Nija - 32nd Floor (Single)

On "32nd Floor" Nija sings like she’s sitting inches from the mic—mouth close, breath steady, tone sitting somewhere between a whisper and a command. Low, sloped syllables overdraw the line between whispers and commands. Her voice stays centered—part lull, part lure—wrapped in a dusk tone and a touch of autotune that smudges the edges without blurring her tone and notes. When she breathes “Privacy note outside my door,” the air in the room bends with her.

The slow and serpentine tune opens with pillowy DX7 chords and the soft splash of running water underneath. Her voice fully starts the show, then the drums snap in and tighten the mood. Kick thumps warm underneath, bass folds in thick from the bottom. Shakers flick, congas tap once or twice, and synths blink like lights through fogged-over windows. Nija keeps the pacing on a swivel—constant but never rushed or pressed. If the young singer-songwriter confessed that the song's lyrics were written out with red lipstick, I have to admit that I wouldn't be too shocked. 

The video tracks that same simmering-chill mood. Elevator doors close on our leading lady and a tall stranger. Blue light washes over her braids while a red glow spotlights her face as she sings. She shares space with the mesmerized young man, both circling and trading glances. Other guests float in and out. Every floor brings more flirting and light brushes until they quit acting and lock in—a bit of which is caught on grainy black-and-white security footage. Vegas moves like that sometimes.

Nija didn't flinch on a single frame or note of "32nd Floor" - making sure to put the focus right where it belongs. If her previously dropped “Unruly” was her declaration of self, then this one is an invitation behind closed doors.