Rising producer Karim Naas has delivered his brand new summer anthem 'Just Friends'.
The multi-talented producer and DJ has teamed up with British singer Niall O'Connor for the anthemic single, released via Island Def Jam France / Naas Music Publishing. A mix of dance and house vibes featuring Niall O’connor’s soul voice, the song promises to brighten up all summer parties.
Karim says,
“With 'Just Friends' I wanted to put closer together two very different music genres that I really enjoy - R'n'B and house music - and come up with uplifting beats. I like the fact that this song is about a story that everyone can relate to.”
The track comes hot on the heels of his last track 'Work From Home', which has amassed thousands of global streams since release. Passion, authenticity and generosity are what Karim Naas channels through his music. In 2020, the critically acclaimed 21-year-old producer and DJ has laid a solid foundation for his career with over 5 million streams and 1,2 million video views. In January, Naas broke into the international dance music scene with the infectious and euphoric 'Threw A Party' ft. KTK. Last year, his official remixes for artists such as Sean Paul and Tove Lo, Tainy, Lauren Jauregui and C. Tangana, Black Eyed Peas, Kesha amassed millions of international streams. With his unique style –Naas mixes the urban and pop music genres - the young producer has already attracted an international audience on music streaming platforms and social media.
We had the chance to speak with Karim on the release and more as part of our Get to Know series...
Introduce yourself and tell us a bit about you!
"Hi, my name's Karim Naas, I'm a 21 year-old music producer from Paris, France."
When did you first develop an interest in making music?
"I've been making music since I was 12 years old, first learning the guitar and then studying music in secondary school and high school. In my free time I started making some beats for rappers, until I discovered electronic music. I immediately liked the genre and started to give it a try."
Who are your biggest inspirations, musically?
"Calvin Harris, I really love how he always finds fresh sounds but at the same time stills sounds « pop », I have exactly the same goal when I’m composing a new song."
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
"Rihanna, she has a unique voice that makes a great song turn into a worldwide hit."
Have you had any stand out moments so far?
"Last year I had the chance to work on official remixes for artists like Sean Paul and Tove Lo, Tainy, The Black Eyed Peas and Kesha. When my official remix of Sean Paul and Tove Lo 'Calling On Me' was released, I was really happy and honoured that my rework had been chosen for release by such a talented and internationally renowned artist."
You’ve just released your new single ‘Just Friends’! Tell us a little about it! (writing / recording / inspirations etc)
"Niall O’Connor and I met in London in 2019 during a studio session with another artist. One day, Niall sent me an email with different demos including the 'Just Friends' cover. I was just back in Paris and I was really inspired by the UK House/R'n'B vibe and that was the perfect acapella to mix those music genres! I sent back the song to Niall and we both really loved the result!"
What was it like working with Niall on the track?
"It's been great! It was the second time Niall and I were working together, and I really enjoyed it. Niall's vocals are amazing and having such material to work with pushed me to deliver the best production possible."
Do you have a favourite part of the track or favourite lyric?
"I really love when the drop comes in! The combination of the vocals and the House bass just makes me feel like dancing!"
What can we expect from you in the near future?
"I have a couple of new songs coming up by the end of the year! Stay tuned."
'Just Friends' is out now. Listen HERE @karimnaasmusic | @niallouk
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