NOVA

If VOID was RL Grime’s dive into bass music’s dark, subaquatic end, NOVA is its polar opposite. “I wanted to use that same energy, but bring it up into the sky, into space,” the L.A. producer tells Apple Music. “I spent a lot of the last three years in my own head, just dealing with depression and anxiety and anything that comes with the life of a touring musician.” His way out: getting away from DIY bedroom instrumentals and working with songwriters like Julia Michaels and Cass Lowe. Whether he’s reworking one of executive producer Diplo’s demos into subdued pop with Miguel and Michaels on “Light Me Up” or deconstructing trap/R&B while Jeremih and Tory Lanez work their steamy vibes on “Undo,” NOVA signals a natural evolution. “It’s me opening up,” he says.