(December 4, 2023) “What if” is a very loaded question, because the person asking the question understands that there are two possible outcomes to any "what if" question: There is the worst case outcome and a best case outcome. Progression or regression rides on whether the inquisitor is posing best case or worst case questions when they ask "what if I?"
That fundamental conflict is the inspiration for "What If I," the new song from singer Nialand. Nialand begins each verse by asking a series of worst case outcome questions. After each verse, Nialand responds by acknowledging that self-doubt is something that cripples people and prevents them from achieving their goals, and then she sings the hook, which is a series of affirming, best case outcomes.
(December 4, 2023) “What if” is a very loaded question, because the person asking the question understands that there are two possible outcomes to any "what if" question: There is the worst case outcome and a best case outcome. Progression or regression rides on whether the inquisitor is posing best case or worst case questions when they ask "what if I?"
That fundamental conflict is the inspiration for "What If I," the new song from singer Nialand. Nialand begins each verse by asking a series of worst case outcome questions. After each verse, Nialand responds by acknowledging that self-doubt is something that cripples people and prevents them from achieving their goals, and then she sings the hook, which is a series of affirming, best case outcomes.
The accompanying video combines a simple concept with a deep meaning. Standing next to a colorful wall decorated with street art, Nialand walks backwards as she asks the negative "what if I" questions and then "walks forward" as she issues her affirming response.
Fans of neo-soul music will like the message and the form in which Nialand delivers it. Sonically, "What If I" fuses the production techniques of 1970s soul with a lyrical flow influenced by rap and the kind of poetry heard on programs like "Def Poetry Jam." Check out Nialand's "What If I" here.
By Howard Dukes
Nialand - "What If I"