Singer-songwriter Keyawna Nikole recently unveiled her new single/music video, “SECRETS,” featuring Kellin Quinn, the frontman of rock outfit Sleeping With Sirens.
Keyawna Nikole’s sound blends elements of R&B, EDM, and metal, making her impossible to pigeonhole. She’s collaborated with artists such as Vic Fuentes (Pierce the Veil) Lil Xan, Ricky P, and Drew York (Stray From The Path).
In 2020, Nikole broke through with the release of “Love Overdose,” which amassed over 100,000 streams on Soundcloud overnight. Articles in elite media outlets immediately began appearing, pushing her through the barrier for women in the metal scene.
Since then, Nikole’s innovative sound and evocative voice have resulted in millions of streams. Her latest music video, “SECRETS,” witnesses her unique talent, collecting 1.2 million views over the course of a single month.
Tattoo.com spoke with Keyawna Nikole to find out more about the inspiration for “SECRETS,” her songwriting process, and her ink.
What three things can’t you live without?
Three things I can’t live without are my mom (Nikki DeLuca), sky club marijuana, and music.
What inspired your latest single/music video, “SECRETS,” featuring Kellin Quinn?
The inspiration behind my music video and single ‘SECRETS’ is truly the mask so many of us put on when dealing with depression. Visually I chose the movie ‘The Ring’ because of my deep love for horror films. I personally loved ‘The Ring’ growing up because I found the storyline of the main ghost character Samara to be interesting overall throughout the film; she’s terrifying people but really, she was only trying to get help to release her soul. I myself find that at times dealing with my mental health some of my calls for help have a tendency to push people away and I related very heavily to that and wanted to incorporate it into the visual of my most emotionally vulnerable record.
Will you and Kellin be collaborating on any projects in the future?
I would love to collaborate with Kellin again in the future! This record means so much to me especially it being with Kellin, someone I personally grew up listening to and going to Sleeping With Sirens concerts! We’ve been in the top 10 on the alternative charts for over 2 weeks! And over 1.2 million views on the music video, I’m so grateful for what we were able to do together.
Walk us through your mindset as you entered the studio to record the song.
My mindset entering the studio for this record emotionally I was at such a low point in my life and it’s my most vulnerable song where I’m bringing my audience into my own head where I feel trapped and like I’m wearing a mask pretending to be ok, and to have one of my hero’s want to be on it with me really instilled so much confidence in me and my music.
Do you use any special recording techniques in the studio?
It’s crazy because I have days I walk into the studio and complete five records within a couple of hours of straight adrenaline. I just love creating music to get the best session out of me just a blunt and good vibe and that’s all I need!
Did your sound develop naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
My sound really developed naturally over time. I grew up listening to alternative rock and post-hardcore bands. I was definitely a scene kid and felt so understood and inspired by the genre, I started off in more of an underground rap scene with alternative roots and instruments incorporated in my beats always sticking to a post-hardcore or Midwest melody even though I was branching into different genres. But over time I just found it natural for me to sing in an alternative lane and a more natural songwriting process.
Keyawna Nikole
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
I’m definitely influenced by artists like Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil, Hayley Williams of Paramore, Steve Nicks, XXXTentacion, and Rihanna would be my top five I feel like I reference the most.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
My definition of tone would be the periodic sound; in my case the sound or genre I’m portraying musically, like when you hear a specific artist play over the radio and you immediately know who is singing based on the familiarity and distinction of their sound. I feel my tone has changed over time but even from my earliest records to my newest single ‘SECRETS’ you can still tell that’s Keyawna Nikole.
What can you share about your writing process?
My writing process changes. I have records I freestyled in five minutes and records that took me days of listening to the instrumental in my AirPods pacing my room to write. It all depends on my emotional journey at that time.
Do you have any ink? If so, which is your favorite?
I have over 35 tattoos! My absolute favorite has to be my right cheek. The wilting flower on my face is one of my most distinct tattoos. It was truly the start of my journey. I tattooed my face at a shop at the edge of my hometown, got in my car, and drove over 3000 miles to Los Angeles never to look back until my music changed my life. It was something I always wanted to do and tattooing my face was something I dreamt about since I was 11!
Is your ink simply body art, or does it carry more significance?
My tattoos are my journey, every tattoo on my left arm was done in a hotel I was staying in on my LA journey all done during milestones of my life.
Over the last few years, how have you changed as a person and as an artist?
I feel myself blossoming and evolving every day. If you had told me a couple of years ago my music career would have me making music and building friendships with my idols, changing people’s lives, I wouldn’t believe anyone would ever care. I’m so grateful for all of the growth mentally, and musically.
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