Nay Nay & Bryan Mahon are a rapper-singer duo from Virginia Beach, VA. The two have developed a unique style that bridges the gap between genres. Their chemistry as musicians can be seen in their compelling live performances. Together they have opened for acts such as Trey Songs, Diplo, Timbaland, Travis Scott, Jidenna, Mase, Lil Dicky, Daya, and more!
In this interview, we discuss influences, their newest project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and a stream of Undefined and their video Living In The Image below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I am a hip-hop artist. I have always loved the direct approach that many hip-hop artists take with their lyrics. I feel that draws focus to the lyrics of songs to really make the listener pay attention to what the song is talking about and drive across the idea they are trying to convey.
My latest project though with my friend Bryan Mahon is not what I would consider a hip-hop project. Bryan Mahon is more of an acoustic musician and singer. For our collaboration project, I wanted to step a bit out of my comfort zone and try something new. We decided to blend different genres, taking elements from hip-hop, pop, acoustic, folk/indie, and punk rock, and incorporating them into the most prevalent genre we were experimenting with, which is alternative. So I took something that originally attracted me to hip-hop music and used that with a different genre. The outcome was pretty innovative and I really enjoy how it turned out.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I have been creating music and sharing it with the public for almost 5 years now. Bryan and I recorded our first song together at the end of 2013, and we have performed publicly together frequently since.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I listen to all genres of music, and I feel that to an extent, everything that I enjoy in a song influences me in one way or another. I notice that my writing style is somewhat influenced by whoever I am frequently listening to during a time I am writing a song. But I am constantly listening to different artists so it isn’t really anyone in particular.
Positive feedback is definitely something that keeps me going, whether it is from family, friends, or fans. There’s nothing quiet like the feeling you get when you see other people enjoying something you created.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
My latest project is the collaborative EP with Bryan Mahon titled “Undefined“. I don’t think we had anything specific in mind when creating this project, we just wanted to make good music. We wanted to try something new and different, and I think we pulled it off well.
The EP consists of five songs, with each containing a different vibe. I personally feel that the content is lyrical and relatable, while at the same time being catchy and sonically-appealing. There’s a love song, a break-up song, a “feel good” song, an anthem type track, as well as the opening track “Living In The Image” which is completely unlike anything I have really listened to before. There is something on this EP for everyone. I think that is something we both wanted, without ever actually declaring it to each other, and I feel we accomplished that.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Unsteady” by X Ambassadors
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
All three have unique qualities to them.
Vinyls are great because of the collector aspect associated with them.
MP3s are fantastic because of the accessibility and little space they take up.
However CDs are my favorite because they can easily be exported as MP3s while still being a physical product that can be held. The booklets and artwork of a CD have a lot of time and effort put into them and can add a whole new piece to a project that many miss out on when they don’t have an actual CD.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
All digital distribution companies, whether they are used for streaming or downloading, serve a good purpose. I don’t prefer one over the other.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
One of the biggest problems is getting people attracted enough to give the music a listen. In today’s society you need to find a way to market your music in a way that catches people’s attention, otherwise they won’t spend the couple extra seconds to even click on your song to see if they would even like it.
Making good music and just putting it out publicly is not enough to get people to listen.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Both Bryan and I perform fairly frequently at local venues (around Virginia Beach, VA), both together and individually. Some of our biggest shows have been at the annual music festival Shaggfest, where we have opened for acts including 50 Cent, Trey Songz, Diplo, Travis Scott, and more.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
http://www.naynaymusic.com/ is probably the best place to go online. I have almost all of my music up there, as well as my show dates and links to social media accounts. It’s basically a portal to anything you need related to my music. I update it frequently so you won’t miss out on anything.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
It may sound cliche, but I’d like to thank everybody who has taken the time to listen to my music and support me.
