One of the most compelling artists of the past five years found herself fully formed in 2024. Nilüfer Yanya’s “My Method Actor” is all the promise of her previous two (highly laudable) full-length records realized with a new assurance. That may seem in contrast with the album’s themes of transition, but one has to be firm in their understanding of self to embrace such transformations — or “Mutations,” as Yanya sings on one standout track. Collaborating closely with producer Will Archer, her smoky vocals and intricate guitar work have never sounded so authentically method.
Speaking about “Method Actor” Nilüfer describes how the concept for the song came together: “I was researching method acting – and from what I read, it’s based on finding this one memory in your life, a life-altering, life-changing memory. The reason why some people find method acting traumatic and maybe not safe mentally, is because you’re always going back to that moment. It can be good or bad but you’re always feeding off the energy, something that’s defined you – and that’s what helps you become the character. It’s a bit like being a musician. When you’re performing, you’re still trying to invoke the energy and emotion of when you first wrote it, in that moment. It definitely feels like you’re having to recreate or step into that headspace.”
While writing “My Method Actor” Nilüfer retreated into the studio with her creative partner, Wilma Archer (Sudan Archives/MF DOOM/Celeste). She had toured her second album, “Painless”, for a year and entered a period of transition, between albums, between record companies, between homes. “My Method Actor” deals a lot with the idea of movement from one part of life and into another.
“This is the most intense album, in that respect,” Yanya says. “Because it’s only been us two. We didn’t let anyone else into the bubble.”
“My Method Actor” was released 13th September via Ninja Tune
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