World Premiere of “Running With Scissors” by Nakia (BWM Exclusive)

Bear artist Nakia premieres his brand new single “Running With Scissors” exclusively with BWM!

Bear World Magazine award winning artist Nakia has been captivating audiences worldwide with his commanding and soulful voice for over 20 years. He was a semi-finalist on The Voice where he quickly became the fan-favorite of season one. He has shared stages with legendary performers such as Alejandro Escovedo, Sharon Jones, Willie Nelson, B.B. King,  and The Muppets.

Nakia is deeply respected for his contributions to the Austin music scene and his dedication to community service. When the pandemic hit, his commitment to his community shone brightly as he played a pivotal role in creating emergency relief for Austin’s musicians and venues. His tireless advocacy earned him the title of “Local Legend” from Matthew McConaughey. As a three-time Recording Academy Texas Board Governor and former founding president of Austin Texas Musicians, Nakia continues to be a leading queer voice in the industry.  

Recently, Nakia has expanded his creative horizons, venturing into composing for film and TV.  He also co-wrote and recorded a 15-song musical, Dueling Pianos, with Joshua R. Pangborn.  Nakia has written with some of music’s biggest writers including Bleu, Chris Seefried, Aris Archontis, and the late Lamont Dozier. Nakia’s recent musical endeavors showcase his versatility and artistic evolution. In 2022, he released an EP featuring five unique versions of his song “Unstoppable”, including Grammy-winning remixes by Dave Audé, each accompanied by its own music video. In 2023, he released “Thrill-O-Matic,” a genre-blending single co-written with renowned songwriters Andy Stochansky and Jamie Hartman. The song’s innovative fusion of pop, rock, and soul—paired with a high-profile production team—garnered significant acclaim, becoming the second most-played local song on Austin’s Sun Radio,  where Nakia is now on the air as a DJ four nights a week.

Nakia’s highly anticipated new album, Signal, is set for release on May 30, 2025. Drawing inspiration from 80s synth-rock, the album showcases his multifaceted talent as a writer, performer, and producer. Since May 2024, Nakia has been steadily releasing singles from the album, with the newest release “Running With Scissors” available for you to listen to exclusively below before its wide release on February 21.

“Running With Scissors” is a reckless, adrenaline-fueled anthem about fucking around and finding out,” said Nakia. “We all know that young cub who is out there burning through every relationship, taking what they want and ghosting. Hell, most of us have probably been that cub at some point. I know I burned my share of bridges and then some in my younger days when I was strung out on anything and everything. Until you love yourself enough to make positive changes in your life you’ll always end up alone. This one is sung from the POV of someone who’s had enough of that bullshit.”

Blending pulsing synths, Fairlight-powered textures, and soaring vocals, the track channels the rebellious spirit of 80s rock with a modern twist. The shimmering synth lines and punchy guitars nod to the raw energy of Billy Idol, while the cinematic production echoes the anthemic urgency of The Killers. Fans of Naked Eyes and M83 will appreciate its mix of vintage new-wave nostalgia and contemporary edge. Lyrically, “Running With Scissors” is a haunting reflection on self-inflicted wounds and the inescapable weight of past mistakes. It paints the picture of someone who’s pushed too far, burned every bridge, and now finds themselves alone, grappling with the fallout.

Here the track exclusively here below:

For more information and to keep up with the latest news head to nakia.net.