Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Kidd.
Nikki, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
Well first off my name is Nicole but you can call me Nikki! From a young age, I knew I was meant to be a performer! I loved singing, being on stage and pretty much the center of attention, lol. I started singing at the age of 4 but really started to get into the actual learning of music at the age of 12. I’m a native of the very diverse city of Miami Beach. So growing up there exposed me to an array of eclectic cultural and musical tastes and sounds. I love being from South Florida; there is nothing like it. I’m a first generation American, my family is Jamaican, so I have the Caribbean flavor in my blood, but South Florida gave me the whole spectrum of the Carribean and South American cultures, and the American culture that is unique to Miami, which shows up in the way I perform. I started singing in church and got involved in school shows and plays, singing in local competitions. I was involved in my High School, Miami Beach Sr. High, Rock Ensemble which gave me the tools to be the performer I am today, from knowing how to work a crowd to wrapping a cable. After high school I went to Texas to find myself, I know you’re like Texas, what’s in Texas, lol well its bible country and I went to a Christian organization to get closer to God. While I was getting closer to God, I also got confirmation that music was my calling. I wrote my first song there called “The Power of Your Love.” After leaving Texas, I came back to Miami and auditioned for the Music program at the University of Miami. Thankfully I got in, and that’s where I fell in love with Jazz. I had only had a little exposure of the genre from Vocal Ensemble in High School singing Route Sixty Six and Summertime, but really had no clue about the history and depth of such a beautiful art form. I got my degree in Studio Music, and Jazz Voice and a Minor in Music Business, and have been performing ever since. Being from Miami, I’ve also had the opportunity to work with some amazing musicians such as Gloria Estefan, Emilio Estefan, Aloe Blacc, Corey Henry and the Nu Deco Orchestra, The Florida Grand Opera, Thelma Houston, Mary Wilson, and Prince Royce. I look forward to what’s to come!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I’m a Jazz Vocalist and Artist; I like to interpret other’s music and allow an audience to hear a song in a different way, or experiencing different emotions. I consider my music to be an eclectic mix of the cultures and genres I grew up around. From Reggae, Haitian Compa, Jazz, Rock, R&B, Latin, Afro Cuban, Classical, and Pop all these influences can be heard clearly in my sound and my music. I want people to be transcended when they hear my music or see me perform; I want them to essentially leave with a part of me! I love to move and to make people happy, but also perform songs that are socially conscious like Nina Simone’s “Four Women.” Music with depth and a soul!
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Keep writing, keep working, keep pushing forward. Don’t compare yourself to others, realize you are on your own path, and have your own timeline. I wish that I would have mastered an instrument, its never too late to learn and I’m currently working on my piano skills, but definitely wished I worked on that at a younger age, ya know when my brain was like a sponge.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
I’m currently working on my album that I’m hoping with be out by August! But the best way to support me right now is to come out to my shows! I’ll be performing at the Historic Hampton House June 28th from 8-11pm! I’ll also be setting up a GoFundMe for my album. You can follow me on my website www.nikkikidd.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nikkikidd.com
- Phone: 9546085468
- Email: nikkikiddvocals@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nikkikiddvocals
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkikiddvox
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/nikkikiddvocals
- Other: www.youtube.com/nikkikiddvocals
Image Credit:
Image First Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
