Inside Nectar Woode's World of Soul and Self-Love
We caught up with the artist, fresh off a collaboration with Elton John and the drop of her new mixtape ‘Naturally.’
If you’re into butter-soft vocals and soulful sounds, look no further. Introducing Nectar Woode, the British singer-songwriter set to take over your summer playlists.
We caught up with the artist after an intimate performance of tracks from her latest mixtape Naturally, while the London heatwave was at its peak. Woode managed to keep her cool (figuratively and literally), looking relaxed in her denim skirt paired with sneakers and a striped shirt.
The new project finds the artist turning outward, using her surroundings to navigate a journey toward self-love and acceptance, while threading together moments of vulnerability and growth. From the sombre reflections of “Roses In The Dark” to the title track “Naturally,” Woode continues to shape a distinct world of contemporary soul.
Her momentum has also accelerated across the live circuit, including a sold-out debut headline show at Jazz Cafe, intimate performances at Ronnie Scott’s and appearances for BRITs Week alongside Olivia Dean. A standout moment from the record comes on “Wine Into Water,” which features piano from the legendary Elton John, further underlining the growing support around her artistry. With her upcoming debut at KOKO in London on October 21, Nectar Woode steps into a defining chapter.
We chatted with the artist on everything from her favorite studio snack (hint: she’s a matcha girlie) to the meaning behind her latest project. Read on for the full interview, and go have a listen to Naturally, out now.
For those who don’t know you, how would you introduce your sound?
I would describe my sound as everything soul, R&B and jazzy vibes.
You just released a track with Elton John. Can you tell us a bit about the collaboration and how it came about?
That was a crazy one. I wrote the song almost a year ago now. It’s a bit of a sad one about my childhood and mourning my childhood, but about six months later I thought, “Oh, I’d love to ask Elton to do it.” Why not? He might reply, he might not, but that’s completely fine. I just went out on a whim and asked, and then he replied, saying, “Let’s get in the studio.” So it was actually quite straightforward. It was really chill; he’s an amazing person, and he’s championed me for a while now.
Who would be your next dream collaborator?
I would love to collaborate with Solange, for sure.
You just mentioned your childhood. Do you have a favorite childhood memory?
My parents took me on a really nice holiday when I was about three, and I still remember it. I don’t know where exactly, but it was a two-week trip, and I just remember having the best time. My mom said that was the first time I wrote a song about the summer as well, which is ironic. [Check Woode's new song, "Talk to me Summer."]
You just released your new mixtape, Naturally. Can you tell us a bit about the meaning behind this project and the process of recording it?
This mixtape is a collection of songs that I wrote over the last year. It’s my offering to everyone for the summer. Or also for the autumn and winter times when the weather is making you feel bad. It’s a collection of what I’ve been through, with some darker songs where I talk about relationships breaking down and having to hold yourself accountable, but also realizing that maybe the relationship is not meant to be. There are also tracks about love and falling in love for the first time and stuff like that. We cover a lot of ground.
You mentioned love and relationships. Is there a piece of advice you have for anyone out there going through a breakup or getting over someone?
Mmm, great question. My advice is just to do a lot of self-care. I feel like it’s easy for our brains to make us feel really bad in those situations when you already feel sad anyway. So, treat yourself kindly. When your soul doesn’t feel good, I think you have to treat it like a cold; mend it, make yourself feel better and do things that make you feel positive. If you have to buy an expensive coffee every single day to make yourself feel better, then do that. Treat yourself.
How would you say your heritage has shaped your sound?
I grew up with a lot of highlife music around, and my dad loves jazz, so in terms of chords, I was definitely influenced a lot by jazz. I love extended chords and using them in my songs. Listening to highlife rhythms growing up was amazing. My mom loves Motown as well, so I’m definitely inspired by a lot of soulful music in general.
What’s next for you?
So my latest project, Naturally, is out now. I really hope people enjoy it! It’s also festival season, so I’ll be travelling around Europe and then to Japan and Australia, so I’m super excited!
