Czech artist Veronika Boráková performs underneath the title NIKA – and she or he’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 came about 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 concert events 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 had been shot in Ostrava-Klímkovice. It was a really chilly but nonetheless sunny day, so working round barefoot in a lightweight costume was a little bit of a problem for me, however I’m grateful it visually labored out so properly ultimately.
What prompted you to put in writing “I Deserve To Be Calm”? What life occasions led you to put in writing 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, regardless of how exhausting they fight. 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 had 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 method of appearing and talking in the direction of (and about) me after our paths crossed. They had 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 seen this artist as an inspiration. However after just a few days of crying and doubting my abilities, I selected to grasp that I used to be not going to let this spoil me emotionally and I wished to unfold the phrases to others who is likely to be going via one thing comparable. I feel everybody, non-artist equally, has been via one thing like this and it may resonate with anybody. It’s really one of the vital private songs I’ve ever written.
I hear some Norah Jones qualities in your music. Who had been your favourite artists rising up?
What a beautiful simile, thanks a lot. I feel 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 on.) 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. Then again, 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 feel my top-ever artists are Esperanza Spalding, Björk, Chick Corea, Czech singer Dan Bárta, Aurora, Jacob Collier, a Czech band known 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 “All of the sudden”. 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 known as Elsewhere and in distinction to my first, extra intimate album, the second is a little more “on the market” (therefore the title, hehe). I’m utilizing larger sounds, extra vocal harmonies, extra percussion and typically synths. Relating to 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!