Vancouver is a city full of alternative artists whether they’re producing alternative rock, alternative pop or alternative music of another genre. If you’re a fan of alternative pop, you’re in the right place. The artist being introduced in this article goes by the name NIIVA, honestly I’ve been pumped to write about her for a long time, not just because her music is amazing, but also because we went to the same high school.

Ten years ago, I graduated from Port Moody Secondary, that’s where I met NIIVA, back then she went by the name Gabby. NIIVA and I had the same aspirations, to make it in the pop industry. As aspiring musicians, naturally we took a lot of music courses in high school. NIIVA was one grade above me but we had common friends so I’d see her around the music room. 

A few years passed. One day, I received an invitation to like an artist page on Facebook. I clicked on it and there she was. She’s taking this seriously, I thought, good for her. I liked it and a few more years passed. Then she began to post music videos, links to her new songs and soon enough, red carpet events and interviews. 

Do you ever go on a frenzy of watching music videos? I went on Youtube and checked out all her videos, they were really well done, the music was catchy and the lyrics were smart. “Welcome Back” talked about how she took a break from music for a bit but now she’s back and better than ever. A year ago, I was driving while listening to 94.5 Virgin Radio. A familiar voice popped up, excited and enthusiastically, I bopped my head to the radio debut of NIIVA’s new single, “Friends”. 

A song she wrote herself about how she and her current boyfriend were friends for quite some time but both of them knew they wanted to be more. It’s the perfect alt-pop banger and it’s such a vibe, chill with an enjoyable beat, perfect for car rides or vibing along to. It’s honestly one of my favourite recent releases by anyone.

Today NIIVA is not just publishing her own songs but she also co-wrote the Billboard number one track “Black Mamba”, the debut single of K-pop girl group aespa. She has appeared at the SOCAN gala, iHeartradio Music Festival and has just finished an interview on Etalk. From Gabby to NIIVA, the girl I knew has come a long way and accomplished a whole lot, but I know for dream chasers like us, bigger and better things await.