“To be an Emotional Junglist is to feel everything and nothing all at once,” says Nia. “It’s to be calm yet chaotic, sane yet manic – up, down and sideways. The emotional spectrum I experience is vast, and I think this album reflects that depth completely.”
Ever since releasing her debut single Sober Feels in 2020 (self-funded by her student loan), Nia has become a poster girl for jungle’s revival. Growing up in Leeds, her musical indoctrination was a family affair with introductions to production software, gospel at church, and soon discovering everything from jungle to R&B on local pirate radio. From her pre-teen years, Nia would geek out over breakbeats in her bedroom, but as an artist she pushed the mould by bringing an unexpected vulnerability to the bangers. With her new album, Emotional Junglist, Archives seeks to double down even further. Like the legacy of the punk movement, Nia’s interest lies not just in jungle’s sound, but in its spirit. “People know my rave girl era; this album is for the post-rave experience. I want to feminise junglism and celebrate the female gaze. I hope that other women and girls find parts of themselves in it.”
Throughout her career, Nia has continued to blaze a trail of innovation. In 2022, she wrote an open letter calling out the MOBOs for not having a dedicated electronic/dance music category. They took her feedback on board, eventually introducing an award – and Archives became its first ever winner. She made history as the first jungle artist to earn three career BRIT Award nominations, securing nods for Artist of the Year and Best Dance Act at the 2025 BRIT Awards, following a 2023 "Rising Star" nomination. She also founded her own label, Up Your Archives, which allows her to nurture and support new dance music talent, while affording her more space for experimentation in her own right. Up Your Archives is her commitment to jungle. Nia can play an underground rave one night and open for Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour the next, while also exploring new sides of herself as a performer. With the new album comes a levelled-up live show. “I’m really excited to take that step as an artist and figure out who I am as a performer, rather than somebody who hides behind the DJ decks, which is what I’ve kind of done for many years.”
Emotional Junglist marks Nia’s biggest sonic leap to date. In “Dance With Me 2Nite”, she flirts with dewy-eyed indie pop while a psyched, syncopated beat nods to her roots. Her vocals marry romantic strings as, lusting over a crush, she asks “hesitation [to] sit this one out”. Written with Ethan P. Flynn (FKA Twigs, David Byrne) and Julia Michaels (Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter), Nia finished the song with Blur and Arctic Monkey’s collaborator James Ford. In another lead single, “Vertical”, skittering hi-hats underscore a honeymoon period of romantic infatuation. “There’s this one synth that kind of beeps, and it just makes you feel a bit dissociative,” she says. “That’s what I enjoy about production – how can you say something without the lyrics?” She cites Madonna’s Ray of Light era and Björk as inspiration for the reduced BPM and nods to Nineties electronica. “I wanted it to feel like December in London.” While the record plays with genre, jungle purists will find satisfaction in the thudding basslines of “Feelingz Go Numb” and “Get Me Down”, featuring Jorja Smith – a collaboration she describes as “creative harmony”.
While her 2024 debut album, Silence Is Loud–the first jungle album in 20 years to be nominated for a Mercury Prize–was written and produced predominantly in her bedroom, Emotional Junglist saw Nia working with a formidable mix of trusted collaborators, including Sampha, who features on “Tender” – “a love song and a break-up song” – and one of the album’s most vulnerable moments. “I used to hate going to the studio unprepared, but with this whole album I learned to be a bit more like that, to be more open, and I really loved it.”
If it’s not yet apparent, Emotional Junglist is an album about love – but not just the shimmering romantic parts. Written throughout 2025 – a year that saw Nia fall in, and horrifically back out of, love – each track encompasses something of the experience. “Danger” is an acronym for a hedonistic manifesto delivered like a nursery rhyme: D is for me, A to the Zay, N is for my number you can block it all day, G is the spot, E is what we drop, R is for I really really love you don’t stop. Made during a writing camp for Rihanna, it gave Nia licence to play with provocation. “It’s definitely an X-rated tune,” she says. “I really pushed that side – I’ve never even sworn in my music. But it’s a part of love… or of lust… that people get a bit scared to talk about.” Making the album marked a coming-of-age moment for Nia. “Being in your mid-20s, you’re figuring out who you are, exploring your sexuality… I think people kind of get stuck in girlhood, but really and truly, I’m 26 and I feel like I’m entering womanhood.”
The album is a record of dualities, and heartbreak scorches throughout. “Almost Always” is a masterclass in vulnerability that showcases her talent as a singer, while “Boys in Blue” is a subversive take on the culmination of a relationship. It was written after her ex broke up with her out of the blue, just before Nia was due to play a festival. Devastated, she tried to stop him from leaving – he called the police. “I was crying, I was a mess, but there was no justification for doing that. The police came to my house; the whole thing was completely traumatic,” she says. “I’m so grateful my friend was there – as a woman of colour, people make you out to be angry and out of control.” In a defiant twist, Nia made a “victory song” out of the experience, calling out her ex through a cathartic and spirited punk-pop track. It makes sense that the motif for the album is a shell – tough on the outside, but through pressure, maturation and resilience, something precious is built within.
Ages 14+ (Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult 18+)
Please note that tickets are sold as Ground Floor Standing and Balcony Unreserved Seating respectively. Standing ticket holders may not access the Balcony area and vice versa.
We welcome anyone with accessibility requirements and will endeavour to accommodate any needs you may have. Please get in touch prior to making a booking by emailing support@hackney.church
About Hackney Church
Located in the heart of East London, Hackney Church, officially known as St John at Hackney, is the historic parish church of Hackney, dating back to 1792. Today, the church is part of SAINT, a thriving church meeting across multiple East London locations. Following a multi-million-pound restoration, part-funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the church has undergone a substantial transformation, driven by a vision to create a 'cathedral of creativity' to serve the local community and beyond. This project was spearheaded by an acclaimed team including world-renowned minimalist architect John Pawson CBE, visual artist Es Devlin, and conservation experts Thomas Ford & Partners. The renovation not only improved the church’s accessibility but also meticulously preserved its historical integrity, establishing it as an impressive centre for community engagement. Hackney Church functions as a premier venue for live music, arts and culture, intertwined with Hackney's cultural and social landscape.
About Lighthouse
Lighthouse is the dedicated social outreach arm of SAINT, started in 2016 to provide support and services to local people in need across East London. Supported by hundreds of volunteers, and funded by community donations, grants and live shows at Hackney Church, Lighthouse provides holistic support to individuals and families in need, spanning a range of services designed to combat poverty, homelessness, loneliness and social exclusion. Key initiatives have included a food bank that has distributed almost half a million meals since 2020, the provision of delicious hot community meals in partnership with restaurant Moro, and comprehensive homeless outreach that provides essential support services and signposting. Lighthouse also engages in extensive community support efforts, employment assistance, finance courses, and skills development workshops, all aimed at helping those in crisis and pointing towards a hope-filled future.
- General Enquiries: +44 20 3026 7164
- Event Bookings: +44 20 7175 0091
- Located at main entrance
- Ticket pickup with valid ID
- Arrive minimum 45 minutes before event start
- Electronic tickets also accepted on mobile devices
- Limited street parking available
- Nearby public parking lots within 5-minute walk
- Some metered parking zones
- Recommended to use public transport or ride-sharing services
Booking Tickets - Please get in touch with us via events@hackney.church before you purchase your tickets with your accessibility and Essential Companion requirements so we can provide assistance accordingly. If you would like to sit in our Ground Floor Access Area please purchase Ground Floor Accessibility Tickets via Ticketmaster. Companion Tickets - We provide Essential Companion tickets free of charge (1 per person) for Ground Floor Accessibility ticket holders. If you would like to bring an Essential Companion please contact us with proof of one of the following documents: - Front page of DLA / PIP / Attendance Allowance letter - Certificate of Visual Impairment - Recognised Assistance Dog ID card - CredAbility Access Card (www.accesscard.org.uk) We are unable to provide Essential Companion tickets for customers who have purchased Ground Floor Standing or Balcony Unreserved Seating tickets. Ground Floor Access Area - Our Ground Floor Access Area is a seated area by the front of the stage with quick access to a disabled toilet. We can also offer table service if you are unable to get to bar during the show. Wheelchair Spaces - Wheelchairs spaces are available in our Ground Floor Access Area. When you have purchased your Ground Floor Accessibility ticket please get in touch with via events@hackney.church so we can reserve you a place. Guide and assistance dogs - You are welcome to bring your guide or assistance dog to our events. Please let the us know in advance. Your visit - If you need assistance please let us know in advance and we can arrange on of our house staff to help you. We recommend arriving 10 minutes before doors open to allow an easier entry. Please note we do not have lifts to the Balcony so if you cannot use stairs and would like a seat please purchase a Ground Floor Accessibility ticket.
AT THE DOOR • Door Policy - Hackney Church is committed to complying with the any and all obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Hackney Church reserves the right to refuse entry in order to protect our guests, staff, reputation and building. • Prohibited Items- The following items are prohibited: • Illegal substances; legal highs or any other psychoactive substances • Food • Any form of liquid (including drinks and perfume) • Chewing gum • Torches • Cameras with a flash • Selfie-sticks • Bottles • Weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks; any other article which may be used as a weapon or missile • Horns, whistles, drums • Anything which may, in our reasonable opinion, cause danger or disruption to visitors at the venue (regardless of whether or not such item is illegal or is carried for a specific purpose) • Bags bigger than 30cm x 30cm x 15cm. • Door Searches - As a significant heritage and community asset in the heart of Hackney we are committed to the protection of our building, staff and guests. To this end, all bags will be searched on the door before any event. Our security may carry out further searches and confiscate any items deemed to be dangerous at our discretion. • Drug Policy - Hackney Church operates a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs. Anyone found in possession of illegal substances with the intent to consume or supply will be expelled from the venue and reported to the authorities. Illegal drug use and/or distribution within the premises may result in permanent exclusion from future Hackney Church events. Hackney Church asks guests to please contact a member of staff if they see someone who looks like they need medical attention. Medical staff are on hand to provide assistance to those who may have taken illicit substances free of judgement. • Re-Entry Policy - There is no re-entry to events at Hackney Church with the exception of the smoking area. All exits are final. • Food & Drink - You may not bring any food or drink into Hackney Church. • What if I have accessibility needs - We welcome anyone with accessibility requirements and will endeavour to accommodate any needs you may have. We offer a limited number of accessible seats on a first come first served basis. Please contact events@events@hackney.church prior to your visit so we can make sure the necessary arrangements are made. • Age Restrictions - Age restrictions for events at Hackney Church are dependent on the nature of the event. Please note that for non-18+ shows under 16s must be accompanied by an adult and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult and purchase a balcony level seat. • ID - If you happen to look under 25 and wish to purchase alcohol you will be asked to provide ID. You may also be asked to provide ID for age restricted events. AT AN EVENT • Cloakroom - Yes located at the back of the church as you walk in. • Lost Property - Please email events@hackney.church with a detailed description of the item. If found, Hackney Church will coordinate a time for the collection of your item. Lost items are retained for a total of 14 days. If lost items are not collected during this time period they will be donated to our Lighthouse Project providing care and support for vulnerable people in East London. • Bar - As part of Hackney Churchs restoration project two bespoke bars have been installed at the rear of the Nave on the ground floor. There is also a temporary bar on the first floor balcony. Please note our bars will shut 15 minutes before the event finishes. • Payment Options - Hackney Church is a cashless venue and as such will not accept cash payments. • Photos & Videos - Our photo and video policy depends on the nature of the event. Generally you can bring non-professional cameras to most shows. We would discourage you from bringing iPads and selfie-sticks. If you have a specific query relating to photography in Hackney Church please email events@hackney.church. • Smoking - Smoking is strictly prohibited in Hackney Church. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes or other similar devices inside the venue. There will be a designated smoking area provided at each event. If individuals are found to be smoking anywhere other than in the designated smoking area they will be immediately expelled and may face prosecution. • Pyrotechnics, Special Effects or Strobe Lighting - Events at Hackney Church may feature some level of special effects such as smoke machines and strobe lighting. If that causes a concern please see a member of staff.
- Children under 12 must be accompanied by adult
- Age restrictions vary by event
- Some events may be 16+ or 18+
- Child ticket prices differ from adult rates
- Parental guidance recommended for certain performances
