Welcome to the second episode of NOT 97’s The Check In featuring UK-based artist and producer Narissha, whose standout track Elegy was featured on NOT 97 8.2 earlier this season. We talk about what inspired her to start releasing music only two years ago, being chosen by Adidas and Boiler Room as one of four up-and-coming artists to record at Abbey Road Studios and what she learned from that experience, the music that she grew up on, getting in trouble for Rapping Snoop Dogg lyrics in primary school, and more.




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The Check In ft. Narissha

NOT 97 is a home for discovering new music from talented, under-the-radar artists around the world. Biweekly episodes feature intimate conversation with rising artists from around the world, as well as exclusive in-studio live performances. Season Ten of NOT 97 will include a range of artists from Amindi, to FELIX!, Shae Universe, and more. NOT 97 is produced in partnership with The Orchard & Human Re Sources.

Music

Music Interviews

Music Commentary

Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody & his band Upendo have made a name for themselves across the world and have yet to drop an album. The trumpet virtuoso, band leader, and composer talks through his mindset in music and the importance of presenting art live to his audience. He breaks down his philosophy, thinking beyond genre, and working to express raw emotion & energy through sound. Amongst more.



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Brandon Woody: On creating his own sound, Baltimore, releasing music on his own time, and more.

Back in March when we launched this season, we threw an event at NuBlu to celebrate 10 Seasons and Boston-born Palestinian artist Neemz came down to perform with her band. We caught up with Neemz the day before the show to talk through her evolution in music since her start in 2020, we discuss her vision and what goes into creative directing all of her visuals, and representing herself and her culture as a proudly Palestinian artist, amongst more. Plus Neemz gives a high energy performance performance of her track “Big Steppa." 



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Neemz: On identity, intention, discipline, & world-building

Today we’re joined by a very special guest — TDE’s own SiR, on the heels of releasing his latest, critically acclaimed album HEAVY. We talk through SiR’s journey from his debut Seven Sundays until now, the trial and tribulations of navigating this industry, and what this moment means to him, with his most vulnerable, introspective project to date.



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SiR: On the his record "Heavy," family, growth, vulnerability, and more.

Queens-bred singer/songwriter Amal Zenab joins the show. We talk through Amal’s earliest memories making music, what inspired her to follow this dream, collaborating with Nathan Bajar on her latest body of work Safe & Sound and how that helped her find her own voice. As well, Amal performs BOSSA ANDALE for us.



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Amal Zenab: On being a first generation New Yorker, thoughtful songwriting, collaboration, and more.

On today’s episode we’re joined by London’s own Shaé Universe. We sat down with Shaé back in February when she was in the midst of releasing her Valentine’s Day album “Love’s Letter.” We talked through the record and why this moment was important to put out a call for self-love. We tap into Shaé's history of going viral with covers on Twitter, how she’s gotten iconic features through genuine, organic connection, and what it means to work with the one & only Lalah Hathaway. Shaé also treats us to a powerful in-studio performance of her song “Passenger Princess.”



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© NOT 97. All music ℗ & © their rights holders, used by NOT 97 with explicit permission.

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The Check In ft. Narissha

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