Niftz reflects on his new album 'Mental Notez'!

Niftz had a strong 2023, with various radio shows, sets, features and to top if off, the release of his debut album - Mental Notez. Coming in at a whopping 22 tracks long, you may think that the album is too long, as some artists struggle to keep their albums engaging with a lot of music on them. However, Niftz doesn't struggle with that at all, as he tests himself successfully across a varied selection of grime sounds and keeps his delivery on point and interesting. With an impressive list of features as well, from MCs to producers, this album is defintely one for all grime heads to check out, with something on there for everyone. With this album being such a monstrous release, we had to get an interview with the artist himself to find out more about what went behind this release!

How do you think your 2023 went?

2023 was a very active year for me, but I really started the journey in 2022 working with Blizzard, The 016Onez Collective & being introduced to the Treehouse, I already in my head had it solidified that I was going to make an E.P and album in 2023. I grew up on Grime and was heavily influenced by it, so to be able to do all the things I've done this year is an actual blessing.

What was your best moment of the year just gone?

Theres so many really, a lot of massive things happened:

Working with Blizzard, forming the 016Onez Collective, I did Sets with TreehouseWalshy & TreehouseRory, ModeRadio & UnityRadio, working with CrowBeats on "Sound" the E.P, performing at the Street Heat Festival, releasing Mental Notez, getting Radio play with BBC Radio Manchester & Unity Radio, getting National Radio play with BBC 1Xtra on the Sir Spyro Show and working with all the Artists & Producers on Mental Notez.

What would you like to build upon or improve going into 2024?

I would say I want to improve everything, I'm always looking to do better.

Talking about Mental Notez, what was the driving factor behind this album?

I've been writing music since I was 16 years old, I've always wanted to take it serious and I cemented in my head that I was going to in 2023, I grabbed on to every opportunity that I could, started building bridges with key people. I got my own Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and I was hungry for it, from there on in, I started recording everything and going over it all with a fine tooth comb, Music is therapy to me, it really makes a difference to my mind set.

What was the writing process like during the creation of this project?

Sometimes it was easy, sometimes it was sleepless, it's been a roller coaster either way and its been an awakening. I wouldn't change any of it.

How important was Blizzard in putting the album together?

Blizzard played a massive role in the making of Mental Notez Vol.1. He gave me a lot of direction and guidance. He also brought a lot of my ideas to life, committed to the album even whilst he was making his own music. I can't thank him enough for all his contributions to the album and to be able to work with a legend like that was next level.

What was it like working with various MCs who feature across the project?

It was sick I can't even lie, I'd find myself in rooms with people I grew up listening to. Everyones contribution to the project was what made it great and to talk and work with them was massive!

What can the fans expect from this album?

Expect a journey, because thats exactly what this is.

And finally, what does 2024 hold for you?

I'm going to release Mental Notez Vol.2 in 2024. I've got a few other projects that I may or may not release, we will see. I'm also going to be doing a lot of live performances this year. You might see the name looking a bit bigger too.