Nicki Nicole: Telling Stories & Stirring Emotions

Now let’s hop right into this single, “DISPARA**,” feat. MILO J – Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition? Of course “DISPARA**” comes courtesy of your recently released 3rd studio LP, ALMA – Talk to me a bit about this composition…

“Dispara” is one of my favorite tracks on the album. We had it almost finished, but it felt like something was missing. When the name Milo J came up, I didn’t hesitate. Milo is an impressive artist, with incredible talent, and I feel a deep connection with the way he is taking his first steps in the music world.

How then does ALMA either differ and/or compare to previous Nicki Nicole efforts?

Albums are moments, situations, and moods. At least, that’s what I experienced during each of the processes, from my own part and from my memories of my first two albums. ALMA, in particular, is a very experimental album where I was able to express everything I was going through, and it allowed me to heal through music.

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

The truth is that almost all the songs I compose are freestyle. Once the song is recorded, only then do I start to write some lyrics. My inspiration comes from lived experiences, things that I have gone through, and what I freestyle in the studio usually carries an intention. It’s often difficult for me to repeat the same emotion later, I probably won’t be able to recreate it in the same way.

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

Ever since I was a little girl, I used to sing at home all the time with my family. I was very young when I became interested in freestyle battles, where I started to perform.

Now you’re a native of Rosario, Santa Fe, correct? So growing up, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes, I was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, which is 3 hours away from Buenos Aires. I draw a lot of musical influence from my roots. I listened to Hip Hop and rap as a child. I always appreciated Tupac and the culture surrounding him. I’m also a huge fan of Amy Winehouse.

How do you classify your overall sound and/or style?

My sound and style is unique, a reflection of my experiences and influences. It’s a mix of world and urban sounds, with deep Argentinian roots.

What exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I aim to have my music resonate with people, stirring emotions, and telling stories they can connect with, but also that a piece of me, my background, and my culture stays with them.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I would love to collaborate with Alicia Keys. If I could dream a bit more, I would have loved to collaborate with Amy Winehouse.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose to perform at Newell’s (Old Boys) [Estadio Marcelo Bielsa] in Rosario, my hometown. It would be a dream come true to share my music with my people.

Are you happy with the current state of music?

Right now, if you look at any global chart, Spanish speaking artists are always leading. Before, those of us who speak Spanish consumed a lot of music from abroad, which is also incredible, but nowadays we delve more into our own countries, our cities, our cultural roots, our language, and that has made everything grow in strength. So, I am very happy about the current state of music. I’m thrilled to see Latin music leading the charts worldwide. The blend of cultures and the passion that exists within our music is simply incredible. It’s a testament to the power of our language and our heritage, and I think that’s something really beautiful. I’m proud to be part of this wave of artists making a mark on the global stage.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

I believe that to endure in this industry, it’s important to be honest with what you do and to have your art truly represent you.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations?

Yes, I always say that I would love to try out more acting in the future.

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

I think NPR’s Tiny Desk was a very important moment in my career, as well as playing in Rosario for so many people, too. Playing Lollapalooza was amazing; the people were crazy! And, performing at Coachella is an experience I will never forget!

What’s an average day like for you?

I get up early and first I exercise, then I always take some time for myself. I shower and take some time to relax. I usually go to the studio, or rehearsals depending on what time of year it is.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I always try to interact with and respond to my fans. I have Instagram groups with them where we talk and send videos and audio messages. I already have a personal relationship with several of them. My fans are very respectful, they understand me and support me as a person. I will always be grateful to them.

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

My favorite part of this profession is the ability to express myself through music, to connect with my fans, and to be able to impact people’s lives positively with my art. There’s an incredible energy in writing a song, recording it, and then performing it live to an audience that connects with the message and the emotion of it. As for my least favorite part, it’s probably the lack of privacy and the pressure that comes with being in the public eye. Also, traveling for tours and promotional events means I’m often away from my family and friends for extended periods. While it’s a privilege to be able to see different parts of the world and connect with fans globally, there are moments when I get a little homesick.

What is your favorite part about this (fans) and your least favorite? Why?

My favorite part about my fans is their unending support and the community they’ve created around my music. They inspire me and keep me grounded. The love and energy they give me, especially during live performances, is an indescribable feeling. It’s a direct reminder of why I do what I do. On the other hand, my least favorite aspect is not being able to connect with all of them on a personal level. With a growing fan-base, it becomes difficult to have one-on-one interactions and sometimes, due to the lack of privacy, the boundaries can get blurry. Nonetheless, I genuinely appreciate their love and support, and I always try to interact and give back as much as possible.

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

Be yourself and avoid being influenced by those around you. It’s important to believe in your talent. If you maintain a realness and defend your work with passion, there’s no ceiling.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

I never know how to answer these types of questions. They’re difficult! But, I hope to be doing shows, continuing to connect with people and to remain in love with what I am passionate about today, which is music.

As for the immediate future, what’s next for you, Nicki?

Next up is a tour in Europe and Latin America, with lots of shows. I can’t wait to go out and play!

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

Not on my part, thanks for the interview.

Any parting words for our readers?

To all the readers, I want to say I hope you’re enjoying my new album ALMA, and thank you. Thank you for your support, for your love, for connecting with my music in the way that you do. It’s truly a privilege to be able to share my passion with you. Always remember, life is a journey full of ups and downs, and it’s okay to take your time and heal at your own pace. Use music, like I do, as a tool to navigate this journey, to help me grow and to heal. It’s an incredibly powerful medium that has the ability to transform your days. And finally, believe in your dreams, believe in your talent. If you’re authentic and defend your passion with fervor, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Keep going, keep growing, and keep the love for music alive in your hearts.

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Tags: Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse, Coachella, Lollapalooza, Milo J, Newell's Old Boys, Nicki Nicole, NPR Tiny Desk, Tupac