By: Staff
Niki Sabrina's "Higher" has grungy and gritty guitars superbly mixed in this shoegaze pop song. With a slightly harrowing feel, the music captures your attention instantly. We were mesmerized by the captivating delivery and vocal performance. The sweet and melodic presentation of this emerging artist's vocals is really impressive. The drum fills after the middle break in the song are an exceptionally well-placed "moment." We definitely got some Sonic Youth vibes from this. The end of the song gives you pause once more, and again, the synths and guitars are a great touch. On a second listen, we had to touch on the intro’s gentle, almost country twang that was like a whisper on top of this song. We were really impressed and can't wait to hear more from Niki Sabrina and these just oh so killer vibes!
We had a chance to get this artist in the Cage with us and learn more about them and we wanted to share it with you! Here’s what we learned:
Please tell us a little about yourself and when you started making music.
I’m originally from a very small town in the Czech republic, but I now reside in Los Angeles.
I started taking classical guitar lessons at 9 and started writing my first songs around that age too, but I’d say I really started to take music seriously around age 15 when I first started to experiment with music production.
What first sparked the passion for creating music?
I’d say loving and being obsessed with music and artists so much that I just couldn’t help but be a part of it.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process for this latest project? Where did the inspiration come from?
I’ve been experimenting with various genres for the past 1 and half, trying to figure out my style as a songwriter & artist in general and producing all of my own songs. I came to a point tho where I was really burnt out from producing and playing all the instruments all on my own and felt like I needed just to focus on the songwriting and vocal performance aspect for a change, so I found an instrumental on the internet from this producer that I really like. I’ve been heavily listening to shoegaze and indie rock and discovered it’s mainly alternative genres that I feel comfortable with as a vocalist and that I enjoy performing.
Lyrically I wanted to capture the dream-like essence of how it feels being infatuated and in love. My girlfriend was the main inspiration for it.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self mixed / mastered or another source?
I recorded in my home studio and mixed and mastered it myself. It’s not the best mix lol, but tbh with this particular genre I feel like a shitty mix is almost part of the aesthetic.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
I’d say the mix for sure haha, since I’m not an engineer. The actual writing process was very organic.
Is any part of your music's message or purpose you feel fans or the industry has overlooked? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
I don’t really know, since I’m fresh on the scene and haven’t really been discovered yet. So I cannot really say whether my music’s message has been overlooked, but if there’s one message that I want my music and art to cary, it’s to hopefully inspire other indie artists to just pursue doing what they love and putting it out there even if they don’t have an audience for it yet. I also want my music to reach the queer community as I feel like there still is a lack of representation of wlw artists.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
Creating a world of my own that I enjoy being in.
What part of the music making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date etc?
Promoting it. I suck at social media. I hate it in fact lol.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
The superficialness. And how number driven everything is nowadays. I wish a social media following wouldn’t be such big factor of an artist being recognized and respected by industry professionals.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
Evolving into my own authentic sound. I really want to find my own aesthetic and visual representation for my music too. I think I’m on the right track of finding it and I’m very excited about the direction that I’m heading in with my debut record that I’m currently working on.
Do you play any instruments?
yes, guitar and a bit of piano and bass.
Please tell us about the last time you performed. Where was the show, and what was your experience?
I haven’t really had the chance to perform yet, other than a few shitty open mics around LA haha. I didn’t enjoy doing them tho and felt like it was kinda a waste of time. I’d rather perform with a band than on my own.
Have you ever been on tour and can you tell us a little about the experience?
I have not, but would love to go on one one day !
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
Way too many times… but my passion & love for music is too strong to quit so I always find my way back somehow.
What advice would you give your younger self and why?
Just live life more fully and stop worrying. Life is your biggest work of art. It’s the only thing that matters.
What is your go-to song for Karaoke night?
I don’t sing on karaoke nights hahah.
What is your favorite quote?
I'm half living my life between reality and fantasy at all times - Lady Gaga
How do you feel about social media?
i hate it
What is the most motivating thing a fan or anyone has ever told you about your music?
just people liking my music in general brings me so much joy
If you could go on any late-night talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
I don’t really care for talk shows anymore but probably Jimmy Fallon’s shows, because it’s the main one I used to watch as a kid. I guess the topic of discussion would be me lmao.
When you become famous, what band or artist would you love to tour with?
Radiohead or The 1975
Check out his latest release and listen to more of NIKI SABRINA on Spotify & YouTube.
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