On Tuesday night, Nilüfer Yanya delivered a mesmerizing and emotionally charged performance at Brooklyn Steel, showcasing her genre-defying sound and unparalleled stage presence. The evening was accompanied by supporters Eliza McLamb, who unfortunately I missed on my rush to the venue from my day job, and Lutalo, whose soulful, introspective set created an intimate and thoughtful atmosphere that perfectly complemented Yanya’s dynamic performance.

Nilüfer Yanya is a British singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose genre-defying sound blends elements of indie rock, soul, jazz, and alternative pop. Born on February 11, 1995, in London to Turkish, Irish, and Barbadian parents, Yanya’s diverse heritage has been a key influence in her music, which is noted for its rich textures, haunting melodies, and deeply introspective lyrics.

Yanya grew up in a creative family, surrounded by art and music. Her father is a visual artist, and her mother is a textile designer, which contributed to her early exposure to creativity and artistic expression. She started playing classical piano as a child before switching to guitar at the age of 12, largely self-taught and inspired by artists like Nina Simone, Jeff Buckley, and The Pixies. By her teenage years, Yanya was already writing her own songs and experimenting with her unique sound, drawing from a wide range of musical influences, from indie rock to jazz to R&B.

In 2016, Yanya released her debut EP Small Crimes, which quickly garnered attention for its minimalist production and Yanya’s distinct vocal style—at once delicate and raw. The EP’s title track became a breakout success, establishing Yanya as a promising new voice in the indie music scene. Following its release, she continued to develop her sound with subsequent EPs, Plant Feed (2017) and Do You Like Pain? (2020), each showcasing her evolving artistry.

Yanya’s full-length debut album, Miss Universe, was released in 2019 to widespread critical acclaim. The album is a bold, eclectic mix of sounds, ranging from driving guitar riffs to dreamy synths, all tied together by Yanya’s evocative lyrics and emotionally charged vocals. Miss Universe explores themes of self-doubt, mental health, and modern-day anxieties, while also incorporating conceptual elements, such as the fictional wellness program “WWAY Health” that appears through the album as interludes. The album’s standout tracks, including “In Your Head” and “Heavyweight Champion of the Year,” highlighted Yanya’s ability to seamlessly blend indie rock, alternative pop, and soul influences, cementing her as one of the most exciting new artists of the decade.

Yanya’s sophomore album, Painless, released in 2022, took her sound into even darker, more introspective territory. Featuring singles like “Stabilise” and “Midnight Sun,” the album showcases a more minimalist, brooding approach, with Yanya’s guitar-driven melodies and melancholic lyrics taking center stage. The record was praised for its emotional depth and sonic experimentation, reflecting her growing confidence as both a songwriter and performer.

Throughout her career, Nilüfer Yanya has captivated audiences with her distinctive voice, which is both tender and commanding. Her music often explores themes of alienation, heartbreak, and identity, with a sense of vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners. Yanya’s genre-blurring approach to songwriting, combined with her ability to craft emotionally charged narratives, has made her a standout figure in contemporary indie music.

Yanya has toured extensively across Europe and North America, performing at major festivals such as Glastonbury and Primavera Sound, as well as selling out shows at iconic venues like Brooklyn Steel and London’s Roundhouse. Her live performances are known for their raw energy and emotional intensity, as Yanya’s voice, guitar work and band create a hypnotic atmosphere that draws audiences into her world.

In addition to her music, Yanya has been vocal about her support for various social causes. She is an advocate for mental health awareness and has worked with refugee organizations, including supporting the London-based charity Artists in Transit, which provides art workshops for displaced communities.

With her distinct voice, innovative sound, and fearless approach to songwriting, Nilüfer Yanya continues to push the boundaries of contemporary music, establishing herself as one of the most compelling and versatile artists of her generation.

Setting the stage for Nilüfer Yanya’s performance at Brooklyn Steel on Tuesday was direct support Lutalo, with a blend of lo-fi indie rock and experimental soul. His ability to weave together intricate guitar work with poignant lyricism captivated the audience from the first note. With songs that explored themes of self-reflection and vulnerability, Lutalo’s mellow yet powerful voice resonated through the room, creating a calm yet intense mood. His sound, equal parts delicate and raw, was the perfect prelude to what was to come. By the time his set concluded, the audience was fully primed for Yanya’s signature concoction of indie, soul, and alternative rock.

As Nilüfer Yanya took the stage, her presence was both understated and magnetic. Opening with the haunting and expansive “Method Actor,” Yanya immediately showcased her signature style: intricate guitar riffs, a smoky yet soaring voice, and lyrics that cut deep. Her ability to shift between tender vulnerability and raw power was on full display, keeping the audience wide-eyed on the edge of their seats throughout her set.

The setlist drew heavily from her most recent critically acclaimed album My Method Actor released on September 13, 2024, and included fan favorites like “The Dealer” and “Stabilise.” Yanya’s guitar work, often at the center of her songs, added a grittiness to the otherwise ethereal quality of her music. The driving beats and dark, hypnotic melodies filled the cavernous space of Brooklyn Steel, amplifying the emotional intensity of the performance.

One of the most captivating aspects of Yanya’s performance was the emotional depth she brought to each song. Tracks like “Mutations” and “Call It Love” were delivered with fierce intensity, while slower, more introspective songs like “Wingspan” offered a glimpse into her softer side. Yanya’s ability to seamlessly shift between genres—ranging from alternative rock to neo-soul to jazz—kept the performance unpredictable and fresh.

Throughout the show, her band played an essential role in supporting and enhancing Yanya’s sound. Although I had never heard of Nilüfer Yanya prior to this performance in Brooklyn, the moment I saw a saxophone I knew I was in for a treat and each member of her band delivered a polished performance that left me spellbound. The interplay between the live drums, bass, and guitar created a rich, textured backdrop for her vocals, adding layers of complexity to each track that intertwined with the saxophone and keyboards. At moments, Yanya would step back from the microphone and let the music take over, allowing the band to create immersive soundscapes that transported the audience into another world.

Yanya’s connection with the crowd was palpable. Despite her sometimes quiet demeanor between songs, she exudes a confidence that drew the audience in. There were moments of pure catharsis as she belted out her lyrics with passion, and the crowd responded in kind, swaying, cheering and hanging on every note. Her authenticity on stage made her performance feel deeply personal, almost as if she were sharing an undisclosed part of herself with each song.

Yanya closed the night with a cover of PJ Harvey’s “Rid Of Me” before flowing into her original and beloved track “midnight sun,” a fitting end to a set filled with emotional highs and lows. As the last notes reverberated through the venue, there was a sense that the audience had experience something profound—an artist who is constantly evolving and pushing boundaries while staying true to her emotional core.

Nilüfer Yanya’s performance at Brooklyn Steel was nothing short of extraordinary. Her ability to blend genres, showcase her emotional vulnerability, and command the stage with such ease made for an unforgettable night. Paired with Lutalo’s introspective opening set, the evening was a testament to the power of raw, unfiltered musical expression. Yanya continues to prove herself as one of the most compelling and innovative voice in the indie music scene today and if you appreciate the live band experience as I do, she is an act you do not want to miss on stage.

NILUFER YANYA | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK

LUTALO | WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | X | YOUTUBE