Introducing … Nikki Loy

Nikki Loy and I worked together for several years in our former lives. I knew she was musical, and I knew she did illustrations, but I never realised how talented she was until after we had both moved on. We met up recently, and after a wonderful one to one catch up in the afternoon, a group of us then went to see Nikki sing locally. It was fabulous, and a good night was had by all. During our catch up, Nikki revealed a secret that only a few people know, and very kindly agreed to be interviewed, and I think it’s time she shared her secret.

Was there any one thing or event which made you decide to get out of corporate life, and concentrate on your musical career?

* Laughs* You mean the corporate job itself wasn’t enough to push me into it? Actually, it was when my friend and I took up busking and I saw how the crowds were responding to us, and how good the money could be that I started moving my life in that direction.

Since leaving the security of a day job behind, what has given you the biggest thrill?

It’s hard to say what the biggest thrill is… there have been so many. Being on a TV commercial, Playing some of the well known London venues, playing the New Theatre in Oxford, My EP launch at the North Wall theatre was pretty massive for me too… as was the first time I did a BBC radio interview! You see? It’s hard to choose one.

What has given you the most headaches in your new career?

Working with other people. I used to think I was a good judge of character but now I realise I was often optimistically deluded. I work with some awesome folks but there have been some real turbulent relationships too – I swear one of my old managers was bi-polar with a coke habit! I think I have wised up a bit now.

Is there one song you have written that is a particular favourite, and why?

All my songs are my favourites when I write them but I think Effortless has been top of the pile for a good while now. It’s so honest and real, and so many people relate to it… But on the flip side I love the danger and naughtiness of another one called Poison.

Where do you draw inspiration from, when sitting down to pen a new song?

A very strong feeling. You know when you’re properly max-ed up on a certain emotion? That’s usually the beginning of a song be it anger or love… And usually it incorporates whatever has been on my mind for the last month or so. But a proper idea, the structure and the story line can spring from anywhere. I watch a lot of films and read a lot of books. I find feeding my creativity causes it to flow back out again.

How do you balance your singing/song writing activities with your drawing and illustration?

I don’t know that I do. I keep trying to find the balance but I still swing like a pendulum. I plan to do music in the mornings and art in the afternoons, it seldom works out like that as music just keeps taking over but I do at least try to do a little of both every day.

Do you have a website where people can view your drawings/paintings?

At the moment my art is mostly featured now and then in illustrated blog posts on my website: nikkiloy.com

How many albums have you released to date, and which was the most difficult to put together and why?

I have release four collections so far. The most difficult to put together was the most recent one – All I see. It was the first one where I used a full team of people to play on it. In the past I have often put the albums together with just one other person.

Where can we buy your music?

My music is available to download from most online music stores including iTunes and Amazon as well as from my website: www.nikkiloy.com.

You have been working on another project, which not only combines your song writing and drawing skills, but introduces the world to yet another talent. I know your fans would be thrilled to hear about this, so I hope you feeling brave enough to share your secret. Please tell us what you envisage the end result will be?

Well for quite some time I have been working on a concept album with illustrated novel. That’s all I shall say for now. It’s proving to be a massive project and the end is not yet in sight but I will finish it and I shall share it with you when it’s ready!

I can’t wait to read, see and hear this, I think it will be spectacular. Pop over to Nikki’s youtube channel and enjoy the music. http://youtube.com/Thenikkiloy My personal favourite is Poison.Nikki Poison

Thanks Nikki, looking forward to seeing you soon. x

Contact Nikki: enquiries@nikkiloy.com

Website: nikkiloy.com

Twitter: @nikkiloymusic

Facebook: nikkiloymusic

http://www.nikkiloy.com/sketchy-moments-a-quick-flick-through-sketchbook-26/

Happy Reading