Guys, come together. we need talk about Nia Allen? She recently dropped “*Sunshine*” and I mean, is it what we all need right now?! This absolute gem is already climbing the Billboard Gospel Airplay Chart, and for good reason, teaming up with Jor’Dan Armstrong.
This isn’t just some other gospel track. It’s just the friend who stops by when you’ve had a rough day and somehow makes you feel a little bit lighter. Nia’s got this amazing voice like a warm embrace and, when she says they did the song to ‘put a smile on each other’s faces’, she literally means it.
Armstrong co-wrote the track with her and, along with Kortez Harris, produced it, and it’s already a total fan fave. It’s their go to workout tune and they’re calling it musical coffee – a shot of espresso that is pure energy and positivity.
If you are familiar with Nia’s previous hits such as “*Wait*” and “*I’m In Love*”, you know that Nia is not new to making music that makes you feel right inside. She’s played some large scale events like the Stellar Awards, and she’s this incredible ability to bring music to pure hope.
Sunshine does not feel like a regular song. Sometimes, it is a reminder that even on the hardest of days, something good is on your doorstep. And honestly? Right now, we all could all use a bit of that.
Watch Sunshine (ft. Jor’dan Armstrong)
Follow Nia Allen
Congratulations on the release of *Sunshine*! What inspired the creation of this track?
“Sunshine” was created to uplift the hearts and spirits of all who hear it. It’s an urban inspirational track meant to draw the ear of the listener with its infectious beat while bringing joy and a smile to one’s face as they’re listening.
How did the collaboration with Jor’dan Armstrong come about, and what was it like working with him?
Jor’Dan and I have the same management, Kortez Harris (Lewis Kortez Group), and Kortez sent me the track expressing that this collaboration of us writing the song together could be amazing! He was right. Jor’Dan produced an amazing track and we wrote the lyrics together. Working with Jor’Dan was a great experience. I was able to explore the R&B style both vocally and musically and merge it with an uplifting message. The final product is what you hear today!!!
The title *Sunshine* feels uplifting. What message or emotions are you hoping to convey through the song?
The heart behind “Sunshine” is to uplift the hearts and spirits of all who hear it. It’s meant to bring a sense of HOPE to those who may need it. “Sunshine” is a reminder that no matter how hard life may be right now, there’s hope and joy on the other side.
The heart behind “Sunshine” is to uplift the hearts and spirits of all who hear it.
Can you describe the creative process behind writing and recording *Sunshine*?
I received the track for “Sunshine” while I was singing on a cruise ship. I wrote the lyrics to “Sunshine” in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Once I got back, Jor’Dan and I got in the studio in Atlanta, Georgia and we put it all together.
What does *Sunshine* mean to you personally? Is there a special story or memory tied to its creation?
I love that “Sunshine” is bringing HOPE and a smile to people’s faces when they hear it. That was the heart of the song when we created it, and that’s what it’s doing right now. Since we’ve released the song, the response has been “It’s my wake-up song” “It’s a song that helps me to get my day started and get through the day.”
I think the most rewarding thing I’ve heard so far is a response from a counseling center where people are struggling with addiction, they said they play “Sunshine” every morning to help set the tone for their day. For me, at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about. It’s about inspiring and encouraging others. That’s why “Sunshine” was created and it’s doing exactly what we hoped it would do. So, that makes me happy!
What was the most memorable moment of collaborating on *Sunshine*?
The most memorable moment for me was creating a video for “Sunshine.” It was my first time doing an official video for one of my songs, and that was a memorable experience. It was so much fun having people on set, dancers, family, and friends conveying “Joy and Sunshine” in the video.
Kortez Harris (Lewis Kortez Group) made sure we worked with the best of the best. From the top directors (CreedLife – who’s directed videos for Drake and many others), to the professional dancers, to the drop-top convertible seen throughout the video. And then seeing the vision come to life as it premiered on BET Soul and BET Gospel, was certainly a moment I will never forget!
How does *Sunshine* reflect your growth or evolution as an artist? Are there any particular genres, artists, or life experiences that influenced the sound or lyrics of this track?
I believe most people know “Nia Allen” as a worship leader and worship artist. “Sunshine” represents an extension and another layer of who I am as an artist. I grew up listening to Brandy, Whitney Houston, LaLah Hathaway and many other artists outside the genre of gospel music. Sunshine is a demonstration of my diverse musical upbringing and influence and provides another facet of what Nia Allen has to offer to the world. Sunshine is using the urban R&B inspirational sound to convey an uplifting message.
How does *Sunshine* fit into your broader catalog of music?
Sunshine fits into my broader catalog of music in that the heart of the song is to inspire and encourage others. My name “Nia” means purpose, and my sole purpose in life is to bring inspiration, hope and encouragement to others (through music, speaking or daily interaction). So, “Sunshine” will fit with my current catalog and music that is still yet to come!!
What do you hope listeners will take away from *Sunshine*?
I sincerely hope that people’s hearts will be uplifted, and a smile will come to their faces when they hear “Sunshine.” I hope it will bring encouragement and HOPE to those who need it. I pray that “Sunshine” will serve as a reminder to others that “Trouble won’t last forever” and a brighter day is coming.
Is *Sunshine* part of a larger project or album we can look forward to?
Yes, Sunshine is a single that will be on my full-length (12-track album) entitled “Hope is Rising.” I’m super excited about this new project! It’s set to release at the top of the year.
Are there any other collaborations or surprises in the pipeline that you can share with us?
Yes, on this upcoming album, I collaborated with recording artist MAJOR. We wrote and sang the song together. It’s an Americana/Gospel feel. I believe it’s gonna be special. I recorded a Spanish version of my #1 Billboard song “Wait” with Gospel Recording Artist Joann Rosario. I’m singing the song in English and Spanish. I’m super excited about that. Last but not least, I collaborated and wrote a song with producer Aaron Lindsey (known for his work with Marvin Sapp “Never would’ve Made It,” and many classics) and I believe that will be the next single set to release early next year!
If you could describe *Sunshine* in three words, what would they be and why?
If I could describe “Sunshine” in three words it would be Hope, Joy, and Smile.
“Sunshine” is meant to bring Hope and a sense of expectation to all who hear it.
“Sunshine” was created to offer Joy to the hearts of every listener and lift their spirits.
“Sunshine” is meant to encourage and bring a smile to one’s face and remind them that they are loved and seen by a faithful God, who is with them right where they are!
