nik. Is A Future Star In Music & Has A Unique Origin Story

Intro:

nik. is a singer & songwriter from Sydney, Australia whose blend of dark pop & soulful R&B creates a unique sound. Her style draws listeners in through honest vulnerability & enchanting melodies. I highly recommend her music if you’re into artists such as Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Vera Blue. Characterized by her curly hair and magnetic presence, she infuses each performance with a profound sense of emotion and authenticity to create an ethereal experience. Before reading our full conversation below, you can follow nik. on all platforms by clicking here.

Meet: nik.

Me: What first got you into music & the music industry?

nik.: Music has been a part of my life since I can remember, in a multitude of ways. Really too many to even mention, especially in childhood and around my family who are all quite musical - it was just a part of the fabric of our family. However, I fought being involved in the music industry in any serious way for a long time, because I was worried that pursuing music further than a hobby would ruin my 'love' of it and take away the beauty of the creativity part that I found so much freedom and escapism in.

In saying that, no matter how much I fought it, every path I took always led me back to it in some way. From starting an International Studies degree and ending up in a Music degree, to working as a barista but performing at weddings for customers, to visiting my partner's recording session and being asked by the producer to come back in and sing on a track for him...all sign's always pointed to this being something that was waiting for me. Just took some time to allow it into my life in a bigger way. (I can be very stubborn ha)

That’s incredible & very relatable to many out there! How would you describe your sound as a musician?

I have always found delineating my style challenging, just because I pull from so many artists and musical influences across many genres. I certainly had a number of artists whose voices I was obsessed with, and albums I would listen to on repeat. Tina Arena - Don't Ask, Celine Dion - Falling into You, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Matt Corby, Musical Theatre, The Corrs, The Cranberries, Fred Astaire, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Billie Eilish, Usher, Ne-Yo, Alicia Keys, Yebba, The Spice Girls, Britney, Christina, all the classic 90s R&B and pop for sure!

I'd say that anything I loved and listened to growing up has certainly informed my stylistic choices now. But I think with this new era of creation and evolution of my sound the last two years, the best way I can describe it would be a fusion of ethereal dark pop with soulful R&B vibes. And I think just as importantly, telling my story with raw honesty, authenticity, and emotionality, that hopefully connects and resonates with other people who feel or have felt the same.

When it became time for you to start releasing your own music, what made you go with your current stage name?

My name is Nicola, with a 'c'. But my artist name is 'nik.' - with a 'k'. This is because my grandparents call me 'Nikoletta' - and in Greek, the 'c' sound is spelled with a 'k', and I always loved how it looked.

Who are some of your favorite artists, engineers & producers to work with?

I have been super lucky to work with some amazing people. The first ever cover I released was produced by 2x ARIA-nominated and Award-Winning music Producer and Vocal Engineer Gregory Stace (Boy & Bear, Gordi, Shannon Noll, Something With Numbers, Tonight Alive). I have immense respect for Greg, and we had such a blast working together on a few tracks.

And then of course, the wonderfully talented Milk & Honey-signed multi-instrumentalist and producer Chelsea Warner (TIA RAY, BILLYDAVIS, DANIYEL, EMALIA, nardean, BOY SODA), who has been the producer and my partner in crime with this new era of my music. She has been instrumental in helping me find and elevated my music in an incredible way, and such a joy to work with. I love the vibe in the studio she fosters - it's so connecting and wholesome, and so conducive to producing my best and most honest work to date, of which I am so incredibly proud. And - such a rarity it is to have the opportunity to work with a female producer - just love!

Are there any other musicians you would like to work with in Sydney or the surrounding area?

There are so many talented musicians in the music scene here in Sydney. It is such a small world and even just on socials it can be such a wonderfully supportive community. I have worked with a few already (no spoilers!) and I definitely have many more on my 'wish' list! But also I do have to say working with Chelsea Warner has been such a highlight - I am a huge fan of hers and I just know she will continue to go from strength to strength. I admire so many artists and engage with so many as I just believe supporting each other and our industry is the only way forward.

What does a perfect studio or recording session look like in your imagination?

I love a relaxed vibe. I love bouncing ideas, talking through and organically allowing the song to be created out of the feelings in the moment - without any prior thoughts or expectations.

Nice! Do you remember the first song you've ever made?

I wrote so many songs growing up. I guess there's one in particular I did for a university assignment that I always think back to. Musically it was very basic - but such was the idea behind it and I wanted it to match the story. It was about my dad singing us to sleep sometimes with his guitar when we were little, and I know it meant so much to him to hear me perform it, but also just one of my best childhood memories immortalized in music is so special. Even though the production and perhaps 'quality' of my songs have greatly evolved - the storytelling and authenticity I think has always been a constant. ...I do think my singing is much more proficient now though!

That is a sweet memory & moment to have at an early age. With that in mind, what's your favorite song that you've made so far?

...tough one. I love each song for different reasons, and they each represent a specific experience and moment in time. BUT I will say there is a song I'm hoping to release early next year called 'anchor' that gets me every time, in the best possible way. This one felt like a true expression of what my 'sound' was as soon as it was completed.

What are some other talents & hobbies outside of music that some may not know about you?

Music has always been my biggest hobby. I grew up playing violin and trumpet, I was in all choirs, bands, ensembles, and musicals - I even toured the UK in a handbell ensemble (the most dorky/cool thing I can revel in haha). But I guess other hobbies would include:

- I love words and languages - learning French growing up and at uni just fascinated me. I have Cypriot heritage too, so though I know some Greek - not nearly enough...that's on my list!!

- TRAVEL! - I am obsessed. I have been to nearly 40 countries but it is my biggest passion. If ever I had the opportunity I would go, and if given limitless money - that's how I would live. Chasing the sun, experiencing different cultures, foods, languages, experiences, and people - I feel like I become a full-throttle version of myself traveling.

- Coffee - I was a barista for about 8 years, and one of my favourite things to do every day is go for a walk and get one. It's the little things - and this in particular brings me so much joy.

- Pilates - I was never one for team sports. I never liked exercise and always had terrible back and neck issues. So to finally find a type of exercise that not only I actually LOVED, but also helped my back? What a win.

What's been the most difficult part of your journey in music?

My mind.

Yes, money - everything is expensive, especially as an independent artist. And you really don't make much at all to subsidize even a small portion of what it costs to work with incredible people and produce quality music.

Yes, time - I have a full-time job in marketing (which I love) but it is always a challenge to find the energy, the stamina, and maintain discipline of what is essentially a second full-time job which you have to complete in between the first.

But mostly, my mind is the biggest barrier. Because I believe you make time for the things you want, period. Even if it means sacrifice, working hard, and making things work however you need, if it's truly what you want there is always a way. BUT finding the confidence to be vulnerable and share such raw and deep parts of myself, and breaking through the limitations my mind has built over the years has been the greatest feat - and a battle I will continue to fight. But it's one step in front of the other, and learning to celebrate the small wins, be consistent, and trust the process.

Is there any advice you would give to someone else who is thinking about getting into music?

Do it. I think if music makes you happy and brings you joy or a way to create - why not? I don't believe in our day-to-day lives we get a chance to exercise our creative muscles as much as we should or could - and creative expression is one of the most critical and important things about being alive and being human, in my opinion. It's truly something special to have the opportunity to work through trauma, emotions, and put your experience to music and share it. And EVEN BETTER - when someone resonates with it and feels it too - it's a true gift.

Any future plans for your career? Additionally, who is an artist/producer you dream of collaborating with?

I have more music on the way - both ready to share and in the works. I would love to put together a couple of original shows. But outside of that - I have no expectations. I am open to anything and everything, and I believe in just trusting the process and enjoying the ride! ...And work with?? Billie Eilish is pretty up there. Also, to sing with Celine Dion, Tina Arena or Matt Corby would be a dream.