Aisha Nova on Afterhours: The Story Behind Her Breakthrough Album
In an exclusive interview, Aisha Nova discusses the creative process behind her chart-topping album Afterhours and her collaboration with Ovation production teams.
When Aisha Nova entered the Ovation recording complex in late 2023, she carried rough demos recorded in her home studio and a clear vision: she wanted an album that sounded like the emotional peak of a live show, captured with studio precision.
"Afterhours" is the result. Released in January 2025, the twelve-track album has topped independent charts in twelve countries and earned Nova a nomination for the Independent Music Award for Best Vocal Performance.
"Working with Ovation changed everything," Nova says. "The production team here understands how to preserve the rawness of a live vocal while building a sonic environment around it. Every song on this album was recorded with that philosophy."
The album blends soul, R&B, and electronic production into a cohesive narrative arc that follows a single night from sunset to sunrise. Standout tracks include "Golden Hour," which features an orchestral arrangement recorded with a twenty-piece ensemble, and "Neon Cathedral," a stripped-back ballad that showcases Nova vocal control at its most vulnerable.
Ovation Studios will host an album release showcase on March 22 at the Grand Theater, featuring live performances of every track and a special guest appearance by The Velvet Engine.