Czech artist Veronika Boráková performs beneath the identify NIKA – and he or she’s a conservatory-trained pianist and singer. Her new single “I Deserve To Be Calm” will remind listeners of all-time greats like Kate Bush, Norah Jones and Tori Amos.
“I Deserve To Be Calm” chronicles the emotional therapeutic that happened after one other artist heaped scorn on NIKA’s work for no obvious purpose. Many artists by no means get better from a savage assault like that, however NIKA turned the harm into an uplifting, radiant music.
Because of her resilient spirit, it wouldn’t shock me if NIKA begins headlining live shows in Europe and the U.S. after the discharge of her second album Elsewhere subsequent spring.
Was the video for “I Deserve To Be Calm” shot in Ostrava and the encompassing countryside?
Sure, the music video was shot proper within the metropolis centre of my hometown Ostrava. The countryside components have been shot in Ostrava-Klímkovice. It was a really chilly but nonetheless sunny day, so operating round barefoot in a light-weight gown was a little bit of a problem for me, however I’m grateful it visually labored out so nicely ultimately.
What prompted you to jot down “I Deserve To Be Calm”? What life occasions led you to jot down it?
Proper after I completed writing the music I wrote this in my lyrics diary: “This music comes from a deep feeling of realizing you aren’t what others make you are feeling you’re, irrespective of how exhausting they struggle. Therapeutic from self-doubt after any individual tore your work to items. Understanding their precise motives and complexes. Letting their hatred go and discovering peace inside your self once more. I’m entire. I’m not outlined by the actions of those that have been overcome by jealousy. I heal my coronary heart. I heal my soul. I need to be calm.”
In a nutshell, I wrote the music after I used to be devastated by one other artist’s means of performing and talking in direction of (and about) me after our paths crossed. They have been older, rather more skilled than me and nonetheless they selected to unfold hate and jealousy over somebody youthful simply because that somebody is ready to write music and will get alternatives, too (at a younger age). It actually pushed me to the bottom on the time – particularly as a result of earlier than this incident I considered this artist as an inspiration. However after a couple of days of crying and doubting my expertise, I selected to grasp that I used to be not going to let this break me emotionally and I wished to unfold the phrases to others who may be going by means of one thing comparable. I believe everybody, non-artist equally, has been by means of one thing like this and it may resonate with anybody. It’s actually some of the private songs I’ve ever written.
I hear some Norah Jones qualities in your music. Who have been your favourite artists rising up?
What an exquisite simile, thanks a lot. I believe I used to be at all times open to mixing a number of genres – as a listener and a composer. Since I grew up as a classical musician (began enjoying the piano on the age of 4, began composing at 6, classical singing later and so forth.) after which I even studied classical composition at a conservatory, the classical music has at all times performed a giant half in my music style. Alternatively, my dad at all times performed us rock and people music on the radio. And later I fell in love with jazz and soul. I believe my top-ever artists are Esperanza Spalding, Björk, Chick Corea, Czech singer Dan Bárta, Aurora, Jacob Collier, a Czech band referred to as Vltava and Erykah Badu.
Your singing and piano work are fabulous! Do you ever do studio session work for different artists?
Thanks very a lot! I very not often work with different artists, however I’d love to vary that sooner or later!
Your 2022 album Flesh & Soul had eleven nice songs, together with my favourite “Abruptly”. Will you be releasing a brand new album subsequent yr?
I’ll and I’m extraordinarily enthusiastic about it. My second album shall be launched on March 18, 2025. It’s referred to as Elsewhere and in distinction to my first, extra intimate album, the second is a little more “on the market” (therefore the identify, hehe). I’m utilizing greater sounds, extra vocal harmonies, extra percussion and generally synths. In terms of the lyrics, I’m opening up about extra private issues with fewer metaphors. I really feel like I don’t have to cover behind phrases that a lot anymore. It’s total only a bit extra open to the listener, but nonetheless a riddle in some ways. I can’t wait so that you can hear it!
