Prior to the release of a brand new project, we caught an interview with singer and songwriter NYKA.NASHE to find out more about the stories behind her music and her journey so far as a creative. Here’s how it went.
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Hi Nyka – thanks for the interview! For those who don’t know, how would you describe the music you make?
For those who don’t know, I write and sing music that speaks to the battered women, the women suffering from postpartum after having her baby, the young girl who doesn’t know who she is or what she wants. I make music for all women and the people who’ve hurt or loved them.
Congrats on the upcoming EP – what can you tell us about the project, why this title, and what ties the songs together?
The title of my freshman EP is called Don’t forget Nyka.Nashe, I’m introducing myself to my fans so they will know I’m here to speak to and for them the four songs all were born from pain which is what threads them together.
What does the song Conflicted Soul represent, and what inspired you to take on this subject?
The song I wrote Conflicted Soul is about having two desires in your mind and body. It’s about accepting your indecision and embracing your moods. I wrote the song because I wanted to be honest about my indecisiveness.
You’re s a storyteller by nature, writing both novels and songs – what would you say are some of the most important traits to lead with when telling a great story?
Great question, when telling a great story you have to know your audience and what they want but don’t give it to them lead them to it with your honest colorful verbal depiction.
How do you decide whether or not a story should be written in long-form or song, and which do you prefer?
The art decides what it wants to live as so when I’m inspired to write a song I hear the it differently from when a story speaks to me.
Who or what has been your greatest influence in developing your sound and style?
My greatest influence in developing my style has been the Queen Mother and Goddess Erykah Badu. I pray for her guidance and permission to bless through music. I am also inspired by music written by Sam Cooke, Whitney Houston, Rev. Al Green and Barbara Streisand.
Does your family’s political background impact or play into your writing?
No, not at all.
What’s the live music scene like for this kind of style in Florida, pre-Covid I mean?
The pre-Covid music scene in Miami is diverse, rich but seems to be lacking in the Motivational R&B space which is where I fit right in
What does a live show from you look like – full band, solo acoustic, backing track? And how does the live format compare to the studio for you as an artist?
A live show from Nyka.Nashe looks like a painters pallet with all the colors and all if the textures from soaking wet to bone dry. I’ll give you my all in performance start low and slow and end with high energy. My live performance and studio sessions are like fraternal twins I express differently but you get it all from both
What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?
The best piece of advice I was ever given was from FloRida back in the early 2000’s when I started my music – he said if you want it you might have to go it yourself and if you want it bad enough you will, because I do most of this myself and the artist L.O.E. who said don’t lose yourself trying to find yourself back in 2002.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
Thank you beautiful people for taking the time to listen. Let me be your medicine when your head or heart hurts, let me sing to you because you are important and you mean something to me.
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Check out NYKA.NASHE on Instagram & YouTube.
