A raw and honest dialogue unfolds in the latest collaboration from Australian artists NEAV and John Vella. Their track, ‘Think It Over’, dives into the complexities of past relationships and their enduring impact on the present. It's a sonic journey that prioritises intimacy and vulnerability, crafting a space for listeners to ponder their own experiences of love and loss.
NEAV describes the song as "a reflection of both the fear of what could have been, and the joy of what is now reality." The lyrical intimacy, she explains, mirrors the conversations that shaped the writing process. "It really mimics conversations we had together during the writing process. It’s the first song that John and I have written together, which I find really special.” This conversational tone resonates throughout the track, fostering a sense of shared experience between the artists and their audience.
‘Think It Over’ is built upon a foundation of delicate melodies and deeply personal lyrics. The song explores how past relationships continue to shape our decisions and perspectives. The collaborative process, which took place on the New South Wales Central Coast, saw NEAV and Vella seamlessly blend their individual talents. Vella also took on the mixing duties, ensuring their shared vision was realised. As a result, the track is a poignant and emotionally resonant piece that leaves a lasting impression.
John Vella reflects on the creative process, stating, “Collaborating with NEAV on this track was a really great experience. We really pushed each other during the writing and production process to make the decisions count. There was a lot of focus on tapping into the emotional core of the song, and I think we’ve landed on something pretty special. For me, making music is at the point now where I really need to feel like I’m adding something to the conversation. You know, if you want to say something, you’d better have something worth saying. We’re very happy with how it’s come together.”
NEAV, who recently received Create Australia’s 2024 ‘Export Development Fund’, used the grant to embark on a six-week European songwriting and networking trip, connecting with industry professionals across major cities. Her previous accolades include recognition from The Australian Songwriters Association, Listen Up, the International Songwriting Competition (ISC), and support from Triple J, MTV Australia, and Rolling Stone. She has also shared the stage with prominent artists like Ben Lee and Dan Sultan.
John Vella, an ARIA and Golden Guitar nominated producer, brings a wealth of experience to the collaboration. His diverse career spans from orchestrating records at Abbey Road to composing for film, television, and advertising, including recent placements in ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ and ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’. He’s also known for his work with Andy Golledge and his own band, Tenderfoot.
Looking ahead, NEAV plans to release more music in 2025, drawing from her European experiences. Vella is currently producing Sydney band Sir Archer’s upcoming record and has plans for new Tenderfoot material and other projects, hinting at the possibility of further collaborations with NEAV.
For more, follow NEAV today on Facebook and Instagram, of catch up with John Vella on Facebook and Instagram.
