With a unique and unpolished vibe, Nilufer Yanya’s diverse and refreshing sound is the product of song writing influences from Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley. Nilufer’s soulful melodies and sharp lyricism cut against a backdrop of minimalist guitar riffs and atmospheric beats that have earnt her praise from Tastemaker titles Loud and Quiet, DIY and The Fader.

Nilüfer recently shared her stunning, expansive new single ‘Heavyweight Champion of the Year’, alongside its intimate, self-reflective accompanying visual. The single – out on ATO Records – has received overwhelming support on both sides of the Atlantic, with publications from The Guardian and The Sunday Times to Pitchfork and DIY Magazine praising its slow-burning and cinematic feel. ‘Heavyweight Champion of the Year’ was co-produced by Nilüfer herself, and live band members saxophonist Jazzi Bobbi and bassist Luke Bower.

‘Heavyweight Champion of the Year’ was Nilüfer’s second single of 2018 following ‘Thanks 4 Nothing’ which was playlisted by BBC Radio 6 Music and heralded as “an absolutely great pop song… bubbling from beneath with a sense of power and pressure” (Noisey) and “perfectly poised pop” (Dazed And Confused). The new release comes from a place of introspection, with Nilüfer describing the track, “‘Heavyweight Champion…’ for me is about reaching my own metaphorical bar, reaching my own limits within myself, and kind of forbidding myself to take it further. It feels like quite a physical song, quite physically tired – and mentally, but knowing the desire is still there to continue. I imagine it sometimes in my head as drawing a line around me and the outside world – a form of self protection and preservation.”

Her debut album Miss Universe is due later this month, with tickets to her upcoming UK tour on sale now.

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