B-Side Guys

When an artist takes complete control of their creative process – writing, performing, and producing – the results can either feel overwrought or revelatory. On “I Was A Flower,” NYC-based multi-instrumentalist Leah Nawy achieves the latter, crafting a shape-shifting composition that transforms from delicate acoustic confession to full-bodied indie rock without losing its emotional thread.

The song’s unconventional structure mirrors its thematic evolution, deliberately split into two distinct movements that showcase Nawy’s range as both songwriter and producer. The first half establishes an intimate space reminiscent of Big Thief’s more subdued moments, with careful attention paid to the natural breath and space between notes. This restraint makes the song’s eventual expansion into indie rock territory feel earned rather than forced.

Production choices throughout reveal an artist who understands the power of contrast. Drawing inspiration from Sasami’s textural approach and Indigo De Souza’s dynamic shifts, Nawy layers instruments with purpose rather than abundance. Each new element in the arrangement feels like a deliberate step in the song’s journey rather than mere ornamentation.

As her third single, “I Was A Flower” represents Nawy’s most fully realized vision to date, demonstrating how complete creative control can serve a song’s emotional arc. The warm, nostalgic indie pop/rock soundscape she creates feels both familiar and fresh, with enough subtle production flourishes to reward repeated listens without overwhelming the core composition.

What emerges is a testament to thoughtful self-production – a song that blooms gradually but purposefully, each section building upon the last until the initial intimate seedling has grown into something altogether more expansive. It’s a promising indication of Nawy’s potential as an artist who can not only write and perform but shape every aspect of her sonic vision.