Meet Naoma

We had the good fortune of connecting with Naoma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Naoma, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
I’m my happiest when I see how my music impacts people, especially children. There’s nothing better than seeing kids light up and dance when they hear my songs. Adults dance too, but sometimes they take a little longer to get comfortable in their body. Kids are unapologetically themselves. When they hear something they like, they move. Adults look around first to see if anyone is watching too hard. I encourage every adult to find that inner child within them again- the one that didn’t think twice about how others were perceiving them when they started dancing. I truly believe dancing can heal the world. When you allow yourself to dance without hesitation, you free yourself. I make records hoping the world can find that freedom again.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to not wait. Only YOU know what you’re capable of. Only YOU can decide what your life looks like. If you feel called to change your life or make that move, you gotta do it. Don’t wait on anybody. It took me a long time to realize that no one is going to come to my rescue. It’s up to me to create my reality and live my dream life. I want to live an extravagant life wearing dazzling gowns on big stages all over the world. While I have achieved glimpses of this life and am still currently creating this reality for myself, I wasn’t sure it was possible for me at one point. In 2020, I graduated college during the pandemic and had never felt more lost. Writing songs felt like my only escape. In late 2021, I decided to take the leap and move to Atlanta, Georgia. Of course it was scary. I didn’t know anyone before moving here. I just knew I had to. I’m so glad I listened to that little voice because the last two years have been exhilarating. I have been able to put together a 9 person band named Naoma and the Sundaze, and together we’ve been able to headline iconic venues in the city such as Smith’s Olde Bar. I’ve really found my sound as an artist and believe I bring a refreshing sound to ATL. My disco/funk groove has gotten the whole city to dance and I can’t wait to keep making records that get people on their feet.

Artists, your art is valid. YOU are valid. Thank you for continuing to create. Thank you for taking the risk of being an artist and listening to that little voice that says keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would start the day off with a walk around Piedmont Park followed by a delicious lunch at Tassili’s. For dinner, I’d take them to Nine Mile Station on top of Ponce City Market for the best happy hour in the city. Then I’d take them to the rooftop at Clermont for a few drinks before ending the night and my favorite spot, the legendary MJQ.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank the musical mentors I had growing up, Jay Emrich, Dan Anderson, Jared Norman, and Jennifer Dice for instilling such a love for performing within me at an early age. I want to thank my parents for always encouraging me to keep singing. I made the move to Atlanta in Nov of 2021 and very quickly met people who changed my life for the better. Kitty (aka Heirflow) is one of them. Her friendship means the world to me and her creative genius has opened up a world of possibilities for me. Joseph and Samuel Yates are two others who have changed my life. They are the sound behind Naoma. They are my producers and band mates, but they’ve become more like family. Thank you to DJ Quasi for inspiring my sound and always giving me words of encouragement. I love you!! Lastly, I’d like to thank my band members. Their talent is beyond compare. I’m truly so grateful for my team here in ATL.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naomathesun?igsh=MWVxNjNmbHZhZ29mcg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@naomathesun?si=9kTM6_t8aqSD7ckN

Image Credits
Curtis Bryant (@iamcurtisbryant)
Darcy Darmody (@hellacurious)
Juvair Andrew’s (@creativedemands)
Christian Zajicek (@vsionsofalife)