Here’s the latest single from Manchester-based New Zealand singer-songwriter Nadia Reid. Written on a trip to the Canary Islands, “Hotel Santa Cruz” is a compelling song, with propulsive rhythms and a superb, flowing melody. The sensitive and thoughtful words tumble out on tuneful currents. She says of the song: “I wrote this in Tenerife and it turned out to be quite hooky. It’s just a series of questions. I feel quite moved at the end, with the line ‘You are everything I’d like to be’. I always give myself goosebumps when I perform that line. But I’m not sure who I’m referring to.” The grainy footage in the video adds to the sense of nostalgia.
The single is taken from Reid’s fourth album, “Enter Now Brightness”, which drops on 7th February 2025. For the first time, Reid entered the studio without a collection of complete songs to hand. Rather, she had snatches of lyrics and ideas, partially-finished songs and freedom to explore. The fresh approach inspired greater creativity and the pushing of musical boundaries. She explains: “There was a revelation of: it doesn’t have to be finished, it doesn’t have to be a perfect song before it’s taken to the band.” Indeed, and the songs are all the more vivid and distinctive because of the songwriting process Reid went through. Enjoy.
