Exclusive Interview with NYKI LINDSAY KING

Nyki Lindsay King, a solo artist hailing from Montreal, Canada, is a multi-talented musician who plays guitar and pens all his music and lyrics. Drawing inspiration from icons like Eddie Vedder, Kurt Cobain, and Chester Bennington, Nyki’s sound encompasses elements of Funk, Soul, R&B, and Reggae, creating a unique and captivating musical blend. His musical journey began in 1983 under the guidance of his father, Eric George Lindsay, a Studio One reggae artist with the classic “Rasta Nah Run.” Nyki took the stage at just 7 years old with his brothers, performing as “The Kings Brothers.” They had popular performances in the 80s and shared the stage with Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, John Holt, U-Roy, Paula Clarke and many others. Nyki’s sound has been compared to bands like Linkin Park, Three Days Grace and Our Lady Peace – to name a few. But you’ll discover when you listen to several of his tracks that Nyki is an incredibly versatile artist with an array of different styles, each executed with skillfullness. Nyki writes songs about real-life situations in hopes of helping others through their struggles. He’s an artist full of talent and heart. Check out the exclusive Interview below:

1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: My father Eric George Lindsay AKA (Youth Rasemung) is the catapult in that who started music in the 70s recording in Jamaica’s Studio One ‘Rasta Nah Run’ a classic today. My father taught my brother’s and I music. I Was on stage singing at 5.

2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: All the credit goes to my father for rehearsing with my brothers and I as toddlers. We performed R&B, Funk, Soul and Reggae in the early 80s as The King Brothers. Which gave me an early grasp on the industry.

3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, what’s the story behind choosing the name ‘NYKI LINDSAY KING’?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: I loved many artists.. but the ones who most influenced me were definitely Michael Jackson, Abba, The Carpenters, The Doors and Led Zeplin..

My mother was thinking of the night (Nyki) , Lindsay is my father’s name and King is my mother’s

4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: I think what Sets me apart is the influence from the holly spirit.

I like writing songs about issues and problems we all face.. giving a positive outlook on a negative situation. Hoping to touch peoples hearts . My sound is a mix of many styles implemented to Rock

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as ROCK?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: Well I find with everything that’s ever been released its hard for styles to not sound-a-like.. but in my experience I’ve performed Rap, Soul, Funk, R&B And in the writing process if I hear something that sounds similar to another artist I scrap it…I’m British/Jamaican so I think my ROCK music would sound different just because of my origin and versatility. I have a significant English sounding vocal..

6. Music often transcends entertainment. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: I think as a society, as people we have a responsibility to uphold.

Weather it be spiritual, Political, or Cultural, I believe in God and that is basically who I work for .

7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment you’re still seeking?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: I feel content in my creations.. However more excited and fulfilled for the new Album Dharmachakra, Honestly I’m humbled by spreading love..

8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, what’s the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: Well my creative process is solely alone …

I will at times get music for a catchy chorus that comes to me…and I’ll blab the non meaningful words out.. lol.. then I’ll go back and write the words based on the feelings I receive from the music.

9. What’s been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: Losing my father this year in June.. There’s no comparison to the pain.. especially when he taught me Everything in music.. I’m always reminded of him, and its made me work even harder.

I still always think of calling him and constantly forget he’s gone.

10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And let’s talk about your latest release and future plans.

NYKI LINDSAY KING: The most proud moment I’ve had to date would have to be an American soldier fighting in Iraq that heard my song Circles and emailed me stating that the song made him get through the many days.. I was extremely sad, joyful, and silent

11. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

NYKI LINDSAY KING: I think it’s extremely important for fans to understand the real story behind the songs and for them to also interpret it their own personal way.. The connection is based on the experience.