Multi-talented rapper and songwriter, Nazo Bravo, shared insights into the process behind his new video release, “You Ain’t Gotta Go.” Steering the direction of his own music clips, the artist emphasizes the heightened creative freedom that minimizes loss in artistic translation.
During our in-depth conversation, Nazo reveals that the choice of Los Angeles’ coastline wasn’t merely for aesthetics; it was an instinctual pick that combined the allure of the ocean with a unique visual palette distinct from his prior works. Another significant theme in the video is the essence of feminine spirit, reflecting Bravo’s admiration for strong, independent women.
The foundational role of the beat in his songwriting was also discussed, as it dictates the vibe and narrative direction of a track. While “You Ain’t Gotta Go” sets the tone for his upcoming album, Nazo Bravo promises a mix of themes and exciting collaborations in store for fans.
Creating your own music video must have presented its own challenges and opportunities. What aspects of directing “You Ain’t Gotta Go” allowed you to push your artistic boundaries and bring your vision to life?
Directing my own music videos definitely come with a higher level of creative freedom. When you bring on a director and have them interpret your song, the inspiration behind it, and what you both want to accomplish with the visual, there’s a lot that can be lost in translation. When you’re at the helm of both the song and the video, the video just becomes an extension of the original feeling and concept that inspired the music.
Does the choice of Los Angeles’ coastline as a backdrop go beyond its aesthetic appeal? Is there a deeper connection or message you wanted to convey by juxtaposing the urban hip-hop vibe with the sea?
I went off instinct. When I was prepping for the video I was just drawn to the ocean – the freedom of it, and the vastness. Maybe it’s the Cancer in me. The vibe of the song was sexy already and the video just built on top of that. And visually, I wanted to do something different from all my other videos in terms of the colors and how they pop, so that also played a part in the decision.
The essence of feminine spirit is a strong theme in this video. Can you share a specific story or instance from your life that inspired this celebration of the ‘boss woman’?
It’s just the type of woman I’m into. A person goes through different phases in life in terms of the type of individual they’re attracted to, and with this song I wanted to shout out to the women who have their sh*t together.
Collaborating with Matt Hill on the visuals, were there any standout moments during the filming process?
Filming at sunset is always interesting, because the time window is limited and you naturally get amazing lighting. Doing that right on the ocean is even better so I enjoyed that moment, and the way it ties into the story and the lyrics just all worked out perfectly.
Having a footprint in both the music and film industries, how do you see your cinematic experiences influencing your videos, and vice versa? Are there moments in “You Ain’t Gotta Go” where we can see a hint of your filmic perspective?
Definitely. They complement each other. I put my music in my films and use my filmmaking experience to make better and more interesting music videos as I grow in both lanes. I never saw myself directing a feature film before, but after this music video I can see myself doing it if the circumstances were right.
You mentioned the importance of the beat as the starting point for a song’s creation. Can you delve a bit deeper into this relationship? How does it guide your storytelling process and the unfolding of the track’s narrative?
The beat sets the vibe and the theme. It guides the type of vocals and song concept that would sound best on the beat. Some artists go with the vibe, and others go against it. It depends on the artist but for me, I start with the energy a beat gives me and that informs what I want to say on the song, and how I want to say it including what pocket to lay into and how to structure it.
With “You Ain’t Gotta Go” setting the stage for your forthcoming album, can fans expect more of this thematic celebration of women? Also, are there any unexpected twists or new collaborations that we should be eagerly awaiting?
My upcoming album will cover a variety of subjects and have a lot of different styles on it, but I definitely have a few others like “You Ain’t Gotta Go” in the vault. I’m still locking in a few collabs that go with the concept of the album, but one of the singles has a few features that I’m personally very excited about. I’ll have to share those details down the road, but just know that I’m going to keep growing and keep pushing the envelope for myself creatively.
Watch the official video below:
Listen to the song here:
