Music's Week: What inspired you to start making music and what keeps you motivated to create the song "Hold Me"?
Nikena: I was inspired to start making music because of my deep love for it. Music has profoundly impacted my life, and I want to be part of that impact for someone else, somewhere in the world. Music travels far, and I hope to reach others through my songs in the same way music has touched me; it’s my way of giving back. The idea that I could create a song that changes a life is something that deeply moves me.
As for 'Hold Me,' I was motivated to create a fun and danceable track. I drew on past experiences to connect with my audience from the viewpoint of first-time connections and chemistry. 'Hold Me' was crafted to embrace attraction, love, and connection, all while bringing people together on the dance floor.
Music's Week: Can you tell us about your single "Hold Me"? What was the inspiration behind it and what do you hope listeners take away from it?
Nikena: "Hold Me" is an upbeat, danceable track that captures the excitement of a first connection. With its irresistible dancehall rhythms, the song sets the scene on a lively dance floor, exploring the instant chemistry between two people meeting for the first time.
It is a vibrant fusion of Pop and dancehall, combining smooth, rhythmic melodies with energetic beats. This blend gives the track a fresh and dynamic feel, capturing both the sultry allure of Pop and the lively rhythms of dancehall.
The inspiration behind 'Hold Me' was to create a fun track that captures the beginning of a love story. It carries the message of embracing first-time connections. I want my listeners to celebrate living in the moment.
Music's Week: How do you approach songwriting and what's your typical process like when creating a new song?
Nikena: My typical songwriting process usually begins with a melody. I form an idea around the melody depending on the feeling it evokes. Once I have the idea, I build lyrics around it. I’m often inspired by the emotions the melody brings out and try to capture that essence in the words I write. From there, I refine the lyrics and structure to ensure they align with the overall mood and message of the song.
Music's Week: Who are some of your musical influences and how do you think they've shaped your sound?
Nikena: Some of my musical influences include Bob Marley, reggae artist Alaine, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Beyoncé. Each of them has shaped my music in unique ways.
Bob Marley’s music introduced me to the power of storytelling and the significance of meaningful messages in songs. His ability to blend reggae with themes of love, struggle, and hope has deeply influenced my approach to songwriting. I aspire to write songs of hope that resonate with listeners just as his do.
Alaine’s music resonates with me on a personal level. Her ability to infuse emotion and sincerity into her music, especially within the reggae and dancehall genres, has influenced my vocal style and the way I convey emotion in my songs.
Whitney Houston’s voice is iconic. Her incredible range and ability to express deep emotion in every note have been a huge inspiration for me. I strive to bring that same level of emotion and vocal power to my own performances.
Mariah Carey’s songwriting and vocal agility have shaped how I think about both melody and lyrics. Her ability to seamlessly blend pop with R&B has influenced my approach to creating catchy yet meaningful songs.
Beyoncé’s work ethic, versatility, and stage presence have taught me the importance of pushing boundaries and constantly evolving as an artist. Her ability to merge different genres and create powerful visual and musical experiences inspires me to think bigger with my own music.
Music's Week: What do you hope your music says about the world or what message do you want to convey to your listeners?
Nikena: I hope my music conveys the importance of self-expression and provides joy, strength and motivation to those who connect with it. May listeners find happiness, escape stress, feel inspired, encouraged, and motivated to live their best lives. I want them to know that my music reflects our shared experiences and connects us.
Music's Week: How do you balance your creative vision with the demands of the music industry? Do you have any advice for artists who are just starting out?
Nikena: Balancing my creative vision with the demands of the music industry requires a strong sense of self and a willingness to adapt without compromising my core values. I stay grounded in my purpose and remember why I started making music in the first place. At the same time, I remain open to feedback and industry trends, finding ways to incorporate them without losing my unique voice.
My advice to artists just starting out is to be authentic and true to your vision, but also be flexible. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and understand your artistic goals. Trust your instincts, but don’t be afraid to evolve as you grow in your career. The music industry is constantly changing, and the key is to find a balance between staying relevant and staying real.
Music's Week: What's been the highlight of your career so far, and what's something that you're still working towards achieving?
Nikena: The highlight of my music career so far has been seeing the impact my music has on others. Whether it’s performing live and watching the audience connect with my songs, or hearing from fans who’ve been inspired by my lyrics, those moments remind me why I do what I do.
Music's Week: Can you tell us about your live show or performance style? What can fans expect when they come to see you live?
Nikena: Fans can expect a performance where I connect deeply with the music and the crowd. I bring a lot of passion and energy to the stage, and I love interacting with the audience to make each show feel unique. Whether it’s through engaging visuals, crowd participation, or simply pouring my heart into each song, my goal is to make every performance memorable and to create a space where everyone can feel the joy and emotion of the music.
Music's Week: How do you stay inspired and keep coming up with new ideas for music and lyrics? Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help spark creativity?
Nikena: To stay inspired and keep coming up with new ideas for music and lyrics, I immerse myself in diverse experiences and sources of inspiration. I listen to a wide range of music, read books on music and songwriting, and enjoy books that focus on mindfulness, self-awareness, and self-improvement. These often give me a sense of clarity and motivation that fuels my creativity.
I also have a few habits that help stimulate creativity. I keep a journal where I jot down thoughts, and lyrics as they come to me. Sometimes, I set aside specific times for free writing, usually early in the morning as soon as I wake up or at night before I go to sleep. Meditating and praying are also part of my practices that keep me grounded and stimulate creativity. I find that taking breaks and allowing myself time to relax and reflect can lead to unexpected bursts of inspiration. A nice walk in the park and being in nature further helps me recharge and find new ideas.
Music's Week: What's next for your career? Are there any upcoming projects or releases that you're excited about, and what are your goals for the future?
Nikena: I’m excited to be working on my first EP, which is set to be released later this year. My goals for the future include continuing to create music that resonates deeply with my audience and eventually breaking into the mainstream music scene.
.jpg)
COMMENTS
Leave a comment