Nayome’s New Single “Universal Lover” is the Perfect Love Affirmation

By Samantha Oesch
Music Journalist

Naomi Sutton, performing as Nayome, is one to be on the lookout for with her new track “Universal Lover.”

The Texas State University alumna recently moved from Central Texas to Atlanta, Georgia where she now resides. Although she is not in Texas anymore, she continues to work with her strong ties back in the state with artists like Deezie Brown, producer Sam Hinds and more.

Official Austin City Limits performer, Deezie Brown, of Bastrop, Texas produced the atmospheric instrumental for “Universal Lover” that transported Nayome into outer space. When she first heard Brown’s beat, she felt the sensation as if she was traveling and wanted to marry romantic lyrics to the instrumental’s transcendent theme. 

“I envisioned myself in a spaceship in the most beautiful galaxy ever with my lover and I just started writing and filling it out.” Nayome said. “Once we got to the studio, my intention was to take the listener on a cosmic kind of experience.” 

The track is a breath of fresh air after a stressful day. The meditative instrumental accompanies Nayome’s affirming words, “One thing I know for sure is this bond’s a go. It’s what I was waiting for, searching for, hoping for… Now I got you.” 

Regardless of the listener’s relationship status, the short track is a warm love affirmation that is meant to play on repeat. The transcendent love song can be respectfully compared to artists like H.E.R. and Jhene Aiko’s 2017 record “Trip.”

Nayome recorded the track with audio engineer Sam Hinds in San Marcos, Texas. Saxophonist Kevin Davidson wraps the track with ribbons of sultry saxophone riffs. Davidson has also worked with artists like Xaviar Omär.

“I’m so happy about this track. I feel like this is a statement on where I’m headed with my music,” Nayome said. “I may not stay in space, but we’re gonna visit in space.” 

Nayome began making music her sophomore year at Texas State University. Since then, she has released two EPs, Recovered+ and Personal. 

Released in 2018, Recovered+ showcased Nayome’s celestial voice in a well-balanced mix of care-free dance tracks like “Tonight!” and slower, serious ballads like opening track “Fair Warning.” All four tracks have a different texture, yet blend well together to create a lovely first impression.

Personal came to fruition in 2020. The five song EP has collaborations with Deezie Brown and Eimaral Sol that have a laid-back, sultry sound. Each track effortlessly flows into the next with Nayome’s powerfully fun melodies in heavy hitters like “Wrong Me” slowing down to the final track “Do You Mind.”

Although COVID-19 made it difficult for artists to play onstage in 2020, Nayome was able to open for Fat Tony at Far Out Lounge last November. Before moving to Atlanta, Nayome’s last show in Texas was at Empire Control Room in January of 2021.

Although music came to Nayome in college, she has been a dedicated dancer since she was young. Nayome always gracefully incorporates dance into her live performances.

“I’m never done dancing. I’m gonna dance ’til my little feet give out on me,” Nayome said.

Nayome’s endurance onstage is undeniably impressive. She expressed that she found inspiration in Beyoncé’s performances and commitment to her craft of effortlessly singing and dancing at high caliber. 

“I run a lot outside of dancing to make sure that I’m staying fit and building that endurance because it really does help with my diaphragm,” Nayome said. “I would say training is going to be the most essential in the passion.”

Nayome is planning to dance on stage again in Texas soon, but there is nothing official yet. Stream “Universal Lover ” on all streaming platforms and hear it spinning on KTSW 89.9, The Other Side of Radio.