Interview: Nyki King (Written)

Nyki King is a soulful rock songwriter – a natural on stage, which spurs him on to dig in, take risks – and reach new musical heights. We spoke to the artist and learned a little more about him through this interview.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

I grew up surrounded by talented artists and musicians. A big influence in my life and music has been my father, Eric Lindsay (aka Youth Rass-E-Mung); he had recorded reggae albums in Jamaica’s legendary Studio One and produced some of Montreal’s first reggae shows. I was on stage at 7 years old, along with my brothers performing as “The King Brothers.” We had popular performances in the 80s and shared the stage with Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, John Holt, U-Roy, Paula Clarke and many others.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

I would say my style is soulful with an edge.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

I’m currently working on a full length release. I’m in the process of releasing my single, Running Out Of Time, as we speak.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

The most positive experience I’ve had was when a soldier from the USA fighting in the Iraqi war reached out to me and told me Circles helped him get through another day. For me nothing is more satisfying than that.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

The most challenging aspect about music is having an outlet where people can actually hear it.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

I like to think of the internet as a screened environment, where the people behind the scenes have a big role in what’s seen and heard.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

No comment.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Listeners and fans who enjoy my music can support me in many ways: Follow me on socials, share it with your friends, and subscribe on my website (when it’s finalized) to have access to more material and sneak peaks.

9. Outside of the music, what do you do to relax?

I love to self-educate & watch documentaries to keep re-wiring my brain. I’m constantly learning.

10. Where can people find you?

You can find my music at nlkmusic.com and older material is on Spotify.