Norway's Farida enlists producer Undr for stuttering yet smooth jam "New York"

Compared to "Next To Nothing", which was a late-night R&B affair, "New York" signals a willingness to experiment from the singer.

Enlisting producer Undr, the track shifts and sways under jittery 808s and synth bass providing Farida with more of a pop structure to deliver her effortless vocals over. The effect is to make "New York" a track more suited for heading out to the club, rather than the early hours intimacy of some of the Norwegian's other work.

It's an intriguing shift in style from Farida, and there's so much going on below the surface here. The beats are incredible but nothing really overshadows the singer's voice. We caught up with Farida, somewhere in the mountains of Norway, to find out what she's been up to.

Where are you making the new record and how's it going so far?

"I’m currently spending time in the mountains, staying here for two months and then I’m headed to LA for some more studio sessions. I think deciding to move to the middle of nowhere, and also only focusing on making music, no concerts, no nothing, was the best and most right decision for me right now. I felt trapped the last 5-6 months with songwriting and producing, so I needed to get out of the 'comfort zone' and let myself be inspired and moved in other ways. It’s going good so far, luckily."

What direction has your sound been heading towards, and what's been influencing it?

"You know, I’m not really sure. My biggest pro for leaving Oslo was that I had to let myself be creative in any way, and not stick to a genre or formula, cause I’ve never been like that. So I’ve basically been open to everything I see, smell, feel, everything. I think 'New York' is a good example of something I haven’t done before, but always wanted to do, in form of vocal production. It’s like, we don’t wear the same socks every day, so why would people expect you to do one thing? Sounds boring and less thrilling to me."

What can you tell us about 'New York'? And who is Undr?

"'New York' is a non-conceptual song, which is why the cover art is a blue glove, actually my hand in a blue glove, after watching too much Breaking Bad. But the whole idea was created in New York by the producer Undr. We were on our way to Texas for SXSW but got stuck in NY cause of the storm, so while stuck in the hotel he basically created this. It’s supposed to make people feel good about themselves, hopefully. It’s that kind of 'screw your face in a good way' beat. The one you wanna get dressed to before leaving your house etc. Undr is an up and coming artist/producer. He used to be the lead and producer of a duo, but is now on his own. His stuff will be out very soon, keep an eye out. One of the most talented people I know. And, he’s also my boyfriend. #Winning."

Have you worked with anyone else on the record?

"I’m working with a lot of different people. It’s different this time cause I’m working with a lot more Norwegian artists/producers then I have done before, and it’s really exciting and interesting. I learn a lot. It’s a little early to name names, just because the cut stages aren’t here yet, so I don’t know what’s making the album and I want to make sure it’s 100% ready before I reveal too much but I’m extremely excited, and also working with people from the past when I get to LA as well."

And when can we expect the album?

"2018!!!! You'll be the first to know!"