Iniko: Ebbs & Flows

Let’s hop right into this latest single, “The King’s Affirmation” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

”The Kings Affirmation” came from a rewrite / remix I did to Nicki Minaj’s “Do We Have A Problem.” I do rewrites and reimagined renditions for social media. I reproduced the track first, then stripped it down and made it my own. I came up with the melody first, then I began to write. My intent was to remind myself of the magic that exists within me, where I come from, a protection spell against vampires. Once the a capella recording I did of the song went viral, I wrote another verse, sent it to my sister – who is also my manager and producer – where she fleshed out a rough draft with Seph [producer] and we made the decision to bring along LMR to continue to add to the cinematics of the song.

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

Everything! An experience. A memory. A feeling. A dream.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Iniko?

I am not into music, I am music! I always have been. My father is a musician, so is my sister and brother. For as long as I can remember, I have loved and had a love for singing. I was five when I had my first solo in church.

Now you’re a native of where exactly? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. My musical influences vary, so I always have a hard time answering this question. Aside from Michael Jackson, Gospel music, Christian Rock…my strongest musical influence was in fantasy books, and television and film. I know you said musical influences, but I would read books and fanfictions and Manga, and put an instrumental soundtrack to it to really visualize what I was reading.

Having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

Ethereal. Eye opening. Awakening. Heart piercing. Cinematic. I don’t have one particular style. My style is Iniko. I do R&B, Soul, Rock, ballads, Folk, meditative. It really just depends on what I need to get across. The message that needs to be heard.

Switching gears here…

To date, what has been your greatest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

What’s happening right now. Being heard, and knowing that people are inspired by my art.

What’s an average day like for you?

If I’m not brainstorming on what to post on social media, I’m writing…if not that, I’m finishing up something I started producing, or texting my sister asking her if there’s anything else I need to do. Outside of that though? I’m doing my best to eat on time, so that I have the energy necessary to exist and be present and feel what needs to be felt. Or do absolutely nothing at all. Ebbs and flows.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I think my favorite interaction with my listeners is through my live virtual sessions on TikTok and Instagram, as well as on Everest Experience Live. These sessions are super intimate and always have a different feel, message or audience. So I always get a chance to really just channel. It always makes me feel lighter knowing that my listeners watch me while they paint or do their homework, or they’re simply needing to breathe for a moment. I love that.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part is knowing that I’m inspiring folks to show up for themselves because they deserve it. Also, seeing people I listen to and have been inspired to be inspired by me. It makes my heart full. Because I know my purpose is bigger than this. Than me. My least favorite thing is when people illegally sample my voice without clearance or permission. I’m indie, so this genuinely makes it harder to actually see the full fruition of my work; at least monetarily. I don’t know, I’m only 25 but I firmly believe in the integrity of one’s intellectual property. I put a lot of thought, time and effort into everything I create. So it can be disheartening seeing people kind of just use it for views, and not give me proper credit.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

You do not have to be on this journey alone. In order to do so, you will need help and that’s okay. Never stop being consistent. Time is on your side. Know your worth. Know it well, and do not waver when someone tries to diminish it.

Lastly, what’s next for Iniko?

New music. New visuals. New everything. Stay tuned and follow me on IG for better updates! @in.iko

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

I don’t think so!

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

If you are new to me and you’ve been meaning to search for an artist that makes you feel more connected to yourself, check out my music on all streaming platforms! I’ve got tons of covers on social media as well, too, to get your fix while you wait for my new music 🎶🎶🎶