Indie Light

I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to interview Nikita Lev, and you can check that out below. While you’re at it though, we’ve covered her music on Indie Light, and you can click here to read more.

Tell me about yourself?
I was born and raised in NYC. My journey with music is that I’ve wanted to be a musician since I was 4 years old and I picked up the guitar and started writing songs at the age of 10.

What Instrument(s) do you play, if any? And how long have you been playing your respective instrument(s)?
I play piano and guitar. I’ve been playing piano on and off since the age of 6 and guitar since the age of 10

Who are your biggest influences?
It’s constantly evolving, which I think is how it should be, but right now big influences are Radiohead, St Vincent, Smashing Pumpkins and Dora Jar.

What song(s) do you remember most from your childhood?
The abba’s greatest hits album was being played all the time in my house growing up.

Do you perform covers and if so what’s your go to?
Yes I do! Recently the covers I’ve been doing are America by Simon and Garfunkel and a cover of the cover Hurt by Johnny Cash.

What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
If I’m being honest I don’t consider genres when I’m making music but when people ask I find myself saying “a mish-mosh of genres; rock, pop, folk, alternative, indie.” Etc…

Do you have a process for writing your songs?
Not an active one. I like the spontaneity of creativity so the more you get better at writing the less you have to pursue it actively and you find yourself doing it instinctively but it takes time. I most of the time start with words though.

How has it been received?
Pretty well I’d say.

Are you planning any music releases for the near future?
Yeah! I’ve been working on some new stuff hopefully to come out in the spring of next year.

Where can fans find your music?
You can find my music via Spotify. 

Do you have social media, if so please provide links?
You can follow me on Instagram. 

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
I’ve been performing around the lower east side of Manhattan recently. I really like the Canary Club, it’s nice and cosy and intimate, the vibe is good there. I also performed in Pianos which is an iconic venue but where people perform is on a high stage in the backroom and it feels very isolated somehow. I’ve been playing by myself for the last gigs so it was especially so.

Do you have any gigs in the near future, and if so where and when?
Nothing official yet but definitely gonna be back at it in January, just taking a short break for the holidays.

How do you balance your music with other obligations?
Well for me music comes first. If I have a good opportunity not pertaining to music and it happens to interrupt an opportunity for music it’s an easy choice. In terms of making and writing, it’s sort of just always happening because it’s just another way of expressing yourself.

Following on from that question, what has been your biggest challenge as a performer and have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so then how?
It’s an ever growing challenge to be better than you currently are. That’s what I always strive for, to make more and more and have the quality ever evolve. I don’t think that challenge in particular is one to overcome, it should always be there.

What advice do you have for beginners?
Keep writing. Always. You will be better. Develop an instinct and your taste but be open to suggestions. Collaboration with the right people is one of the best things you can do.

And let’s end with something a little different…Which famous person, living or dead, would you have dinner with and why?
I’ve had this question before and I think I’ll have to stick with my previous answer which is Nora Ephron. I think she was brilliant, hilarious and an incredible writer and I would’ve loved the opportunity to sit down and have a nice chat with her.