INTERVIEW: Electronic Pop from NETER BES

Brooklyn-based indie artist NETER BES has only recently made an entrance to the music scene but is already fast becoming a queer musical sensation. The gifted performer has been quick to win over listeners with his unique vocal style, compelling songwriting and innovative arrangements.

First unveiling his sound in August last year with his debut single “SQUEAKY CLEAN,” paired with fast and slow versions of the track, his sophomore single “GHOSTED” followed before the release of his first EP titled PROPAGANDA. Also releasing a concert film called LIVE IN THE FLESH, the artist continues to entertain live audiences with his thrilling shows across New York City.

Bringing us the perfect taste of his sonic vision, he shares the single “IF YOU WANT,” the opening track lifted from his EP. Melting elements of electronic pop and hyperpop through a synth-driven aesthetic tinged with pop punk energy and 8-bit video game vibes, the single serves up a playful pop ride full of slick ebb and flow, soulful vocals wrapped in light processing and a shimmering array of various instrumental textures.

Opened by NETER BES’ soft vocals floating over the bright tones of synth keys and gentle bass tones, airy electronic stretches build up the energy before the lively charge of rattling percussive shots injects an instant rhythmic switch up. Ducking out the beat to leave a dreamy blend of smooth vocal flutters above the polyphonic synth lines, the song flows through an engaging soundscape that perfectly pairs catchy pop songwriting with a highly original dose of experimental synth pop exploration.

Rising to an energising finale where dancing synth leads brings a jazz-inspired twist to the mix as the rapid pulse of the beat adds to the exhilarating experience, the song closes with NETER BES laying down an intimate moment of softly hovering vocals over delicate synth tones. It’s a superb showcase of his pioneering style that infuses forward-thinking arrangements with accessible melodic ideas and relatable lyricism.

Having already dropped two new singles in this year with “don’t text me back (sped up)” and “make love (sped up),” 2024 is shaping up to be a breakout year for this exciting new artist on the rise. We caught up with NETER BES to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “IF YOU WANT” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with NETER BES below.

Hey NETER BES, how’s things?

Things are good! IF YOU WANT has started picking up steam. So I’m very happy about that.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Oh my gosh. I was really shy growing up. I wouldn’t even sing in the car! But once I got cast in a musical, with a tiny solo part, I’ve been singing ever since.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

You know, I’ve said this before, but I’m gonna be saying it forever… Beyoncé is a huge inspiration to me. Her performances. Her genreless-ness. And so many other people as well: Nicki Minaj, Lady Gaga, Mariah, the divas, the greats.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I have a very active mind. It can be, uh, very loud in there at times. (Laughs) But every now and then I can capture a thought, good or bad, and turn it into a melody. And that’s a song.

What was your highlight of the year for 2023?

Releasing my debut EP: POPAGANDA. I took my time with it for sure, but you can finally stream it now. It’s got a bit of everything. Pop, Rap, R&B. It’s a good time!

What do you love about the Brooklyn music scene?

That it’s so gay. It’s so gay! I mean, when I’m away from New York, I genuinely miss my favourite clubs and djs and the sense of community that you get from the sheer number of queer people wherever you go. Everywhere isn’t like that.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

IF YOU WANT is great for driving, or running, or gaming. It has a lot of energy. SQUEAKY CLEAN is more for the shower. Or the bedroom… GHOSTED is good in the club. I’m perfect everywhere!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I think that lately I’ve been trying to have more fun. Popaganda has range, but it’s a darker piece, and I’ve been wanting to play with brighter colours.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

I’m a huge fan of Troye Sivan, Chloe and Halle, or Frank Ocean! Wow.

How did you find making your new single “IF YOU WANT?”

Well, it was the first song that I wrote that wasn’t a joke or a parody. So it was definitely vulnerable to take myself seriously as a writer. But I was thinking, If I was a pop figure, what would I say?

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I just wanted to be honest. It’s a story about a feeling that’s universal, because it was born from real love and a real desire for that other person to reach out.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Ari. Obvi.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I hope that people feel me. That they really hear what I’m saying, but that they also sense the joy that I feel in following my creativity and seeing it through.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Performing POPAGANDA for the first time ever at Rockwood Music Hall was a dream come true. There’s nothing like performing live. I can’t wait to do my next show, I hope you’ll come! Until then, you can actually watch LIVE IN THE FLESH on my YouTube.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Okay first I’d have to draft my girl MAISHA. One of my best friends and an incredible artist, really cool jazzy R&B vibes. Then myself, of course. Big pop spectacle. And closing out the show would have to be the Queen Diva herself, Big Freedia. All this would go down in New Orleans, of course. Where else?

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Wow. I’m pretty new, so I’m not sure I’m in the advice giving stage of my career just yet. But, something that I want to try to remember as I grow as an artist is to stick to my guns. My ideas have gotten me this far. So I should be calling the shots.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

2024 is looking pretty spicy… I’ll continue releasing singles leading up to something I’m really proud of in the summer time. More live shows. And then, who knows? Follow me @neterbes to keep in touch!

Listen to IF YOU WANT below