In 2024, nublu released a number of projects and collaborations worth exploring. Let's take a look.
Nublu kicked off the year with his single “Vox Populi,” featuring Finnish rapper Mikael Gabriel. In a style true to his own, the single features catchy, upbeat electronic melodies while simultaneously covering new ground by incorporating elements found in early 2000s pop-punk and rock. But underneath these lighthearted beats lies a more serious message. The title, Latin for “voice of the people,” ironically hints at the frustration of being unjustly scrutinized by misguided or uninformed opinions. “Everyone has an opinion about who I am/I was wondering what’s wrong when I opened the website/Vox populi, all opinions are equally wrong,” they sing [lyrics translated from Estonian and Finnish].
“The song deals with political and cultural divides, saying that even though we're all entitled to our own opinions, it doesn't necessarily make them true,” said Gabriel in Wiwibloggs. “Everyone should use their voice, but at the same time you should also keep in mind that you will be judged no matter what.”
Later in April, nublu and Gabriel released their second collaboration of the year, Yao Ming. The title refers to the professional basketballer who played for the NBA’s Houston Rockets from 2002 to 2011. Ming is also known for being tall, standing at seven feet six inches. Just as Ming stands metaphorically above the clouds, so do Nublu and Gabriel as they rise above and reflect on difficulties and past relationships. “Like a big stone, it disappears into the water again/Everything left behind will come forward/And when life plays the winning cards/Run, run, run Forrest, run!” [Lyrics translated from Estonian]. Lyricism conveying their aspirations, determination, and perseverance are compounded by the track’s fast tempo, instilling a sense of urgency and motivation in the listener.
In May, nublu released his single “Push It,” featuring Estonian art-pop artist maria kallastu. Similar to “Vox Populi” and “Yao Ming”, “Push It” focuses on themes of resilience through hardship with the depiction of various metaphors. In this case, they rely on one especially relevant to Estonian listeners: the determination to persevere through harsh winters to enjoy the fruits of warmer months. “On the shore, resistance for 10 thousand winters/Now tell me that the Estonian man is not strong?” [Lyrics translated from Estonian]. Equally as discernible is the track’s expression of gratitude and hopefulness for brighter futures: “I thank the creator/Bringer of peace of mind/Everyone who is exposed to the cold/Warm weather is expected” [Lyrics translated from Estonian].
Nublu’s most recent release is his EP, kirjadkoju.zip, which he put out in November. Lyrically, each of the three tracks deals with introspection and nostalgia, a theme first recognizable from the project's title translated meaning, “letters home.” Musically, kirjadkoju.zip is jazzier and more experimental than his previous releases this year, featuring spoken word segments and brass instrumentation. Put together, the project is cohesive and very palatable through its reflections on personal journeys and emotions experienced by many.
Across all these projects lies one recurring theme: introspection. By now, nublu has already cemented his status as a successful artist in the Estonian and global scenes. But this year's releases stand out as ones that highlight his talent for intertwining highly personal experiences and emotions into danceable, energetic music.
Listen to nublu's music, available on most streaming platforms.
This article was written by Natalie Jenkins as part of the Local Journalism Initiative.
