Nia Perez’s debut EP, Things I Wish I Said, announces the arrival of a singer-songwriter who navigates heartbreak, self-discovery, and vulnerability with a rare combination of intimacy and compositional sophistication. Across five tracks, Perez constructs a narrative framework built around the concept of unsent letters, allowing listeners to step into her personal experiences while simultaneously reflecting on their own. The EP blends the introspective qualities of bedroom pop with the melodic clarity of indie pop, creating a sound that is both polished and deeply personal.
The opening track, “Shapeshifting,” immediately sets the tone for the project. Here, Perez examines the subtle erosion of self that can occur in relationships, singing with a soft, almost meditative delivery that contrasts the emotional weight of her words. The track serves as both a personal confession and a universal reflection on the compromises people make in love, making it an evocative and compelling introduction to the EP’s emotional landscape.
“Not Her,” Perez’s breakout track, solidifies her ability to translate intimate experiences into songs that resonate widely. The track delves into the pain of being replaced yet still haunting the memory of a past relationship. Its haunting melodic hooks and lyrical clarity strike a delicate balance between heartbreak and empowerment, capturing the nuances of longing without tipping into melodrama. Listeners are drawn not just to the story, but to the honesty and authenticity behind it.
In “Oh Sweet July,” Perez offers perhaps the most cinematic moment on the EP. She recounts a breakup that occurred on her 17th birthday in New York, transforming a highly personal moment into a narrative that feels both specific and universal. The repeated refrain, “how could you do this to me?”, resonates as an echo of youthful heartbreak, capturing the intensity and immediacy of first love lost. It is a track that lingers in the mind, emblematic of Perez’s gift for turning intimate experiences into art.
“Cognitive Dissonance” explores the psychological complexity of toxic love, examining the tension between desire and self-preservation. Perez’s lyricism shines here, offering a contemplative perspective on the contradictions of human emotion. The track adds depth to the EP, emphasizing that heartbreak is not only about dramatic moments, but also about the subtle, often invisible ways relationships shape our perceptions and choices.
Closing with “Little Old Flame,” Perez provides a sense of emotional resolution. The song’s reflective tone and probing lyric, “Do you like you now that you’re all alone?” serve as both a personal reckoning and an invitation for listeners to consider their own experiences. The track ties together the narrative arc of the EP, moving from self-doubt and heartbreak to awareness and closure.
Things I Wish I Said is a remarkable debut, establishing Nia Perez as a songwriter capable of blending vulnerability, melodic craftsmanship, and narrative cohesion into a deeply compelling musical experience.