Interview – Nikki Jean–Singer/Song Writer
Lupe Fiasco ft/ Nikki Jean -"Hip Hop Saved My Life"
A lover of lyrics and multi-talented Singer/Song Writer are just a few of the things you can use to describe Nikki Jean. After viewing just a few of her videos on YouTube and numerous daily posts on her Myspace page, you quickly understand that her success is far from being an overnight thing. Her vocals and attention to lyrics is what makes it hard to take your ears and eyes off of her. Arize had the privelege to sit down with Nikki between her hectic schedule, on tour with Lupe Fiasco and others during the "Glow in the Dark Tour", and really gave us a better understanding of who Nikki Jean really is as an artist and as someone whom you cant label as just a R&B singer.
Arize: I’d just like to say congratulations for getting on Lupe’s new album “The Cool”, track “Hip Hop Saved My Life”!! Now that your over the initial shock, and the many other joyest emotions, how does it feel to actually see your dreams coming true from all your hard work?
To be perfectly honest. . I don’t think I have much time to let it sink in. I appreciate the moment like a rollercoaster ride. . It’s high, fast, and thrilling to be sure, but if I’m not focused on what comes next, I may not have the opportunity to ride again. So definitely trying to enjoy this moment and make the most of this opportunity.
Arize: To all the viewers that have been watching your video blogs and getting a more personal look into your life…We can actually see your life changing as the blogs become more current…Looking back at your logs what do you think was the defining moment in your career as a singer?
Wow, that question is so broad. First, I think of myself more as a songwriter. . so when I realize that a whole bunch of people were going to be hearing the hook I wrote for "Hip Hop Saved My Life". . that was meaningful. I guess the blog in the car with me hearing my contribution to The Cool for the first time, and knowing other people would be hearing it too. . that was a life altering moment for me, just internally.
Arize: For those who don’t know who Nikki Jean is let em know…Because I’m sure they’ve all heard your beautiful voice but just might not of known it…lol…
Ok. . nikki jean. . I am a singer/songwriter from Minnesota, who is the lead singer of a band called Nouveau Riche out of philly, and who has had the very fortunate opportunity to be featured on two songs of Lupe Fiasco’s latest release. . “The Cool.”
I think of myself more as a songwriter. . so when I realize that a whole bunch of people were going to be hearing the hook I wrote for "Hip Hop Saved My Life"...that was meaningful.
Arize: Being an indie artist, what do you think lacks in todays music industry? And what do you think the creative differences are in indie as compared to major music companies?
I think the music industry is in a state of transition. . so stability is one of the many things lacking. Some people say that the industry lacks creativity or innovation, but I think you just have to know where to look. In terms of companies, I don’t believe in good ones or bad ones. The people who run the companies are what make them functional or not. . so I believe in good people, who are passionate about music and musicians. There are people like that at major labels and indies, you just have to find them.
Arize: What R&B does Nikki Jean listen to? I would assume you’re so critical to others as well as yourself just off the simple fact that your voice and sound is so unique and 100% Your sound.
Yikes. . I’m not a big R&B listener. . I think that being surrounded by the artists I’m surrounded by (primarily hip hop) and being brown has caused me to get a few good looks in the R&B genre, and has caused me to be classified as an R&B artist. I don’t mind it, I just think it’s inaccurate. . . its like when people think I’m Latina. . I love latino people. . they’re beautiful. . in all their shades and incarnations. . some of my favorite food is Mexican, Dominican, etc. . I however. . am not Latina. In terms of R&B, I like Bill Withers, I like Smokey Robinson. . I like good songwriters.
Arize: The video blogs give us a insight of who Nikki Jean is…You even put a blog up about the day you quit your job…How have people accepted you as a person after all these blogs? And has anything creepy ever came from these?
People have been extremely supportive, there is always a the occasional heckler, but for the most part I would say blogging has been a great experience for me. More and more people recognize me from the blog, and THAT is crazy. . nothing really creepy yet. . God willing we can just skip that whole thing.
Arize: How hard was it in your career was it to finally say “this is me, this is my sound, take it or leave it”? And was there a defining moment?
I like to write songs on the piano or guitar. They need to be produced. Working in, and around hip hop most producers give you a beat and want you to write to it. So . . it’s really THEIR sound. . MY take on THEIR sound. Thus, it is a collaborative effort that is rooted in their musical sensibilities. In terms of vocals, Khari Mateen, the producer ( and bassist) in my band has been the one person who has helped me hone the way I sound on record. He taught me how to appreciate my voice, and use it in ways that showcased it for what it is, and not what its not.
Some people choose to see me as an R&B artist. . I don’t see myself that way. As such, I hope that all radio, R&B included, takes a turn for the better. R&B has a rich history that deserves innovation and quality as much as any other genre....I’m not sure about my time coming. . I’m just working hard right now and we’ll see what happens.
Arize: How was it working on Lupe Fiasco’s “The Cool” album? What did you take away from it all?
The writing and recording process was brief and beautiful. It was completely painless, and so understated when I consider all the amazing HUGE things that have happened as a result. It happened quietly, with no fanfare in small studios with no one around. It is ironic how a few relatively peaceful, seemingly uneventful days, have changed the trajectory of my career, and in doing so my life.
Arize: Are there any other major collaboration we can look forward to from you in the future?
Hoping to do a project with Slug from Atmosphere. . Not only is he an independent hip hop phenom, he’s my favorite rapper, and a friend from back home. It’s a matter of scheduling primarily, but I’m really hoping we can pull it off.
Arize: With everyone talking about the state that hip hop is in…My opinion is that R&B is in the same state…I can honestly say there are very few real R&B artists that are getting play on the radio…and that get exposure…Seems like nowadays the radio only plays these horribly written, low brow, quick hit, singers! I know this has to frustrate you…Do you think the game will change anytime soon?…And when do you think your time will come?
Some people choose to see me as an R&B artist. . I don’t see myself that way. As such, I hope that all radio. . R&B included takes a turn for the better. R&B has a rich history that deserves innovation and quality as much as any other genre.
I’m not sure about my time coming. . I’m just working hard right now and we’ll see what happens.
Performing something for the first time makes me feel like a scientist. . How ARE the people going to respond to this? If I love the song, then I’m really excited and ALWAYS nervous about new material.
Arize: Along with being drop dead gorgeous you classify yourself as a Singer Songwriter, Piano & Vocals…The talent doesn’t seem to stop with you! Any other talents that you have that people don’t know about?
First, thank you. . I really appreciate your kind words. I love to bake, and knit. . but I think people know about that.
Arize: How does live performance feel when you first perform a new track that others have yet to hear?
Performing something for the first time makes me feel like a scientist. . How ARE the people going to respond to this? If I love the song, then I’m really excited and ALWAYS nervous about new material.
Arize: Is there an album in the works for you?
YES. . when I don’t know. . but soon. I should start working on it soon. We’re talking about it. . and I’m writing all the time.
Arize: Cool well thanks for sitting down with us…Much success to ya!
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