Neila's Emotional New Single "Needle and Thread" Featuring Dende: A Deep Dive into Heartbreak and Healing
Discover the raw and powerful emotions in Neila's latest single "Needle"
When life threads us through the needle of grief and loss, music can often be the best remedy. For Neila, this truth came into sharp focus during a 10-hour drive from her hometown in Florida back to Atlanta after her great-grandmother’s funeral. In the midst of this emotionally charged journey, inspiration struck. "The beginning line, ‘somebody pass me a needle and thread’ came to me on that drive," Neila reveals. "I finished the song a few months later."
"Needle and Thread," the third single from her latest EP "SCARS," is a poignant collaboration with Dende, whose soulful voice adds depth and intensity to the track. "It was an absolutely incredible experience working with Dende," Neila shares. "His voice carries so much emotion and passion that I immediately knew he was the perfect person for this song. His lyrics and energy really push the feeling of the song."
The opening line of the song encapsulates a profound desire for healing. "I think it insinuates a need to mend, to share tools that aid in the healing process," Neila explains. "Recognizing that someone or something isn't good for you and allowing yourself to let them go is the first step of healing. So, as much as this is a song about heartbreak, it's also about the beginning stages of healing."
For Neila, "Needle and Thread" stands out as one of her most emotional creations. "I often cry when listening to it," she admits. "Crying is such a healthy way to let go, which is crucial in the healing process. I hope listeners find release when listening to this song and that it aids in their healing process, whatever they may be healing from."
This depth of emotion was intentional for Neila's "SCARS" EP. "Having recently lost my great-grandmother, I found myself in a vulnerable place," she reflects. "My usual 'fuck you, I'ma do me' attitude wasn’t there, and I wanted to showcase that vulnerability through my music. As the singles continue, the songs get deeper and sonically darker."
A unique visual identity accompanies the EP, symbolizing healing. "It’s so important for me to have my visual art connect with my music," Neila explains. "Band-Aids are a common theme. We use them to heal cuts and bruises. I’ve used Band-Aids as a metaphor for healing. People, places, and things in life leave their marks on us, and those are the scars we carry. Seeing a Band-Aid on someone's skin sends a message: whatever is underneath it is healing. My graphic designer and I even created a Band-Aid font for all the cover art."
The song’s emotional gravity also dictated its musical direction. "I had completely finished the hook and first verse before having the beat for the song," Neila recounts. "The producer Brandon Phillips-Taylor produced the beat around a voice memo I sent him."
Known for her empowering "fuck you" attitude, Neila ventured into new emotional territory with "Needle and Thread." "I’m all about empowering people, especially women," she says. "But with 'Needle and Thread,' I went deeper than ever before. It’s usually hard for me to tap into that raw emotion, but as a songwriter and artist, I felt it was important to show that even bad bitches get their hearts broken."
Neila’s "Needle and Thread" featuring Dende is more than a song—it's a testament to the healing power of music, a vulnerable journey through grief, and a beacon of hope for anyone mending their own wounds.
Stream “Needle and Thread” on your preferred streaming platform.
Awesome!!!