Hi Nicki! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us!
Great to be here. Thanks so much for having me!
What do you believe needs a makeover in the music world?
Well, that’s a long list so let me give you my top three.
For starters, there’s a stigma associated with being an Independent (No Label, DYI) artist versus an artist that has label backing. Music is music, it would be nice if we could bridge the gap a bit between the assumed haves and have nots. Especially with airplay and stream site playlisting.
I also think there’s more work that needs to be done with royalty payments to artists and songwriters on streaming sites. 1000 streams on Spotify pays roughly $3.18. Sure if you have a ton of streams, you can earn a decent payout, however, if we piggyback off what I said about the Label vs DYI stigma, who do you think is going to be more apt to earn the top playlist slots?
Finally, and in my mind, probably the most important, is bridging the gender and age gap. We need more pathways for women in the music business such as mentoring programs, training, networking, and collaboration opportunities, but we also need more age diversity. I think the music world has largely focused on a younger generation of artists specifically targeting younger age listeners. In my opinion, by ignoring various other listener demographics they’re missing out on a potentially huge opportunity.
If you could duet with any artist, living or not, who would it be and why?
Pulling from my collaboration bucket list I’d have to go with my long time music idol, Pat Benatar. The why is easy, Pat Benatar forged and inspired many generations of female artists and she still rocks the house even today at age 67! I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.
What has been the most rewarding project in your career thus far?
This is a hard one to answer. All of my releases and collaborations have all been rewarding in one way or another and I’d like to think that the best is yet to come. If I had to pick, I’d have to go with my Heartbeat Album mainly because I feel it’s probably some of the best songwriting and vocal performances that I’ve done to date.
Is there anything you would like to master?
Oh, there are so many things! I play a little piano and I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, I just haven’t found the time to devote to it.
What is your favorite book?
I’ve never really been a big reader, but I do enjoy a good Stephen King novel every now and then.
Do you have any vices?
Tito’s Vodka
Please tell our readers where to follow you!
My official website is http://www.nickikris.com,
TWITTER: @nickikris
INSTAGRAM: @nickikris
FACEBOOK: @nickikrismusic
Thank you for your time!
It’s been my pleasure, thanks again for having me!
For Press Inquiries: bsquaredmgmt@gmail.com
End of Interview