Nicki Tha Great Proves Openness To Evolution Is The Secret
Today, we tap in with up and coming artist, Nicki Tha Great for another dope Hype Off Life interview. Born in 1999, Nicki Tha Great grew up with a love for music. Picking up on this, her grandparents enrolled her in piano lessons at the young age of four. Shortly after that Nicki joined the church choir, where she quickly became one of the youngest members to receive a solo performance.
By the time Nicki Tha Great was 13, she was living in upstate New York and developing her gift of songwriting. After discovering her newfound talent, Nicki took it with her wherever she went, writing and performing original songs for the remainder of her high school days. After building a buzz consisting of her peers and the surrounding community, Nicki proceeded to drop her first single, "TRACK" in 2017.
Having always been a stickler for authenticity and quality when it comes to her craft, Nicki continues to write her own music and now being self-taught, produces and engineers her own songs. Following the mantra of always staying true to herself and always honest about life and its experiences, her music transcends barriers. Proving that passion wins at the end of the day, always.
Learn more about Nicki Tha Great's journey below and be sure to support @nickithagreat on IG 👊🏾
2021 has been an interesting year, to say the least. How has it been treating you so far?
The beginning of 2021 was pretty rocky for me, but something I’ve done differently this year is to think more positive. I try not to dwell on past mistakes or missed opportunities, instead I focus on right now to ensure a bright future. In all 2021 has been good to me so far and it will continue to be!
As an artist that grew up in the church, how would you say it influences your music today?
Growing up in church, I’d always watch the musicians play. Really just in awe of the magic they’d create and how it touched people. It gave me goosebumps at times. I think that’s probably when I fell in love with music. Still to this day I want to touch people the way those musicians did.
Aside from gospel, what were some of your favorite songs back in the day?
Somewhere Only We Know. I watched a lot of "Glee" lol.
You started your songwriting career at a young age. What were your first songs about?
Being young and not knowing much of the world I told stories mostly, where now, my songs are more like journal entries. At that time I’d write about love, depression, self-love, abuse, and addiction. Things I’d see but hadn’t experienced myself.
How has your songwriting evolved over the years?
I think I’m over all just a better writer now, having had so much practice, reading more, growing up a little bit, taking in other artists works, whether it’s music or movies, and finding out exactly who I am has all helped to push my pen further.
SoundCloud was an era and also were you released your first single, “TRACK” back in 20217. What lessons did you learn about being an artist from using the platform?
SoundCloud taught me the fans are everything. You can only move forward if people are behind you, if people are listening. I appreciate and genuinely love all my fans and supporters because they love me and they get it me. Sometimes, they’re the only thing keeping me going.
What similarities and differences have you noticed between SoundCloud and the major streaming platforms, like Spotify when it comes to pushing your music?
There’s a much larger audience on major platforms. So, artists definitely get more traction there now than SoundCloud. But, SoundCloud is better at catering to the artist and giving them more control.
What role has social media played in your success so far?
I got my start on social media. I started posting singing videos on Instagram freshman year of high school, they got a nice amount of attention and my Instagram grew significantly. Like a lot of artist, social media is how I connect with my fans. I inform them about upcoming projects and anything else that happens in my life I think is worth sharing.
You’ve leveled up from songwriting to now producing and engineering your songs. What was that learning curve like?
With engineering I always had an interest because as a singer I felt it was important to learn my voice and what works with it and doesn’t. I enjoy mixing my songs it gives me complete creative control. Also pushing buttons is fun lol. As far as producing, I had to learn a new DAW software (Fruity Loops). So, it was more of an adventure. I don’t really care for beat making much, I definitely have to be in the mood. But, I do enjoy composing and in the early stages of my songwriting I composed every song I wrote.
The past 12 months have found you on your campaign, releasing a several singles like “Paris, France” and “Everything”. Describe your creative process when it comes to creating a song.
When my producer (@deadinside) and I get into the studio we always start by getting the vibe right which sometimes just means we have a quick venting session. Get rid of that heavy feeling life gives you. Then we get right to work making a melody. When we have a base we like, we make a counter melody, maybe add some chords. Then Dead takes it to a whole another level by adding drums and his magic touch. After that we structure the beat and start writing. That’s my favorite part.
What can fans expect to hear from you in the next 12 months?
They can expect more music, more music videos, and maybe a project. Definitely stay tuned.
Anything else we should know?
I want to thank all my supporters and fans that have stuck by me.
