Berlin-based musician and producer Eva Nolia Vae has released a profoundly introspective single titled “Empty Hands,” the leading track from her upcoming debut EP. The song is a powerful testament to her personal journey, capturing the complex interplay between pain, self-discovery, and the pursuit of artistic honesty. As a solo project heavily influenced by Berlin’s eclectic music scene, “Empty Hands” showcases Eva’s multi-instrumental talents, including electric bass, grand piano, and vocals, while also benefiting from the contributions of notable local musicians.
Eva Nolia Vae’s journey to becoming a musician was anything but conventional. Unlike many artists who begin honing their craft at an early age, Eva only started making music at 24. Initially, she had no formal training in instruments and only sang casually in the shower or her car. This late start led to a period of intense self-discovery and the gradual development of her musical identity. “Empty Hands” and the rest of the EP are the results of this six-year journey—years marked by hardship, self-doubt, and bouts of depression.
The ethos behind “Empty Hands” is rooted in the artist’s struggle to reconcile the tension between her dreams and the harsh realities of life. Eva candidly reflects on her experience of getting lost in the romanticized connection between pain and artistic creation. The song, which was written in a moment of profound vulnerability at 4 a.m. in a basement, serves as a raw and honest account of this period. Eva recalls how she poured all her emotions into a one-take demo with just piano and vocals—a recording so emotionally charged that she couldn’t listen to it for months without tearing up.
By the time she revisited the track, Eva had come to a crucial realization: good music doesn’t necessarily stem from pain, but from honesty. This understanding has since become central to her approach to music. “Empty Hands” embodies this ethos, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her world, where beauty and pain coexist in a delicate balance.
Eva’s musical influences are as diverse as they are deep. Drawing inspiration from old-school jazz, psychedelic rock, neo-soul, R&B, and alternative indie music, she is an artist who refuses to be confined by genre. Her eclectic taste is informed by anything that resonates with her both sonically and emotionally, making her music a rich tapestry of sounds and styles.
For the production of “Empty Hands” and the rest of the EP, Eva teamed up with Sam Hatchwell, also known as hoyah, a London-based producer. The collaboration was not without its hiccups. In a humorous twist of fate, their initial attempts to connect were thwarted by technical mishaps—messages went unanswered not because of a lack of interest, but because they simply never went through. It wasn’t until a mutual friend intervened that they realized their mutual desire to work together, setting the stage for what would become a fruitful partnership.
The recording of “Empty Hands” also features contributions from Roland Satterwhite, a Canadian violinist based in Berlin, known for his work across jazz, blues, and experimental genres. His violin and viola add a layer of emotional depth to the track, complementing Eva’s bass and piano work. The collaborative nature of the recording process, all taking place in Berlin’s Neukölln district at 1210 Studios, adds a unique vibrancy to the track, reflecting the dynamic and diverse music scene of the city.
Berlin, a city renowned for its rich cultural and artistic landscape, has played a significant role in shaping Eva’s music. Her performances at Donau 115, one of the city’s premier jazz clubs, have established her as a noteworthy figure in the local scene. These gigs, all coincidentally falling on Wednesdays—the day she was born—have created a symbolic connection that Eva now honors by releasing her music on Wednesdays as well.
One of the most striking aspects of Eva’s music is its ability to create a “singular moment of intimacy” during live performances, as one reviewer aptly described. This quality stems from her commitment to honesty in her music, which allows her to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.
The full EP, set to release on October 16th, promises to be a continuation of the themes explored in “Empty Hands.” It will delve further into Eva’s experiences with self-sabotage, the friction between dreams and reality, and the continuous journey of self-discovery. Each track on the EP is expected to offer a different perspective on these universal themes, making it a compelling listen for anyone who has faced similar struggles.
As Eva Nolia Vae continues to navigate her artistic journey, one thing is clear: her music is not just about creating beautiful sounds, but about conveying truth and authenticity. Her favorite quote, borrowed from a Frankie Valli song, perfectly encapsulates this philosophy: “It’s got groove, it’s got meaning.”
With “Empty Hands” and the upcoming EP, Eva invites listeners to join her on a journey that is as much about the music as it is about the emotions and experiences that shape it. It’s an invitation to reflect, to feel, and above all, to connect with the honesty that lies at the heart of her work.
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