2020 single by Niko Walters
"Not My Neighbour" is a song by New Zealand musician Niko Walters, released as a single in August 2020. The song was a success in New Zealand, reaching number four and becoming the 17th most successful song in New Zealand in 2021. In 2021, a new version was recorded featuring American R&B singer Kiana Ledé.
Background and writing
During the writing sessions for Walters' debut album Escape, he wanted to create an experimental song, different from his typical soul-inspired songs.[1] Walters was inspired by the written works of Leonard Cohen and films by Quentin Tarantino to create a song that told a story using detailed visual imagery, as a way to "put a different spin on a classic love song".[2][3] Walters worked with producer and musician Rory Noble and singer-songwriter Mikey Dam to produce the song.[4][5]
Composition
"Not My Neighbour" is a contemporary R&B song,[6] that describes a love story using the metaphor of a police hunt.[7]
Release
"Not My Neighbour" was released as the second single from Escape on 21 August 2020.[4][8] After the success of the song, American R&B singer Kiana Ledé collaborated with Walters to produce a new version of the song. Walters felt that "Not My Neighbour" was "an unusual song that doesn't really fit the style of everyone's vocal and feel", but Ledé's style was a good fit after she called him and discussed her ideas for the new version of the song.[9] The new version was released on 16 April 2021.[10]
Credits and personnel
Credits adapted from Tidal.[11]
- Chris Chetland – mastering engineer
- Mikey Dam – writer
- Ryan Hobbs – writer
- Rory Noble – producer, mixer, writer
- Niko Walters – writer
Charts
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Certifications
References