Nilüfer Yanya – My Method Actor

Nilüfer Yanya – My Method Actor – Singles (2024 pre-release): Like I Say (I Runaway), Method Actor, Call It Love, Mutations, Made Out Of Memory & Just A Western

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Introduction

On June 10, 2024, the third Nilüfer Yanya album was announced. It was called My Method Actor and would be released of September 13, 2024. The second single, Method Actor, was released that same day. First single Like I Say (I Runaway) had been released two months earlier.

Nilüfer Yanya – My Method Actor

Review

The announcement also mentioned that the album was recorded with regular musical partner Will Archer (also known for his work with Sudan Archives, among others): “This is the most intense album, in that respect, because it’s only been us two. We didn’t let anyone else into the bubble.”

Yanya (29 this year) describes the album’s theme, both the album and the second single were named after method-acting, as follows:

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’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.

Nilüfer Yanya, 06/10/2024

The albums starts off with Keep On Dancing. The very first verse hits the listener immediately.

What you looking for?
Shut up and raise your glass if you’re not sure
Still I can smile, it’s fucking miserable
So deep in the crime of being beautiful
Stereotypical (Yeah)
Keep your advice, don’t give it any thought
If I wanna fight, you know who’s keeping score
Swim deep in the hive I came here to ignore

Keep On Dancing

The dual feeling towards the music industry, her role, her image and the way women are treated in the music industry, was a regular feature in the promotional interviews.

I’m not a pop star.

Music is a really ‘go, go, go!’ industry. People want you to be an artist but don’t give you any time to actually make art. For me, being an artist is just being honest. The real joy in all this comes from writing and creating, and you can’t progress if you don’t practice your practice.

Nilüfer Yanya, 09/09/2024

The first, of a total of 6 (!), single to be released before the album was was Like I Say (I Runaway), a song with great dynamics. Wild guitars coming out of nowhere only to disappear into thin air as quickly as they appeared. Exciting! That feat is also used on Method Actor. And again that duality.

Keepin’ me down, old school glamour
Can’t get much faster
Messin’ around till I shake with laughter
Come place your dagger

Method Actor

The album just keeps on delivering the goods of that very same (high) level, Mutations, Call It Love, Just A Western are the highlight for now, but that can easily change. A very impressive achievement. The album has one extra feature to lift it way above the average level: its beautiful open production. Everything sounds pristine, natural and balanced.

But, after listening to the album in full, I’m left with the question how much longer Nilüfer Yanya will be presenting herself as a musician/singer. I hope her career will last for years and years more, but the doubt she expresses about the road to take after the album and the tour is palpable.

You have an idea what your 20s are going to be like and who you’re going to be when you’re 30, and then it goes past so quickly… You’re still living in your teenage head, but you’re an adult.

It’s a bit weird thinking you can live another way, You don’t have to just weigh your life up against music. I think I’m realizing that I can just be me, and that’s okay.

Nilüfer Yanya, September 2024

Anyway, My Method Actor is here and it’s a must-have for any record/music collector. Tip: take your time with this album. Listen to it on headphones and/or in-ear plugs. A beautiful experience!

Nilüfer Yanya – My Method Actor – Back cover

Songs

All songs written by Nilüfer Yanya and Will Archer.

• Keep On Dancing
• Like I Say (I Runaway)
• Method Actor
• Binding
• Mutations
• Ready For Sun (Touch)
• Call It Love
• Faith’s Late
• Made Out Of Memory
• Just A Western
• Wingspan

Musicians

• Nilüfer Yanya – vocals
• Will Archer – guitar, bass, piano, keyboards, background vocals
• Ellis Dupuy – drums
• Joe Harvey-Whyte – pedal steel
• Clíona Ní Choileáin – cello
• Ellie Consta – viool

In closing

What’s your take on this Nilüfer Yanya album? Let me know!

Video/Spotify
This story contains an accompanying video. Click on the following link to see it: Video: Nilüfer Yanya – My Method Actor. The A Pop Life playlist on Spotify has been updated as well.