NIA WYN ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM ‘A PLEASURE TO HAVE IN CLASS’ AND NEW SINGLE ‘PARANOID’

Following her stint supporting U.S. soul/disco band Say She She on their sold-out UK tour, Welsh singer-songwriter and producer Nia Wyn has unveiled plans for her debut album, A Pleasure To Have In Class. The self-released album is set to drop on February 7, 2025, and features production from Wyn herself, along with collaborators Duncan Pym, Blake Rhein (of Durand Jones & The Indications), edbl, and Evil Genius.

The album is a vibrant celebration of retro soul, highlighting Wyn’s deep-rooted love for the music of the 1960s and 1970s while placing her own artistry at the forefront of the modern soul revival. With its title, A Pleasure To Have In Class, Wyn nods to the school report cards that resonate with the millennial generation, reflecting on the anxious experiences of undiagnosed neurodivergent children. Through her music, she explores a range of themes including her own journey of being diagnosed autistic as an adult, the struggles faced by the queer and trans community, cultural tensions in the Western world, and the complexities of sobriety.

Wyn’s latest single, “Paranoid,” serves as a moody yet upbeat preview of the album. The track blends dark, introspective verses with catchy, reflective choruses, where Wyn narrates her struggle with paranoia, attempting to pull herself out of intrusive thoughts. Rich brass arrangements and jangling guitars evoke the soulful sound of the early to mid-1970s, drawing inspiration from the Philadelphia sound while maintaining a contemporary feel. “Paranoid” hints at the overall tone of Wyn’s debut—a revival of classic soul with modern elements and deeply authentic storytelling.

Nia Wyn’s musical journey is marked by raw and evocative storytelling. Growing up in a small town in North Wales, she faced challenges with mental illness, isolation, and confusion about her identity, finding solace in vintage records and strumming her guitar in her room. Influenced by the soul music of Philadelphia, Memphis, and Detroit, Wyn crafts songs that speak to modern issues, including the struggles of being queer, the difficulties facing young people in the UK, and navigating mental health and neurodivergence.

With her debut album, Nia Wyn is set to make a lasting impression on the soul music scene, offering a blend of nostalgic sounds and modern, poignant narratives.