The first impression of Canadian singer Nikki Yanofsky is her petite and shy girl that lives next door attitude. The 20 year-old has only been in the professional music circle for the last year and has received high accolades for the creativity and uniqueness of her debut album Little Secret.
Mentored by the music industry's largest heavyweight, Quincy Jones, Nikki has had an amazing year as a new pop artist. She has worked with industry musicians like Stevie Wonder, Phil Ramone, Wyclef Jean, Will.i.am and Herbie Hancock. She sang for Quincy Jones in a restaurant and he has not stop cosigning her talent since.
Growing up loving Jazz music, Nikki models her presence and voice from her favorite singer Ella Fitzgerald. A known threat to come in the next few years, the pop princess says she tries to approach her music to the classy sound of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.
Growing up loving Jazz music, Nikki models her presence and voice from her favorite singer Ella Fitzgerald. A known threat to come in the next few years, the pop princess says she tries to approach her music to the classy sound of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.
Check out Nikki's cover debut for Maury's "Cigarette" cover released Wednesday here.
Sitting content at a Hollywood coffee shop Canadian songstress was excited to chat about her past year in the industry, signing to Caroline/Capitol Records and finding mentorship in Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock.
What inspiration drove you to mold yourself into the artist you are today?
Nikki Yanofsky: Ella Fitzgerald is my favorite artist; Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra I like as well. I grew up listening to these artist and I love Jazz music. What you listen to the most is what you will pull inspiration from.
You have a full and robust voice. Have you had vocal training?
Nikki Yanofsky: I started voice lessons and recording around 12 years old and by14, I started to write my own songs. If you want to emulate certain sounds as an artist, you have to have some type
of vocal training.
When did you know in your career that singing would be your life's work?
Nikki Yanofsky: Hmmm, yes, I was in kindergarten. I remember once a month our teacher would ask us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Every kid in the class answer would change but I would always say singer.
That's amazing! I know you were excited! Tell me about the single "Something New" you dedicated to Quincy and Herbie Hancock.
Nikki Yanofsky: I wanted to have a song on my record that really showed those two amazing men...how much I appreciate what they've done for music in general, and how thankful I am to have had their support in my career thus far.”
Have you ever felt like giving up your music?
Nikki Yanofsky: Never. Well, there have been moments of course but, my mind and my heart have always told me to keep going. It's short-term pain for long-term gain.
Tell me the inspiration behind Necessary Evil?
Nikki Yanofsky: I wanted to have a song with a double meaning. The inspiration for Necessary Evil was the idea of fame, its mystery, its allure, the dangers of fame. I wanted to personify it and make it sound almost like a one-sided relationship, because that’s sort of what it is!”
What is the most challenging thing you are going through in your career right now? Was there any pressure to get your album finished?
Nikki Yanofsky: Making my album was a fun and long process but I felt no pressure at all. I am lucky that I haven’t experienced much [pressure], but with every challenge comes a positive experience. If you have tunnel vision in your goals everything else doesn’t matter.
Now, Breakroom is excited to premiere her latest cover video for "Cigarette Song."
