Nivé Releases Stirring New Single ‘Sahara’

New Delhi-bred singer-songwriter Nivedita Lakra aka Nivé is out with a brand-new single in the shape of the melancholic offering “Sahara.” The track – which has been produced by Pranshu Jha – follows “ADHD” which was released earlier this year. In this interview with Lakra, she talks about how she overcame addiction, writing “Sahara,” what she’s got planned next and more.

We last wrote about you when you released “Nuts 4 U” in 2021, what have you been up to since then?

After COVID my first move was to change my city and get a job as soon as possible. I wanted to break free, and I could not stop myself from taking hold of any opportunities that came my way, especially musically. Bangalore seemed like the best place that could satisfy my home and passion. Little did I know that I was entering the darkest phase of my life. I did take drugs and I believed that it could make you do things that take 12 hours in just an hour with the focus it gives you. I accommodated this in my daily life and then started the downfall. Tree houses were lost, a job lost a relationship that worked because I have an angel in my life. I had to move back home, and my mother asked me politely if I needed help, I said yes and then I was institutionalized for 90 days. Those were the most mind-boggling and expanding 90 days for me, with no phones and people with addiction and mental illness around me, I had a lot of perspective that I could change. Since I’ve been out of the institution, I’ve been living my life clean, free and happy. The best part is I have so much new music and have channeled it all.

When did you write “Sahara” and what can you tell me about it?

‘Sahara’ is a sad song, it talks about how one could look for any reason to reject the love life wants to give you, just so you could have another high. I repeat the lines ‘Kismat, paisa nasha, pyaar’ over and over because I had no idea about how things actually worked, probably my brain had gone for a toss. Now that I look back, I subconsciously was talking about how you could take destiny into your own hands if you were not such a bummer.

What was the recording process like for this song?

Recording the song was as painful as writing the song as performing it because it’s a constant reminder of a life that I used to live previously, and I can’t relate to that person anymore because I truly think that I have taken a rebirth after my institution journey. ‘Sahara’ will always remain the most painful song for me, it brings tears to my eyes occasionally.

What’s next?

A lot of releases are lined up, I’ve never had such efficiency and stability in my life. The next one is a very beautiful channelization as well.

Stream “Sahara” on Spotify below and on other platforms.