niña on “i got it all right here”

CAT MATTHEWS OF NIÑA TALKS THE MUSICAL DUO’S LATEST RELEASE. 

“i got it all right here” has literally got it all: dreamy vocals, smooth guitar, you name it. Cat Matthews and Christian Renard formed niña in 2018 when Renard sent Matthews demos to write to and record music on. Since then, the group has been able to go on multiple tours, opening for acts like Cuco, the Marias, and Jakob Ogawa. “i got it all right here” is the duo’s first release of 2020. Lead singer and songwriter Cat Matthews breaks down everything you need to know about their newest track. 

TELL ME ABOUT THE SONGWRITING PROCESS FOR “i got it all right here.”

Matthews: The writing process, like most of my writing processes, was pretty spontaneous and flowed all at once. I only started with a few lyrics and a concept when my producer sent me the session to record to. It’s funny, I actually wrote most of the lyrics while recording the song in my room. It just kind of came verse by verse as I kept getting into the groove. 

WHAT INSPIRED THE SONG?

Matthews: Most of niña’s previous releases had been inspired by lofi pop and shoegaze (slowdive, the cure, cocteau twins, etc). This single was actually really inspired by artists like Steve Lacy and Tame Impala. My previous work still means so much to me, and is very near and dear to my heart, but we needed to create something that sold an empowering message and made me/listeners want to dance. Thematically, this song was inspired by really significant self discoveries and changes that I was able to proudly overcome. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE SONG TO SOMEONE WHO HASN’T HEARD IT YET? 

Matthews: This song is all about self love and really forming a strong relationship with yourself first and foremost. I learned that you can’t have a healthy relationship with someone else before you have a healthy one with yourself. Relationships are incredibly important, and so often we neglect the relationships we have with ourselves. I've been in positions where I've had to spend extended periods of time by myself and the things I learned about the woman I am are so eye opening. I’m so much happier because of it. Pouring effort and time into yourself is one of the most valuable investments a person could make.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE LINE?

Matthews: A favorite line!! That’s so hard to choose!! Probably, “i feel so free, me myself and i, the three of us are sorry if we made you cry.” when I wrote that, I obviously wanted to play off of the “me myself and I” line. I used to make myself feel so guilty when I couldn’t meet people’s requirements or expectations of me, when in reality I would be putting those people first, neglecting my own needs and wants. I’m so glad I’m able to love the people around me, while respecting myself. I don’t bend the rules for anyone, sorry boys!! 

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THING YOU WANT PEOPLE TO TAKE AWAY FROM LISTENING? 

Matthews: I want listeners to take exactly what they need from this song for themselves. I want my listeners to love themselves a little more after they hear this, and I definitely want them to dance their hearts out and feel empowered through whatever stage of life they’re currently embarking upon. 

*You can listen to “i got it all right here” on streaming services like spotify and apple music. Go add it to all your playlists!!