NEAV returns on magical collaboration with John Vella on latest folk-tinged alt-pop single, 'Think It Over'

Central Coast singer/songwriter NEAV, unveils a magical team-up with fellow songwriter, John Vella on ‘Think It Over’. The introspective debut collaboration thrives on emotion and stripped-back intimacy, with the duo having crafted a deeply introspective soundscape which invites listeners to reflect on love, loss, and the echoes of the past that shape who we become.

Built around delicate melodies and heartfelt lyricism,‘Think It Over’ explores the lingering imprint of past relationships and how they influence the choices we make moving forward. Written and produced together over a series of sessions on the New South Wales Central Coast, NEAV and Vella seamlessly blend their artistry, with Vella also taking on mixing duties to bring their vision to life. The result? A poignant, soul-baring song that lingers long after the final note.

Gentle and familiar, ‘Think It Over’ is a short and sweet reflection on the weight of unmade choices and the roads already traveled. NEAV and John Vella find a delicate balance—her alt-pop/folk delivery intertwining seamlessly with his laid-back, fringe-country style. Wrapped in finger-picked guitar and haunting keys, the track builds a space that feels both intimate and expansive.

It could have easily stayed in this restrained territory, but the third act takes an unexpected turn—layering in a pop beat groove, deep synth bass, and beautifully unsettling tape-reversed strings. Simple in its approach yet deeply affecting, ‘Think It Over’ cuts straight to the core. It’s the kind of song that might just carry you to the other side—where clarity, strength, and truth finally come into focus.

“The song is a reflection of both the fear of what could have been, and the joy of what is now reality. We wanted to write something that was immensely personal for the both of us, even though we have very different stories and lives. I think we found the sweet spot. I really love how conversational the lyrics are. It really mimics conversations we had together during the writing process. It’s the first song that John and I have written together, which I find really special.” NEAV

“Collaborating with NEAV on this track was a really great experience. We really pushed each other during the writing and production process to make the decisions count. There was a lot of focus on tapping into the emotional core of the song, and I think we’ve landed on something pretty special. For me, making music is at the point now where I really need to feel like I’m adding something to the conversation. You know, if you want to say something, you’d better have something worth saying. We’re very happy with how it’s come together.” John Vella

Most recently, NEAV (aka Niamh Watson) is a recipient of Create Australia’s 2024 ‘Export Development Fund’ for ‘Professional and Artistic Development’. With this support, she undertook a six-week European songwriting and networking trip, connecting and collaborating with industry professionals in London, Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm and Edinburgh.

NEAV has been awarded and acclaimed from the likes of The Australian Songwriters Association, leading music mental health charity Listen Up, International Songwriting Competition (ISC), Create NSW, Triple J, MTV Australia and Rolling Stone. In the live-performance world, she has shared a stage and supported various artists including Ben Lee, Ella Hooper, Dan Sultan, Pierce Brothers, Greta Stanley and Nathan Cavaleri.

John Vella is a music composer, songwriter and ARIA and Golden Guitar nominated producer. His love for heartfelt music and years of studio experience has seen him amass a catalogue with numerous high profile placements in film, tv and advertising. Recent examples include ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ and ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’.

From orchestrating records at Abbey Road to writing advertising music in New York, to showcasing his band Tenderfoot across the UK, US and Canada, music has taken John all over the world. He’s scored successful campaigns for QANTAS, AMEX, Sydney Opera House, Hello Fresh and Dollar Shave Club. He produced Andy Golledge’s ARIA and Golden Guitar nominated album ‘Strength of a Queen’ , and with collaborator Benjamin Corbett composed the film score for Aussie skateboarding icon Poppy Star Olsen’s feature documentary ‘Tall Poppy: A Skater’s Story’.

NEAV is set to continue to release music in 2025, focusing on the work that was created whilst she undertook her Create Australia funded trip last year. John is currently at work with Sydney band Sir Archer producing their next record, and has plans for new Tenderfoot and other original records later this year, perhaps another single with NEAV!

‘Think It Over’ is out now on all streaming platforms.