Today, we’re diving into the world of NNancy, the rising alt-pop sensation whose latest track, ‘Murder On My Mind’, has everyone talking—and dancing. With its blend of raw, diary-like lyrics and electrifying production, the song isn’t just a hit; it’s an experience. NNancy’s unique ability to weave heartbreak into beats that move both the body and soul sets her apart in a crowded music scene.
From the hauntingly poetic line, “how to kill a person you really are,” to the cinematic transitions that take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, ‘Murder On My Mind’ showcases her gift for pairing vulnerability with energy. This isn’t just a song about heartbreak—it’s a confrontation with deception and self-discovery that hits home for anyone who’s faced the same.
We’re thrilled to chat with NNancy today about her creative process, the inspiration behind ‘Murder On My Mind’, and what’s next for an artist who’s redefining the alt-pop landscape. Welcome, NNancy!
What inspired your transition from studying medicine to pursuing a career in music?
My switch from studying medicine to pursuing music was very personal. Music has always been a way for me to express emotions I couldn’t put into words. In February 2022, when the war between Russia and Ukraine started, I was alone in London. I had planned to stay for a short visit, but my return tickets were canceled and I ended up staying for three months. Those months were some of the hardest in my life. The war affected me deeply, and I’m still processing it. Being alone in a foreign country, music became my only companion. It helped me deal with the fear and isolation, offering comfort when I had no one to talk to. While studying medicine taught me empathy and strength, music gave me a way to heal and be creative. Over time, I realized that my true passion was combining these—using music to help others, just like it helped me.
How did music serve as a lifeline for you during your years of medical studies and personal challenges?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I finished music school where studied music theory, classical music, and opera for seven years, which gave me a strong base. Even while studying medicine, music stayed with me. During my toughest times, my piano was like a quiet friend, it standed very quietly in the corner of my room and was always ready to listen to me. As one of my favorite artists – Sampha, sang – “No one knows me like the piano.”
You’ve mentioned finding solace in songwriting during the Russia-Ukraine war. How did that period shape your artistic voice?
That time was really important in shaping who I am as an artist. During those emotional and uncertain moments, I realized that I wanted to focus on music and use it to help others, just like it had helped me. I wrote a lot about my mental health and the feelings I was dealing with during the war, and those songs became the start of my career. Start releasing songs with opening up like that wasn’t easy, but it felt like the only right, most honest and meaningful way to begin my journey in music.
How do you balance your personal experiences with creating music that resonates universally with listeners?
I try to balance sharing my own experiences with drawing inspiration from others. I am a really empathetic person and I love hearing people’s stories. That empathy helps me write songs that mix my emotions with the struggles and joys of other people. But even though most of my songs are personal, I always make sure they connect with others in a way that feels relatable.
Can you tell us about the first song you ever wrote? How has your songwriting evolved since then?
I started writing music when I was 13, and my first song was dedicated to my father, who passed away when my mom was pregnant with me. Even though I never met him, I was always deeply inspired by the idea of loving someone so much without ever knowing them. That song was when I first realized I could use music to express my deep emotions. Over time, my songwriting has grown a lot, especially after I decided to make music my career. I’m working so hard to improve my skills, studying how other musicians write and what makes their songs powerful. Going to university also changed how I see music—I started analyzing it more, not just feeling it. I really see the results in this combination of emotional honesty and continuous skill development, as it has helped my music grow and connect with people on a deeper level.
‘Murder On My Mind’ explores the concept of loving an illusion. What inspired this deeply personal narrative?
I have a deep love for people and for exploring the experiences we all share as human beings. When I was writing this song, I didn’t have a specific situation in mind. I was simply tapping into what I was feeling at that time, and the lyrics seemed to take on a life of their own. It’s like the song created itself in my head, shaping a story from the emotions and thoughts that felt deeply human to me. For me, songwriting is about exploring the shared human experiences that connect us all. I also find endless inspiration in the relationships between people, whether it’s friendships, family, love or any other. I try to take these moments of our lives and turn them into something meaningful that others can connect with and relate to.
The lyric, “how to kill a person you really are,” is striking. How did that line come about, and what does it mean to you?
The lyric “how kill the person you really are” reflects the desire to show our best side to new people, whether it’s a partner, friend, or coworker. It’s natural to want to make a good impression, but it becomes a problem when we go too far. When we hide our true selves, we create an illusion, and that can lead to pain in any kind of relationships. Falling in love with someone’s false image, or having someone fall for a version of you that isn’t real, can be devastating. It might even make them want to erase you from their life entirely. That’s why it’s so important to know when to stop. It’s fine to want to be liked, but it should never come at the cost of losing who you really are. This lyric is a reminder to stay authentic and not let the desire to impress turn into a betrayal of the people around you or yourself.
The song’s production mirrors the emotional instability in its story. Can you share more about the creative process behind its sonic journey?
The song began on my piano, where I let myself feel the emotions fully. As I played, I reflected on the ups and downs of human experiences—how we form connections, the illusions we sometimes create, and the pain when they fall apart. I let those emotions lead me, and the story started unfolding. I wanted the production to match this emotional journey. I tried to capture the emotional shifts, from calm reflection to moments of chaos, I wanted listener to experience this emotional rollercoaster with me.
Were there any particular challenges in crafting a song with such emotionally intense themes?
The challenge was making sure the song didn’t come across as too overwhelming or make me sound like a maniac. I really wanted people to understand that it’s all a metaphor. The emotions in the song reflect that internal chaos you feel when you realize the person you thought you’d spend your life with isn’t who they truly are. It’s a difficult moment to express, but I wanted to make sure listeners could connect with it and truly feel what I was trying to convey.
How do you hope listeners will connect with ‘Murder On My Mind’?
I know not everyone pays attention to lyrics, but for this song, the lyrics are the heart of it. When making Murder On My Mind, I focused on balancing the emotional depth of the words with the sound, starting with a slow piano and building to an EDM finale. My goal was to create a song that draws people in, even if they can’t relate to the exact story. I want them to feel the emotions of the music and experience it fully. I want listeners to truly feel the song, not just hear it.
Your sound is often described as genre-blending. Who are some of your biggest influences, and how do they inspire your work?
I’m inspired by many artists and try to take something unique from each of them. I really admire Billy Joel’s lyricism and often study his storytelling to improve my own songwriting. Rock bands like Scorpions and Red Hot Chili Peppers also inspire me, I really want to bring more rock elements into my music. I’m also drawn to nowadays artists like Billie Eilish, especially her creative partnership with her brother, Finneas. It inspires me to build my own small, trusted team for my creation of my own music. Lana Del Rey is another big influence. Her lyrics, melodies, and cinematic style really resonate with me. While my influences are diverse, I see it as part of my journey to find my own sound. I enjoy exploring different genres and styles, and I’m excited to see where I’ll end up with my own music.
How has your approach to music changed as you’ve embraced more experimental sounds?
I’m really excited about exploring my music right now. It’s fun to push boundaries and try new things, even if they’re a little different. I’m giving myself the freedom to experiment. There’s something exciting about not knowing what’s coming next. One day, I might write a song with Dolly Parton vibes, and the next, something inspired by Ghostemane. That unpredictability makes creating music so enjoyable. As I keep growing as an artist, I want to keep trying new things and embracing the unknown. It’s all part of discovering my own sound.
What’s your process for turning deeply personal emotions into something creative and relatable?
It all starts with being honest with myself. I let myself feel all emotions, even the tough ones, and then put them into my music. Writing helps me process these feelings and turn them into something others can connect with. The goal is to mix my personal vulnerability with a message that everyone can relate to. Being an empath also plays a big role. I’m able to feel other people’s emotions as if they’re my own, this allows me to tap into a wide range of emotions and experiences that help shape my music. I also use production to reflect the emotions in the lyrics, blending personal stories with dynamic sounds. I want people to enjoy my songs on the surface, even without focusing too much on the lyrics. But at the same time, I hope they’ll dive deeper and discover an extra layer of emotion and connection if they choose to pay attention to the story and my lyricism.
You’ve described music as a “lifeline” for others. How do you hope your work helps listeners navigate their own struggles?
Music has always been a lifeline for me, and I hope it can be the same for others. My journey started with vulnerability, and writing songs about mental health and personal struggles helped me heal. I hope my music offers that same comfort to listeners. Even though my themes and style may change, I want my work to always have one goal: to connect with people, empathize, and provide a sense of comfort. Life isn’t perfect, and none of us have it all figured out. I hope my music reminds people they’re not alone in their struggles and that it’s okay to be vulnerable. Through my songs, I want to create a space where people can feel seen, heard, and understood.
What’s next for you after ‘Murder On My Mind’? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Yes, definitely! I’ve written a ton of songs, and I’m thinking about putting together an album. Right now, I’m focused on finding the right people to help bring my vision to life. But before that, I’m super excited to drop a new single in January. It’s totally different from Murder On My Mind, but still very much “me.” This new track feels like a movie! It’s cinematic, immersive, and of course, has some unexpected twists. I’m really enjoying experimenting with new sounds and styles, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
