"RAV4" is a personal one. This quarantine has been tough. With social distancing and separation from family, friends, and significant others, felt like all we had were the memories of a time before this. It was that recollection and reminiscing that kept me sane. Also, amidst the urge to enjoy the outside world, it brought to light how everything I missed about the world and the things that made me happy weren't so much because of the environment and surroundings, but more so attributed to the one I got to share it with. As much as we miss the beach, sports arenas, and other public settings,  I think it's the company we miss more. I'd go back and relive those moments and memories again if I could. If I could. Couldn't have done this song without the talented production of my boy, PRVDNT. He took my simple demo and made this what it is. He's incredible fam, stay on the lookout for him!!!! He just has a unique approach to making music and it fits my schizophrenic taste. This is special because him and I have been working on a lot of music together, but this is our first official release!!

Rav4 (Prod. by PRVDNT)

“Sad & Sanitized” is a collection of songs I wrote during quarantine in this pandemic. The album explores the feelings of isolation, loneliness, and distance from loved ones, significant others, and even family. It was a flurry of emotions dealing with an event that none of us could’ve ever been prepared for. With us artists losing gigs and opportunities left and right, I was just trying to make the most of this time to continue to create and build others up. We’re all going through same thing, wanted to tell stories of the experiences and make it as accessible and relatable as I could.

Strong Enough Feat. PRVDNT (Prod. by PRVDNT)

Home feat. John Concepcion (Prod. by PRVDNT)

Trust Feat. Mariah Cruzado (Prod. by Nick Pacoli)

Sky (Prod. by Patrick Hizon)

“Starting Five” is a collection of the future pop/RnB sound that popularized Nieman.
These are a collection of songs from his Instagram “Draft Day” series. What started as drafts and
ideas were brought to life with full production. A play on basketball terminology, “Starting Five”
takes five of those drafts to the main stage. From heartbreak to first loves, this album covers it all!

Starting Five

Butterflies

The first single off my upcoming record, “Shade” explores the willingness to part ways for the benefit of one’s self. Often times we’ve seen people hold on to a relationship that has long burnt out for the sake of having someone and not being alone. This song elaborates on the truth that maybe growth can only be achieved without the other and suggests that maybe the two of you are the one’s holding each other back. Why wait for a fiery and dramatic conclusion if we both know now that this isn’t right for either of us?

This song wouldn’t be possible without the ever talented, Ryan Mitchell Grey. His unique twist on RnB coupled with his poignant lyrics brings an edge to “Shade” that really brings it to another level. The beauty of technology was on full display during this process, with Ryan and myself being on opposite ends of the country, “Shade” was achieved through Zoom, text messages, and voice memos. What started off as a rough acoustic idea became a back and forth of trading ideas, melodies, and words.

Shade feat. Ryan Mitchell Grey

“Same Bed” elaborates on the age-old advice of “never going to bed angry.” We’ve heard countless songs about apologies, making amends, reconciliation, etc., but this track digs deeper into the intimacy of the relationship, saying, at the end of the day, we go back to the same place, the same bed, and we shouldn’t bring that hostility to a place where we’re often most vulnerable. In a world that has watered down the meaning of love, relationships, and longevity, I wanted to write a song about trying again, fighting for peace, not throwing in the towel at the first signs of hardship. Having just gotten married this past September, I got to see the truth in this advice firsthand. There is no running away or turning off your phone or avoiding each other when in conflict, you will always go back to the same place. When you and your partner go to bed upset, though you are as close as can be physically, literally inches away lying next to each other, that anger will feel like your hearts are miles apart. “Pillow apart, but couldn’t be further.”

Produced by the incredibly talented, Nick Pacoli, his progressive vision on RnB along with his influence of 90’s slow jams brought a familiarity and comfort to this track, while still feeling modern and refreshing. Although he’s been my primary partner and collaborator through my career, producing the majority of my music, we continue to find new ways to innovate and create, and I believe this song is a testament to that. The addition of live instruments also heavily contributed to that warmth, with the effortless talent from, Daniel Fojas on guitar, Justin Ward on sax, and Nick Galaura on bass. “Same Bed” ushers in the lyrical vulnerability and warm sound of yesterday’s RnB to this generation.

Same Bed By Nieman (Prod. By Nick Pacoli)

For a long time, I have felt bounded or limited in my creativity because of people's expectations. I was often times put in a small box and generalized by assumptions. People thought they had me figured out and as a result, didn't expect much or anything different from me. 

Whether it was releasing a specific type of music or promoting a specific brand, many people jumped to conclusions, convinced that there wasn't much substance to my creativity and it was discouraging. It led to less music, less writing, and for a long time, I kept my distance. 

But you can learn a lot about yourself in a few years. I've gone through more in these past two years than I have in the five before it. And so with a growing maturity and an exposure to different realities in life, I revisited it all, and fortunately, the timing was right. 

This song is about withstanding opinions, the test of time, low expectations, assumptions, and continuously getting back up. It was written with boxing in mind. Lyrically, there are a lot of different boxing references and concepts. I always thought that, although a boxer may do the same dance for a few rounds, one mustn't ever feel they have him figured out, because he may unleash a flurry of attacks and surprise you. You never know what he has up his sleeve...or glove. I also felt as an artist, that I am constantly defending myself and I often times feel like I'm in the ring having to endure the public's attacks and opinions. This is a statement saying, "After everything, I'm still here." 

But the outro depicts a different nature from the rest of the song. The song prior to the outro expresses masculinity and bravado, however, it changes to a self-reflective and more somber tone. The outro conveys my fear of "still being here" after a few years. The fear of having nothing to show for my work, the fear of having not progressed, the fear of standing in the same spot. Interestingly enough, "I'm still here" is sung both in the main chorus of the song and the outro but both have very different tones, one is of pride and determination but the other is almost of hopelessness. I wasn't afraid of showcasing my emotions in this single. 

With all that being said, I hope you enjoy it. This is my first song as Nieman, the artist, and I am extremely nervous and excited. Stay tuned for more music to come. 

I'm still here. 

-Nieman

I'm Still Here

Lately, I’ve felt our generation has watered down the definition of love. There used to be a time where there was so much weight in the phrase, “I love you.” There was a seriousness about commitment. The generations before took love and relationships so seriously. I feel like we’ve lost that. “Distant are those days” as they say. I’ve always looked up to the way my parents and their parents treated love. Now, we are so reliant on Facebook statuses and how our culture defines love. We toss around those three words and it continues to lose its value. I just wish we would bring it back to where it used to be. “Bring me back that throwback love."

Throwback Love (Prod. by Nick Pacoli)

This song is for the people who've been there for me since the very beginning, since day one. I'm not usually one to be specific with my songs but I make a few references and nods to people and groups of people that have influenced my life and path. This was all possible because of the help, love, and support from my friends and I couldn't be more grateful to have such a strong support system.

Day Ones

This song is a contrast to the one before it. It depicts the fear and doubt in the future of the relationship. Although, I love her and will do anything to pursue her, I'm afraid of failing her. Why must she suffer through my troubles and struggles with me? Although she's been "right here," is it fair for her to have to wait for me to work through these issues? I'm scared of failing her.

Scared Of It All

The album explores my fears and doubts in my aspirations. Whether it be pursuing music or anything else, I think of how those different pursuits affect my life and my relationships. Relationship significant other, my friends, my family, or even how it affects myself personally. I've created this specific "lane" for myself in hopes to achieve those different goals my own way, without compromising who I am. 

This song specifically profiles my readiness for my relationship with my significant other. It's 3 minutes of yelling "I'm ready!" with utter confidence. I speak with the assurance that if at any point I fail, I'll try, try again. What makes this song interesting is the difference in moods and sounds with each section. There are many different switch ups and changes and Nick and I did that intentionally. We wanted to depict the spontaneity and abruptness of emotions when in a relationship. Moreover, we utilized it to convey different perspectives. For example, the majority of the song is proclaiming my readiness for the future and the relationship, while the outro is my significant other gently reminding me that she's been "right here" all along. She hasn't gone anywhere and doesn't intend to. 

It's an upbeat record with personal themes and I hope you all can vibe with it.

Right Here

The response and the support we've received these past few months have been encouraging to say the least. It's been surreal looking back in retrospect, seeing how far we've come and the doors and opportunities that have opened up. We couldn't be more thankful for the support and the love we've been given. Y'all vibe with us and we wouldn't be here if not for that. 

With that being said, Nick, Wyatt, and I wanted to give you this little token of our gratitude. We shared this with a few of the people that came out to the release, but felt it was only right to say thank you to everyone. It’s an unreleased and unplugged version of "Throwback Love.” This is special to us and seems to be one that really hits home with most people, so we wanted to share this with you all. It’s not much, but we hope you enjoy it.

FREE DOWNLOAD

Throwback Love [Unplugged]

This is the first single off my follow up EP, Only Me. It is quite the departure from LANES.  From melodies to lyrics, there is an air of comfortableness and confidence in our sound. We felt like it was time to start pushing the envelope, so this is the first offering of that newfound bravado. 

Inspired by the flow of Bryson Tiller, this song comes off as more of a rant, expression without boundaries. As opposed to my other songs, this song doesn't bind itself to the structure and form of verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. 

The song explores this idea of the relationship hitting those inevitable rough patches and trials, but ultimately understanding that that is all just a part of it. It won't always be happy and positive. People who've been in long term relationships can validate that. I argue that the love and relationship I share with my significant other is like wine, in that it gets better with time. It's just about sticking together through the hardest parts.  

Love Like Wine (Prod. by Nick Pacoli)

As a thank you for all the support and encouragement and especially reaching goals with our numbers, we wanted to release a new one.

This is a fun tune with a bit of a groove, so I hope you all like it. We wanted to create this informal and real personal, outgoing atmosphere within the song.

This song explores the theme of one being unsure of the beginning of a relationship, but solely trusting in the other. Trusting my lady to lead the way and assuring her that she has my unwavering trust. All through this metaphor of dancing.

v1//
Not much of a dancer
But I'll sway to the beat of your heart
Song’s moving faster
ill keep grooving till i fall apart

pre//
I’ve got two left feet 
But I’m not worried
if Ive got you next to me

Baby, please don’t think
That I’m not trying 
I will follow, honey, faithfully

chorus//
if you take the lead
Go on baby do your thing
Must be murder killing men with that swing
Don't stop till we both drop
Ima give you all that I've got

You know what I need 
Baby take the lead

v2//
I'll grab the wheel
But I just love how you take control 
I'm adjusting to the rhythm 
Following your body and soul

pre//
I’ve got two left feet 
But I’m not worried
if Ive got you showing me

Girl you've got my trust
It's just the two of us
I will follow, honey, faithfully

chorus//
if you take the lead
Go on baby do your thing
Must be murder killing men with that swing
Don't stop till we both drop
Ima give you all that I've got

You know what I need 
Baby take the lead

---

vocal production// Casey Lagos
music production// Nick Pacoli

2 Left Feet (Prod. By Nick Pacoli)

This song is about liking your best friend, but not saying anything or acting on it out of fear of ruining the relationship. The irony is the other person feeling the same way, but also not saying anything out of fear. So living in that uncertainty in order to protect what you guys have but wrestling with your emotions. 

-----

v1//
I'm aware of the consequence
I'm not ready yet to take that chance 
Do I fold or go all in?

Persuade my heart to think through it again
It sounds cliche but do you see us being more than friends?
Can't help myself but I'm fallin
--
chorus//
No I can't reveal
How I really feel
Cause I'm
Scared of ruining all we've built 

I’d rather play it safe 
Than find out you don't feel the same way
I don’t know what I'd if that were real
 
Trying my best to stop this love
Even then, it's against my will
Even after all is said and done,
Why do I still?
---
v2//
I wish that I could somehow read your mind
I wonder if I run through yours the way you do in mine
Can't help myself but I'm fallin

Words aren't easy when my eyes don't say the same 
Wish I could tell you just as easy as I say your name 
Do I fold or go all in?

--
BRIDGE 
I realize what's at stake but I don't know how to show you how I really feel, truly feel baby
Is where we go all set in stone, is this storyline signed and sealed, signed and sealed? Maybe. 
I'll keep on guessing the same question and that's if I can go on 
Without the one I want
Is this all, even worth it?
I think it is


Why Do I Still? feat. May Angeles (Prod. by Nick Pacoli)

Here we are for the second round and it's still incredibly surreal. These past 5 months have been insane and the momentum has been crazy. From the newspaper articles, to the radio spots, to the choreo, to all the plays you guys racked up for the two singles, thank you for giving this album such an introduction. I hope you love it as much as we enjoyed making it.

A paint palette has different colors that sometimes don't make sense next to each other, but work together to form one body of work. This album didn't have a unifying, underlying theme like "LANES" did. But sonically and lyrically, they really work together to form a cohesive body of work. 

This the meaning behind naming it "Palette." Each song is a different color. Although they may stand apart individually, they all work together to create this one piece of art. 

Timeless, Trooper, Love Like Wine, Let Me, Why Do I Still? 
Production // Nick Pacoli
Vocal Production // Wyatt Bock

Only Me
Production // Casey Lagos
Recorded // Wyatt Bock

Trooper, Only Me
Guitar // Daniel Fojas

Why Do I Still? 
Lyrics // NIEMAN & Katie Li

All lyrics & vocals // NIEMAN
Album Art // Rachel Cardenas

iTunes 

Only Me (Prod. By Casey Lagos)

iTUNES

Let Me (Prod. By Nick Pacoli)

Trooper (Prod. By Nick Pacoli)

Timeless (Prod. By Nick Pacoli)

This song reflects the summer I pursued my significant other. Reminiscing on the nights I had to wait until after 9PM to call her because that's when minutes were free. Everyone's had that summer love. I hope this song brings you back to it. 

produced// Nick Pacoli
engineered// Wyatt Bock

//

Summer's ours
Yeah I felt it from the start
You didn't have a clue
I was coming for your heart
I vowed to pursue
Had to have you 

Reminiscing 
All our conversations
Staying up 
Till 2 in the morning
I just wanted to know your mind 
Free minutes came after 9 

Oh baby you had your doubts
And I had mine
But I knew that I had to
Give us a try 
Girl I knew that I had to 
Make you mine
Every moments moving faster now
Every moments moving faster now
Oh girl I've tried to slow down time 
But all we can do now is hold on tight 

Cuz all we got are these
Summer nights
Baby girl just you I
We are where we're supposed to be
Me next to you and you next to me 

Summer nights
Baby girl just you And i
There's no place that id rather be
Then next to you making memories
On these summer nights
Nights nights nights

Summer Nights - Single

Summer Nights (Prod. by Nick Pacoli)

This song explores the idea of your significant other being able to make you feel like you’re on cloud nine one moment but also be capable of completely destroying you the next. This idea stemmed from thinking about the nature of outer space. “For someone who can make me feel weightless, you can also kill me, you are outer space.” It acknowledges the gravity of your love holding the weight of your world.

lyrics//
To be honest you're just way out of my league
Hard to reach baby, you're from another galaxy
I'm floating like there ain't no gravity
Unpredictable, you change it up so suddenly 
The higher I go the harder I fall 

For someone who can make me feel weightless
You can also kill me
You are outer space
And I am out of place
I don't know how you leave me breathless
I'm sorry I'm not usually breathless 
I don't know how you got me so restless
Got me crazy girl I'm driving so recklessly 

Its a beautiful view 
From my spaceship coupe 
Justin Timberlake for you 
I'm just tryna set the mood right
I can't live inside your atmosphere
Wished upon a star now you're here
Please excuse the way I say this girl
For someone down to earth, you’re out of this world
Girl you’re love got me lifting off

For someone who can make me feel weightless
You can also kill me
You are outer space
And I am out of place
I don't know how you leave me breathless

Outer Space(Prod. By wave Groove)

A year from last Saturday I released my second EP, "Palette." I just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who gave that album so much play and shared it with their friends. It really means the world to have such a supportive group of friends behind me. You guys embraced that release in such a huge way. From giving "Love Like Wine" and Why Do I Still?" so much love and views, to the release party holding 200 strong. That album has a special place in my heart and has a huge mark on my music career so from the bottom of my heart, thank you. 

With that being said, I wanted to commemorate that year anniversary with the release of "Why Do I Still?" [Unplugged]. "Why Do I Still?" is one of my fastest rising sounds to date. You guys embraced that song so warmly and it's still so surreal to see all the milestones that song has hit. From Spotify to Billboard, to the choreography and dance teams, the response has been amazing. The story is a special one and writing it was an experience I'll never forget. I hope this version gives you a new appreciation of this narrative.

Huge thanks to Wyatt Bock for always bringing our vocals to this crazy level of quality. Thanks to my big bro, Nick Pacoli for giving the song a soul. Thanks to Katie Li for helping me write this story. And huge thanks to May Angeles for playing piano and making this song a hit.  

I hope you enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it. Without further ado, here is "Why Do I Still?" [Unplugged].

Why Do I Still?  [Unplugged] Feat. May Angeles

This song explores the feeling of seeing your Ex happy with another person. It pushes the question, "why that person," almost competitively, almost to say, what does that new person have over me. What I love about the song is the narrative we've laid out lyrically and the journey we take the listener on. For three and a half minutes emotions are thrown at the other repeatedly, it's a constant venting of candid thoughts and criticisms of our relationship in retrospect. However, what I love about Moira's verse is that it almost turns it around and offers the woman's perspective, which is essentially, "you gave me no choice." Her verse singlehandedly refutes everything I laid out, which is exactly how we wanted it. The backstory she creates for the woman's side was that she did everything she could to make it work, which dismantles all of the criticisms the man had prior. We wanted her verse to be last because it not only provides a twist for the story of the song, but also nods to women always having the last word.  

Lyrics//
It hurt enough you wanted out
Don't twist the knife again 
Once in my arms, you've fallen out
Into another mans

But what hurt most
Wasn't letting me go,
Rather in the one you chose
You were always in the view
Seems like that wasn't the same for you
---
Same old scene replays over again
Try to ignore it but I can't pretend
Out of all the possible options 
Baby why him?
Why him?

Its not that I want to control you baby
It could be anybody else
Call me selfish, I admit that I'm greedy
I just want you to myself
But you went and chose him
Why him?
--
Girl rumor has it you're feelin some way
Saw in your eyes that something must've changed 
I could tell something felt a little different just the other day 
Got flustered just trying to muster what I want to say 
---
Do I just back down?
What do you want me to do?
Step to the side or do I fight for you? 
(2x)

Where did I drop the ball?
I could feel the tension, I know we had our faults
Where did I drop the ball?
Tell me when was this all my fault
---
I heard the truth 
But not from you
Who you ran to
Girl what I do?
Girl spare my heart 
I'm in the dark
Lately we've been
Growing apart

I know all you wanted was for me to be committed
I know I was acting distant like my feelings weren't in it 
But I swear 
I swear
My heart was there, I just was feeling scared  

Moi:

I heard that you 
Think i hurt you
How is this true when i waited for you
I might've loved you
But i guess youll never know
How i felt for you there was nothing left for me to do 
There was nothing left for me to do

All i ever wanted was for you to he committed 
I know i was acting distant but i really was just waiting for you
For you to come through 
But i dont think that'll happen anytime soon
So please don't go on tellin everybody it was easy
Oh the only difference was he was brave enough to tell me even when i was waiting for you
I never meant to be unfair, i just wanted you to care

Why Him? (Prod. by Jedi Jordan) feat. Moira Dela Torre

I always found it crazy how someone who is your whole life at one point can become a complete stranger.

V1//
Isn't it crazy that we're strangers now
Isn't it funny we ain't figured out
How to coexist, we just grew distant 
We were once alike but now we're different
How are we different?
How are you?
Funny that I still don't know what you been up to 
At every event, still wonder if you'll come through
But that answer been the same
Hold my breath till it gets late
Your absence doesn't phase me
You went on your way 
So I went on mine
Lately you be 
Heavy on my mind
I never wanted that
Happier now in fact
I'm with someone but why am I back to you?

Pre//
I'm not tryna be your friend
I'm not tryna pull you in again
I'm just tryna make amends
Ill extend the olive branch
I just hate that we're now strangers 

Hook//
You used to come and keep me company
You used to come and keep me company 
You used to come and keep me company 
You used to come and keep me company 

V2//
Memories get hazy but I'll still hold on
Though Ive moved on
It's been too long since
We had conversation 
Please hear what I'm saying 
I'm done with avoiding you 
Don't you feel a truce is overdue?
After everything I put you through 
Please take all I say cuz it's the truth 
I don't know what else to do 
I don't know what else to do

Pre//
I'm not tryna be your friend
I'm not tryna pull you in again
I'm just tryna make amends
Ill extend the olive branch
I just hate that we're now strangers 

Hook//
You used to come and keep me company
You used to come and keep me company 
You used to come and keep me company 
You used to come and keep me company 

Outro//
Isn't crazy that we're strangers now?

Strangers (Prod. by Bigg Kid)

Ghost 

Ghost (Prod. By Bigg Kid)

Brutally Honest

ABLE • Nick and I feeling back back back😤 When we started working together in 2014 we would meet up and knock out a song a night. Not because we had to but because that’s the only way we knew how to work. Our process has changed since then but we wanted to revisit that approach when we met up last week, so here’s what we wrote in a night. Both feeling a ways coming into this new year, this track kind of captures the rollercoaster of emotions with everything, especially with  he state of where we were while pursuing this dream. Even with the uncertainty of the future, we’re keeping it moving. 2014 Soundcloud vibes BACK. Enjoy “Abel”

Able (Prod. by Nick Pacoli)

“Automatic” places the listener at then end of a relationship and the period of reminiscing on what went wrong and what could’ve been different.
It’s a constant back and forth between doubt and peace of mind. Often times we place the other side on a pedestal so we find carry the weight of the blame. While the verses depict the retrospective longing for resolution and the sense of guilt over how things transpired, the chorus closes at accepting that maybe some things were beyond control and maybe much of that blame is misplaced. There are two sides to every relationship. While the end of something can be a lot to process at one time, here we find the slow arrival to the reality of the opposite side’s fault, shattering the glass and knocking over the pedestal.
With a saxophone solo at the bridge and a narrative that carefully unravels from start to finish, “Automatic” draws upon inspiration from throwback Pop/RnB ballads but with a modern twist.
This narrative can be applied to any sort of relationship, such as friends or family. I think everyone experiences tension in various relationships and retraces their steps all the same.

Automatic (Prod. by Jesse Barrera)

Throwback sounds for the modern age.

contact // info@bonviewsound.com

NIEMAN

Popular tracks