05 September 2024 - 0 Comments
Emerging Kiwi singer-songwriter Nel Ranyard makes her mark on the music scene with the release of her debut single, What WAS. This heartfelt track showcases Nel's unique blend of pop, folk, and indie music, telling a deeply personal story of grief, love and healing.
Nel's musical journey began at a young age, starting piano lessons at just five years old. By the end of high school, she was already writing songs that reflect her diverse musical influences. Since she was 15, Nel has been leading music teams and performing in front of massive crowds, where her talent and passion for music have continued to flourish.
What WAS is a poignant reflection on Nel's personal experiences and her relationship with her late grandfather, William Andres Stephanos, who always believed in her talents. Her grandfathers’ initials W.A.S, are subtly embedded in the title, adding a personal touch to the song.
The song's genesis can be traced back to 2022, a year marked by significant personal challenges, where she has a period of depression.
Despite these hardships, Nel found the courage to express herself through music, inspired by her grandfather's unwavering support and encouragement.
The chorus of What WAS serves as a petition to be seen from a higher perspective or from those who see the best in her, capturing Nel's journey through darkness and her eventual emergence into light. The song transitions from mellow and soulful verses to a hopeful and uplifting chorus, embodying the transformative power of perseverance and music.
Nel's path to releasing What WAS was paved with both challenges and blessings. At the end of 2022, she felt a divine calling to leave behind her struggles and start anew. With the support of her family and a timely financial blessing from a family friend, Nel dedicated herself to creating music that speaks to her faith.
Production for What WAS concluded in May 2024, shortly after the passing of her grandfather in September 2023, making the song's release even more meaningful.
Despite being relatively unknown in the music industry, Nel's belief in her music has driven her to take bold steps. The single was officially launched on June 28, 2024, with a small yet heartfelt gathering of friends and family.
Nel's producer was an answer to prayers when she connected with Aaron Clarke (Mountain Boy), who helped bring her vision to life.
What WAS is now available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Instagram, and TikTok, along with an accompanying video.
As Nel steps into the spotlight with her debut single, she looks forward to releasing more music that resonates with listeners. She plans to release two more songs this year, focusing on daily struggles, love and loss, and the power of moving forward day after day.
Sharing her recent thoughts on Life FM, Nel shares, "whether or not you choose to love my music, I hope at least someone can find inspiration in following their dreams, no matter what others think or say."
Nel’s debut single What WAS has since garnered over 12,000 listens across all platforms in just two months —and she’s not stopping there. Two more releases are on the way in the coming months.
There are currently no comments for this article. Please log in to add new comments.