In this interview spotlight, I chat with Nikki Chantal about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I have grown up in Orange County my whole life and have always been a Southern California gal! I would say my style of music would be classified as, “sexy, chill vibes”. I feel like over time my style has definitely changed because I used to be more country pop when I was younger, and now I’ve developed my own sound that I would say is more mature, and even more me. I’ve always been a musician who loves to tell stories with their music and add hidden meanings so that my story can still relate to as many people as possible.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

All my life I have had a passion for music and performing. I feel like the stage has always been my second home and singing is something that I have done ever since I first learned how to talk. I started doing musical theatre when I was five years old and then found my passion for acting when I was a sophomore in high school. I feel like I have always had this yearning for music and singing/songwriting. Performing and getting to do what I love is such an adrenaline rush for me! I think what motivates me to keep going is my ongoing passion for music, the wonderful support from my family and friends, and just knowing that if I can make at least one person feel something or connect to my art and what I am creating, then it’s all worth it.

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

My new EP coming soon called ‘Checkmate’ is very different from my first EP, ‘Heaven On My Fingertips’. I released my first EP when I was 14 so even though I sang about certain experiences, I had to enhance those experiences a little because I was so young and hadn’t experienced falling in love, and heartbreak. Also, as I previously mentioned, my style of music has changed so this album is centered around me finding myself again after going through a very toxic relationship. Going into this process I had so many emotions and feelings because this was the first time I had ever fallen in love and cared about someone so deeply. However, unfortunately I was manipulated and was not treated how I deserve to be treated at all. Without going into too much detail about my past relationship, this EP tells the story of how I was able to find myself again.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

I’d have to say the main challenge I face as an indie musician is differentiating myself from other artists out there. Since we live in a digital music age anyone can post anything and at times it can be very overwhelming. As an artist, I try my best to stand out and not only create a sound, but also a story that only I can tell through my music. However, even though the digital age can be “a lot” at times, having a digital platform/social media is so beneficial because you can reach so many different groups of people. Technology has helped me a ton because I am able to post updates on my music, post/ create promotions on my stories, and I am able to have my music heard through a variety of streaming platforms!

What was the last song you listened to?

Ever since Olivia Rodrigo came out with her new album ‘Sour’ I have been obsessed with all her songs. So, I think the last song I listened to was probably “Traitor”. Even though Olivia Rodrigo is only 18, I feel I can relate to her music so much because we both love to tell stories with our songs. It just goes to show that age is but a number because anyone can relate to another person’s experience no matter how old they are.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I feel in this day and age MP3s are so common and well-known. However, I have always been one to like vinyl records and I still think record players are really cool!

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I personally prefer Spotify because I love making different playlists and categorizing them based on certain moods I’m feeling. However, I have Spotify and Apple Music because there are certain songs I saved when I was younger and I haven’t transferred those songs onto something else yet so I like having the option of both.

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

I’d say the best place to connect with me would be on my Instagram because that is where I post what’s happening, new music coming out, covers of me singing, and where I keep people up to date. My insta handle is: nikkichantall and my music is out on all streaming services including: Spotify, Apple Music, iHeart Radio, TikTok, etc.

Anything else before we sign off?

I am shooting my ‘Checkmate’ music video very soon, so make sure to be on the lookout for that please!! I want to thank you so much for letting me tell my story and share my art with ya’ll!