Although NAO took a hiatus of releasing music ever since she unveiled her mesmerising third studio album “And Then Life Was Beautiful” almost two years ago, she has been anything but inactive - from being nominated for a MOBO Award (Best R&B/Soul) to collaborating with Stormzy for his latest album and performing at Coachella with Mura Masa. Now, she finally returns with a brand-new track, ‘Balance’, which might just have become the track of summer. Watch the video HERE.
Co-written by Soaky and Dayyon and produced by Stint and Omega, ‘Balance’ is about getting the balance in life back - inspired by NAO’s own experiences, the track channels the journey to finding that spark again and letting go of being on the clock 24/7, something we can all relate to.
NAO says: “The track is a fun way of exploring boundaries. For me, mine is having a better Balance in life. I used to be a workaholic which eventually took a big toll on my well-being. Once I found a better Balance in life it was important to let other people in my life know that I had shifted into a new way of being and to understand that.”
Wanting to sonically explore her roots from Jamaica and St. Vincent more, the single shines a new light on NAO's ethereal sound – it’s up-beat, infectious melody turns it into an instant earworm. Jamaican rapper Skillibeng, whom she met at the MOBO Awards, adds the final cherry on top with his vibrant signature vocals. ‘Balance’ is accompanied by a music video, directed by Shane Creative in Jamaica, and it portrays the mood of the single perfectly. With a gorgeous island backdrop, we find NAO and Skillibeng catching a vibe in this vibrant and picturesque location.
NAO’s latest release is only just the beginning of what she has been working on ever since “And Then Life Was Beautiful” - fans can stay tuned for much more music to come