Singer Nishla Smith creates vivid, enigmatic stories through sound, her voice stretching from melancholic sweetness through to dark intimacy. Her debut album 'Friends with Monsters' confirms Smith as a major new vocal talent and sees the vocalist's affinity for inventive narratives extended over the span of a full album. The Australian performer travelled via Berlin to eventually settle in Manchester and is joined here by some of the city's most talented improvisers. Richard Jones and Johnny Hunter cover piano and drums respectively, whilst bassist Joshua Cavanagh-Brierley and trumpeter Aaron Wood add graceful touches to complete the quintet's intimate feel. Smith's depictions of night-time have an enigmatic quality, inviting listeners on an atmospheric journey but all the while pointing to something greater. Smith's work moves swiftly through genres, driven by her unique artistry. A City Music Foundation artist, she has received commissions from Manchester Collective and Opera North, as well as Manchester Jazz Festival and Jazz North. As co-creator of theatre company Ulita, she also creates collaborative pieces that blend theatre, music and visual arts. 'Friends with Monsters' continues that theatrical drive - "I'm a very natural storyteller, I just love to tell stories. I find myself weaving everyday events into tales that are very narratively pleasing." Set over the course of a single evening, 'Friends with Monsters' explores changing states of insomnia, informed by Smith's own sleepless nights. It's realised in four distinct sections; each is introduced by a scene-setting interlude. Delving deeper into the dreamy world of Smith's storyland rewards greatly.
Release date:
July 15, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Turntables - Top Picks
A selection of reliable record players you can buy today, for every budget
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Cheap Trick All Washed Up (Graphite Marble)
Bmg
November 14, 2025 -
Blue Reflections
Cooking Vinyl
January 9, 2026 -
The Rolling Stones Black and Blue
Interscope
November 14, 2025 -
New Found Glory Listen Up!
Pure Noise Records
February 20, 2026 -
Aarktica Ecstatic Lightsongs (Green & Black)
Hanaqpacha
October 17, 2025 -
Alexisonfire Copies of Old Masters Vol. 1 (Black Inside Coke Bottle)
Dine Alone Music Inc
November 7, 2025 -
The Acacia Strain You Are Safe From God Here Hot Dog
Rise Records
October 24, 2025 -
The Aces Gold Star Baby (Gold)
Vector
October 24, 2025 -
Melody's Echo Chamber Unclouded
Domino Record Co
December 5, 2025 -
The Who Who Are You (Deluxe) [4xLP]
Geffen
October 31, 2025 -
oklou choke enough: expansion pack
True Panther/Virgin
November 28, 2025 -
Florence + The Machine Everybody Scream
Republic Records
October 31, 2025 -
Chrissie Hynde Duets Special
Rhino / Parlophone
October 17, 2025 -
Raekwon THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES OCEAN CRANFIRE
Corey Woods p/k/a "Raekwon"
October 24, 2025