly, what can people expect to hear from Aisha this year?

They can expect to hear more music, more vibes and more of my story. I have a lot to say.