(7.17.2020) xNyiko

Interview by Aviva Pusey

NYIKO (“nee-koh”) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, label owner, visual artist, and actor based out of Los Angeles, California. Some would describe their sound as synth-pop or post-punk. They have worked on projects with Disney, Amazon, Sony/ATV, Heard Well, Trailing Twelve, and more.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? Things you want the audience to know about you! 

Sure thing! My name is Nyiko and I’m a songwriter, singer, producer, and label owner, among other things. I currently live in Los Angeles and I grew up in New Hampshire. I make music as a way to distill my life experience and to connect with others.

2. When did you start making music? Was there a moment when you knew it was your passion? 

From a young age, I was obsessed with music. When I was 8 years old, my mom drove me down to a small recording studio in Boston to produce and record three hip-hop songs that I had written. That experience was paramount in my passion for making music. 

3. How would you describe your music? Does it fit into a single genre? Why or why not? 

As an artist, I think it’s important to explore different genres and try new things, so throughout the years, I’ve made music in genres ranging from hip-hop all the way to grindcore. Recently I've been focusing on what I like to call “warm posh” which blends elements of new wave, post-punk, and synthpop.

4. How would you describe your aesthetic as an artist and brand? What parts of your aesthetic do you think are essential to your music?

With everything I make, there’s an element of nostalgia. It’s golden, dreamlike, and emotional. In everything I make, emotional honesty is essential. 

5. What does the process of making music look like for you? Does it ever change? Are there aspects that stay the same?

My songs usually begin while I’m walking around my neighborhood, sitting in traffic, or immediately after I wake up. I'll record the idea as a voice note then start producing out the instrumentation until there’s enough for me to write the rest of the song. Once I have the bones of the song, I’ll  flesh out the production or tap some of my collaborators to add their own ideas.

6. Who are some of your biggest creative inspirations? Artists that have influenced your style, producers who you love to work with. 

In no particular order, I’d say my biggest inspirations are Dev Hynes, Tegan and Sara, George Lewis Jr., Sade, The Cure, Ben Folds, Chaz Bundick, and The Smiths. I’m sure I’m leaving some out, but those artists have all had a profound influence on me and how I make music. It would be a dream to collaborate with Dev Hynes, Jack Antonoff, and SOPHIE.

7. Beyond just your own music, you run the small independent label Trailing Twelve in LA. What made you want to pursue this aspect of music? Can you tell us a little bit more about Trailing Twelve and what it means to you?

I started the label out of necessity after a Kickstarter for one of my EPs got fully funded. We pressed the EP to vinyl and wanted the jacket to look more “official” so I thought up the label to act as an imprint for my future releases. After a few releases, friends, fellow artists, and industry folk started reaching out about the label and it has continued to organically grow that way. I’ve been blessed to have the opportunities to network and create relationships for the label’s digital distribution, press relations, sync licensing, and in-store radio playlisting. The label has been a great way to collaborate with up-and-coming artists and flex my creative and business skill set. I’m deeply proud and honored to represent the roster we’ve put together. 

8. You have a single called “Glow” coming out on July 17th! Are you excited for your fans to hear it? Did it differ from other songs you’ve made?  

I’m super excited about this track. It might be one of the first truly positive songs I’ve made, content-wise. It’s about self-confidence and inner-beauty and letting your light shine! I recruited a few of my talented friends to make this one a truly collaborative effort. Holander sang back-up on the chorus, Niles Gregory played all the guitar parts, Stone Irr added live bass, and Kyler Hurley was essential in providing production and mixing notes.

9. You've played next to some amazing talents such as Alvvays and Beach Fossils. Can you tell us more about those experiences and how they worked to shape you and your music today?

It’s always a gift to play shows with artists you love. The Alvvays show came together at the last second. The promoter called me the day of the show while I was hiking with some friends and asked if I could open up. I called the rest of the band and we made it happen. It was truly a blast and the band was so nice. The Beach Fossils show had a bit more planning. It was put together by the local college radio station, WRUV-FM, along with some promoter buds, now known as Waking Windows. I remember Dustin, the lead singer/writer, was a bit under the weather but they still managed to play a killer set. Both of those shows are really fond memories for me.

10. If you could tour/collaborate with any creative, who would it be? 

I’d love to tour with Charli XCX. I’ve been a fan since the “Nuclear Seasons” days and it’s been so fun to watch her artistry evolve. I think touring/collaborating together would create a really special and exciting dynamic.

---

11. What to you is success? Where do you want your music to take you? 

Success for me is sharing my music and having it inspire, influence, and move people. I want people to fall in love and make lasting memories with my music.

12. If you were speaking to the whole world right now, what would you say?

Treat all people, animals, and the planet with empathy, love, and respect. Children perceive many truths about our existence, listen to what they say.

******xNyiko’s new single “Glow” releases today (7.17.2020)!******