Naïf Hérin is an artist of extraordinary talent. Singer songwriter and musician, with 15 years of music, 500 concerts between Italy and France, numerous collaborations with internationally renowned artists and 5 albums under her belt. Born in Aosta 35 years ago, Naïf writes in Italian and French and has just added another important piece to her musical career (in the past she wrote songs for Paola Turci and was part of Arisa’s band): in mid-May, in fact, is available in digital downloads and on all streaming platforms, “Carbonworks”, the new album by Neal Barnard, American doctor and International Food Guru with a passion for music. A record boasting the extraordinary participation of artists such as Chris Thomas King and Bobby Read. To embellish the album is Naif herself, who plays the song “Song for an angel”.
Naif, it is said that Neal Barnard has accidentally listened to you on the radio and has fallen in love with your voice, so much that he proposed you to sing on his record the song “Song for an angel”.
It’s all incredibly true. A Belgian radio station was broadcasting my song, he was in the US. He immediately fell in love with my voice, which he found strong and clean. He wrote me an email. At first I thought he was just a fan. But there was something more. And from there, we immediately began to work.
What did it represent for you to work on this project?
It was all very educational. Moving from Europe to working in cities like Washington or New York was a new experience for me. The encounter with Neal has been great: he’s a person who conquers you right away. I also became his fan.
What it is about, the song you played?
The song, written in English but interpreted in Italian, tells of a beautiful event, such as the encounter Neal had with a deer in a wonderful forest. And he describes the moment of falling in love that one feels seeing such an exciting spectacle of nature. It’s as if an angel had been seen. Hence the title of the song.
How much is this experience worth in your professional growth path?
My previous album ‘Metamorphosis’ had established a change for me: both personal and musical. This new song is the full statement of that change. In addition to representing a true statement of love for music.
Naif, you are considered a multifaceted and eclectic singer par excellence: what drives you to always experience new musical forms?
It’s in my DNA: I always want to experience different things. I think I have a fire inside me. This burning flame always brings me looking for different places. Often there is also the risk of getting lost. But of course it’s worth trying!
You publish albums also on the French market and in the past you found yourself in the USA to work with world-renowned musicians. What did these experiences abroad left you?
New worlds and new horizons have opened up. I also want to emphasize the great humanity and humility of the great artists I met. In the Italian translation and in the interpretation of ‘Song for an angel’, Neal Barnard gave me complete artistic freedom. And that I really appreciated.
You are considered an Italian excellence in the world.
Being Italian is my added value. My verve, creativity, and stubbornness: they are all very Italian qualities of which I am proud!
What are you working on at this time and what are your projects for the future?
I’m in China for three concerts. In addition, the Carbonworks experience has allowed me to plan new collaborations for recordings in the US. I will work on writing new songs. I am also preparing a new album: the musical activity is completely abducting me. I’m living a really magical time…