IN CONVERSATION WITH NELLY MOAR
interview MARIE-PAULINE CESARI
Numéro Netherlands Digital presents Norwegian-British singer-songwriter Nelly Moar, whose debut album Love’s Law arrives October 24. Blending groove, sass, confidence, and vulnerability, Nelly’s sound moves effortlessly between soulful ballads and upbeat R&B/pop anthems. Written during her early twenties, Love’s Law is a raw, unapologetic exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery—drawing on her jazz training and influences ranging from Cleo Sol to D’Angelo and Kaytranada. With her final single Better Without Me dropping September 5, Nelly is ready to share her most honest and powerful work yet.
What first made you fall in love with music?
My dad is a jazz drummer, and he used to take me to all kinds of concerts, exposing me to a wide range of music from an early age. Music quickly became a big part of my identity. He would even make little music quizzes at home—playing a track and challenging me to guess the artist and the song. One time he put on Chet Baker, and I was completely mesmerized. It was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard, and it left a lasting impression on me.
How does your jazz training still influence your sound?
I always knew I wanted to be a trained singer because it would expand my range and technique, and ultimately give me the freedom to make spontaneous choices in the moment. That freedom is something I really value—both when I’m performing live and when I’m creating. My years at the Grieg Academy made me curious and open-minded, and taught me to keep pushing the boundaries of genre and sound. In jazz, the golden rule is that you first learn the rules, and then you break them. That mindset has shaped both my sound and my sense of artistic freedom.
What’s your songwriting process like?
For this record, everything began with the mood. I was going through a breakup at the time, and in a sensitive, unpredictable place emotionally—so each studio session depended on how I was feeling that day. The one consistent thread is that I almost always start with the music rather than the lyrics. The music speaks to me more directly, reflecting my emotions, and then I translate those feelings into words later in the process.
How would you describe your sound in three words?
Raw, unapologetic, nostalgic.
Which song on Love’s Law was a breakthrough for you?
“DREAM” was a breakthrough, and it was also the first song I wrote for this record. Writing it, I realized my relationship was over, and that I had a long road of healing ahead. From that moment, I knew I wanted to document the entire emotional journey through this album. Writing “DREAM” was a turning point because I allowed myself to be completely raw and vulnerable in a way I hadn’t before. It set the tone for the rest of Love’s Law—not only musically, but emotionally too.
How does fashion tie into your artistry?
As an artist, I think it’s important to reflect the music visually—it’s all part of the same package. My music is confident, raw, and sassy, and I try to mirror that in the way I present myself. If the tracks are bold, then the look has to be too.
Who’s your dream collaboration right now?
KAYTRANADA. I’ve been obsessed with him forever. I just love music that makes me feel good and makes me want to move. His music is just so damn groovy.
Do you prefer the studio or the stage?
Right now, I’d say the studio, because I’ve been in this creative bubble and had such an amazing experience making this record. It’s been so therapeutic to write and document my journey through music, and I’m really proud of what it’s become. But I’m sure that as soon as I get to perform these new tracks, my answer’s gonna change.
What would feel like your ultimate “I’ve made it” moment?
It would be unreal to play Glastonbury. Or honestly, if I ever heard one of my songs on Love Island, I think I’d feel successful forever.
What do you hope people take away from Love’s Law?
Love’s Law is about the lessons and new rules I walked away with after making the record and reconnecting with myself. It’s about experiences, making mistakes, and learning. If you listen from start to finish, you can feel the progression—you can hear me healing, track by track, as I move through different emotions. I hope people find some kind of relief in it, that they can resonate with the songs and use them to express themselves—whether that means dancing, crying, or both at the same time. I hope people can find pieces of their own story in mine.
CREDITS
photography SYNNE BOENES, ØYSTEIN HAARA
