Concert Review: NAO Is Like Stardust On The Bowery Ballroom Stage
You might have heard of NAO through Apple commercials. Her song “Zillionaire” was used to promote the brand and rock ear-waves with computerized beats and eclectic rhythms. Yet, the softly voiced songstress is so much more live. She is literally a star.
I will use a parable-esque description to exemplify the power of NAO. Think of the music industry like your high school holding a talent show. You will see 20 different acts, usually singers and dancers, and then you will see a “star.” Of all those that share the same talent, there is always that one person that has the presence, inner power, and vocals to smash everyone out of the water. They walk onto the stage and, by the first note, you are in awe. They are so magnetic, it doesn’t matter what award they win, you have won the prize of seeing her perform. NAO is that person. She is the young woman in the high school you always knew was star bound, except now she is rising. She radiates on the stage, and uses every bit of her song and dance to make sure you remember her.
NAO – Fool to Love (Official Video)
NAO has yet to release a full-length album, but her February 15 EP and So Good EP are captivating previews. Every song is a fascinating take on female empowerment and facing love. Still, NAO is an artist that needs to be seen live to be fully absorbed. Like the sun gives light, NAO gives life to her songs through performance, particularly through dance. With every move she poses, she transforms her body into a living sculpture. The greatness of her moves is that they do not appear choreographed. They all come from her connection to the music and moment. Thus, she is more than a dancer; she is a soul expressing its light. Her physicality gives her a queenly sophistication. The precision and purpose of her moves solidify her potent energy. Add her surprisingly powerful vocals, and you will walk out repeating “Wow!” twenty times in a row.
NAO – Girlfriend (Official Video)
Girlfriend
NAO can belt a high note to reach the sky. It was surprising to hear her wide range and fluidity through the octaves because her voice is so soft in sound. It really is like a warm blanket, which makes her rock n’ roll/R& B ballad, “In The Morning,” a flash of lightning. It is hard to describe the specificity of her sound. It is a mash-up of Funk, Rock N’ Roll, Electric Pop, Trap, Hip Hop, and R&B. It is everything. Yet, you need to have an everything sound to match a one of a kind voice.
NAO – In the Morning (Official Video)
NAO is the perfect mix of regal and accessible. Despite the elegance of her vocals and dance, you still felt like you could hang out with her afterwards. In between songs, she would speak to the audience with a sweet candor. Her personal, casual, grace was the perfect mix to elevate her amazing talent. You almost did not believe that such a kindly-spoken woman would then sing some of the most charming, meant for radio tracks like, “Fool To Love” and “Bad Blood.” Overall, NAO is a songstress to be heard, seen, and emotionally felt.Check Out her website.
