Meet Nilüfer Yanya, Lorde’s ‘Ultrasound’ opener with shimmering sounds
image via @niluferyanyaaaaaa/instagram
words by alexcea apostolakis
Ahead of her Australia tour, we catch up with the London-based singer to talk backstage rituals, books and perfect boots.
London-born singer-songwriter Nilüfer Yanya has never chased the spotlight, but it keeps finding her. After turning down a place in Louis Tomlinson’s now-disbanded girl group in 2015, she focused on honing her unique indie sound, uploading demos to SoundCloud and eventually releasing her critically acclaimed debut album, Miss Universe, in 2019.
With her ethereal yet edgy style, melodic vocals and luminous soundscapes, Nilüfer’s influence has steadily grown, along with her discography. She’s released six EPs and three studio albums in the last 10 years, had notable collaborations alongside Adele and Roxy Music and most recently, joined Lorde on her Ultrasound World Tour.
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In just a few weeks, she’ll be heading to Australian shores for the first time in eight years, and playing a string of solo shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth. As a long-time listener (tracks ‘L/R’ and ‘Mutations’ both made appearances in my 2025 Top 100), catching up with her to discuss the upcoming visit felt monumental.
Nilüfer joins our video call having just touched down from the first leg of opening for Lorde’s Ultrasound tour. It was a cool London morning, a brisk contrast to the warm climates she’d grown accustomed to.
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Alexcea Apostolakis: Hi Nilüfer! I’ve been loving your latest EP, Dancing Shoes. It reminds me of the afterglow of the dance floor, it’s restless yet intimate. I wondered how you would envision it as a mood board?
Nilüfer Yanya: Definitely cool tones. I think this album is about cooling off. The music feels shimmering, bouncing, reflective… iridescent… maybe even a bit sparse.
I can totally see that. How has your homecoming been?
I’ve literally just got home! I was in Brazil, Mexico, and America… I just moved to a new house in London, to be honest, I’m still figuring out what colour to paint the walls.
It must feel great to get grounded again. Do you have any post-tour rituals?
I have been catching up with family and friends mostly, pouring energy back into those relationships. My veggie box has just arrived too, so I’ve been cooking lots of food. That’s something you don’t really get to do on tour.
What are some recipes you’re running at the moment?
My favourite winter recipe is a carrot, cabbage and leek salad dressed with lots of lime juice. I am Turkish too, so this red lentil soup is on regular rotation also.
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Is there anything that makes you feel at home when you’re on tour?
My smoothie blender and my yoga mat are essential! I’ve also learnt to bring my own lighting. Sometimes you get these backstage rooms and the lighting is horrible… It can throw the whole vibe off. On longer tours, I might even bring my own mirror and a rug.
What’s your approach to your wardrobe and style on tour? I loved your look on Jimmy Fallon!
Fashion is definitely a way to connect with home while touring. Like, I have this custom silver heart charm necklace which was made by a close friend… I put it on this chunky silver chain and have added to it over time. It’s like a collection of treasures to wear. Each charm has been gifted… I have a silver teddy bear and my initial on it now, too.
That’s really special! Are there any other wardrobe staples you can’t go without?
My Miista boots! I find it hard being on stage in heels. If a boot has a heel, it’s the best of both worlds.
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You come from quite a creative family. Do they play a role in your creative life?
My parents are both artists and my sister is currently in art school. My older sister is an artist too, she took the Dancing Shoes cover photo and has worked with me on most of my music videos. It’s very close-knit, there are lots of resources in-house.
What is inspiring you at the moment?
Inspiration comes from a lot of places. I have been reading Harriet Armstrong’s first book, To Rest Our Minds and Bodies, I’m not sure why I just really relate to the main character. And then I looked up the author and it’s her first book and she’s like 24 and I thought that was really cool. I’ve also been walking, listening to a lot of music and collecting plants.
What tunes are on your radar right now?
I have been listening to my friend’s band, Snuggle, their new album GoodbyHouse. I heard them on the radio and thought they sounded great… then I realised it was a friend’s band. It felt cosmic.
I will have to check them out! So, you’re on your way back down under soon… what was your last impression of Melbourne?
Haha, yeah! The last time I visited Melbourne was in 2019… I didn’t know what to expect but I remember loving it. I was like, ‘Oh, I get it now’. There’s an explosion of amazing fashion brands and cool things. I really admire the Melbourne fashion scene.
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What are you looking forward to on this visit?
We’re ending in Perth, which will be great, but I’m really looking forward to good coffee in Melbourne… I’ve heard of this brand Kahe to check out. And also the thrifting and secondhand shops. I am excited to get into those. Do you have any recommendations for me, actually?
Kahe is great! And Lost and Found market if you’re looking for really good thrifting. Also you can’t come here without hitting up A1 bakery.
Alright, perfect, added to the list!
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Having drifted through post-tour rituals, the textures of her new EP and anticipation for Australia, Nilüfer ends the call by telling me she’s off to a driving lesson, an ordinary task pencilled into a rare pocket of downtime. The moment feels grounding and quietly perfect: a reminder that behind the sold-out shows is someone still learning, still nesting and beautifully present in the in-between.
Keep up with Nilüfer Yanya here.
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