Nel. Releases Second Single, ‘Is This Real?’
Nel. Releases Second Single, ‘Is This Real?’
December 27th, 2024
Kiwi singer-songwriter, Nel, returns to the spotlight with her second single, ‘Is This Real?’ This soulful track delivers a unique blend of pop and indie influences, exploring the raw and relatable emotions of unrequited love.
Nel’s passion for music has been evident from an early age, starting piano lessons at just five years old. By the end of high school, she was crafting songs inspired by her diverse musical influences. Since the age of 15, Nel has led music teams and performed in front of large audiences, where her talent and love for music have flourished. With ‘Is This Real?,’ Nel continues to cement her place in the New Zealand music scene as an artist to watch.
‘Is This Real?’ is a deeply personal and poignant track inspired by Nel’s own experiences and the stories of friends and family grappling with unrequited love. The song uniquely blends contrasting elements, weaving heartfelt emotion with a dynamic, modern sound. It serves as every girl’s anthem for unrequited love—a universal experience that almost everyone faces at some point in their life.
The song begins with a dreamy, hopeful tone, capturing the fantasy of believing that the other person might feel the same way. As the track unfolds, it transitions into a poignant reality check, reflecting the painful realization that these emotions are unreciprocated and perhaps even imagined.
Through its heartfelt lyrics and emotional progression, ‘Is This Real?’ takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery and vulnerability. It speaks to anyone who has ever wrestled with the bittersweet hope of love that wasn’t meant to be.
The journey of ‘Is This Real?’ began in 2018 during Nel’s high school years. Over the years, the song has evolved, gaining depth and maturity—a process Nel describes as a “character development worth speaking to.” Despite the challenges of refining this piece, she found joy in the creative process, embracing the raw emotions that fueled its creation.
Reflecting on the song’s evolution, Nel shares that the heart of ‘Is This Real?’ lies in its honesty. “This song is about being vulnerable and unafraid to feel,” she says. “It’s a reflection of moments where love doesn’t come easy but still shapes us in unexpected ways.”
Production for ‘Is This Real?’ wrapped up in November 2024, marking the culmination of years of dedication and growth. Despite being a relatively new voice in the music industry, Nel’s unwavering belief in her craft has driven her to take bold steps toward sharing her story with the world. Officially released on December 27, 2024, the single marks a significant milestone in Nel’s musical journey—and it’s just the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring career.
Nel found her perfect collaborator in producer Aaron Clarke (Mountain Boy), who she describes as “an answer to prayers.” Together, they brought her vision for ‘Is This Real?’ to life. The song will be available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music, Instagram, and TikTok, accompanied by a stunning music video directed by Ollie Madsen, the recent recipient of the Blackmagic Design Best Editing award at the 3rd New Zealand Youth Film Festival.
As Nel steps confidently into the spotlight with her second single, she’s already looking ahead to what’s next. With plans to release more songs in the new year, her upcoming music will explore themes of daily struggles, love and loss, and the resilience to keep moving forward.
In a recent interview with Life FM, Nel shared, “Whether or not you choose to love my music, I hope at least someone finds inspiration to follow their dreams, no matter what others think or say.”
Her debut single, ‘What Was,’ has already amassed over 15,000 listens across platforms in just four months. And with an EP in the works, Nel shows no signs of slowing down.
Nel Ranyard is a 22-year-old singer and songwriter, living in Auckland, New Zealand. In her 9 to 5, she works as an Account Manager at The Attention Seeker, one of Aotearoa’s leading content marketing agencies. Her music is a testament to her faith, resilience, and the power of divine guidance.
‘What Was’ is her debut single, released on June 28, 2024, and with ‘Is This Real?’ on the way, Nel is sharing her story and songs with the world. As she does so, she hopes to inspire others to see themselves through a higher perspective and find joy in their own creative expressions.