Naia Izumi - “Our Gravity”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 7

Pairs Well With…Steve Lacy, Gary Clark Jr., Cody ChesnuTT

Adding super intricate guitar work over his alternative R&B foundation, Naia Izumi gives his sound prog-like intricacy, an interesting and moving instrument that twists what would be just soft and sultry music into something much fuller. The LA-based artist has released two singles beyond some live tracks since debuting in 2018, songs embedded with blues licks, cinematic passion, and classic, new-soul riffage. The latest of the two is “Our Gravity”, a smooth, slinking number dreamily paced, but precisely performed. Add in a beautiful voice with dynamic range and texture and Naia Izumi is an artist to watch as he prepares a debut release for hopefully sometime in 2020. (Kevin McStravick)