Pop Culturalist Chats with Nikki Yanofsky

Nikki Yanofsky is one of music’s most exciting breakout stars. Her signature sound—an effortless blend of pop, soul, and jazz—is captivating audiences around the world. And it’s even caught the attention of music legends including Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, and Wyclef Jean.

At a young age, she was asked to open the Montreal Jazz Festival by the founder himself. It was in that moment that Nikki realized this was her calling. And since then, she’s gone on to release two albums. Her newest, Solid Gold, is her most personal work to date. It features the hit single, “Miss You While I’m Drunk,” which is blowing up on the charts. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Nikki about her career, the challenges of making an album, and why she believes it’s important to give back.

PC: How did you get into jazz at such a young age?
Nikki: I’ve been into music for as long as I can remember. I started singing at a bunch of different charity shows around my hometown at the age of eleven. The founder of the Montreal Jazz Fest was in the audience at one of these shows, and he asked if I would open up the festival! I figured that even though, at this point in time, I was only singing pop and soul, I should probably learn some jazz if I was going to be at a jazz festival. So I did! And now pop, soul, and jazz have become my favs.

PC: Who were your musical influences?
Nikki: Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and Amy Winehouse have all played a part in my musical life. My favorite songwriter is Rod Temperton.

PC: You performed at the 2010 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies. What was that like?
Nikki: It was surreal! I will always remember that time in my life. It felt like everything was happening so fast, but at the same time, looking back, I can replay it, almost as if it was in slow motion. It was a blast, and super exciting.

PC: You’ve also gone around the world in order to perform. What was your favorite venue/place you went to?
Nikki: I always love playing in New York City. I’ve played at a few cool venues there: Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, The Blue Note. . .there is just something really great about playing in my favorite city in the world. Playing at The Olympia in Paris is also up there for me. That was a dream come true.

PC: Your latest EP, Solid Gold, was co-produced by Wyclef Jean. Is there someone else you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Nikki: I would love to work with Bruno Mars, Mark Ronson, and Ed Sheeran. I’m a big fan of all three of them. It would be awesome to write something with any or all of them!

PC: What are the challenges of creating a new album—specifically, what was the biggest challenge you had while making Solid Gold?
Nikki: Vulnerability! I had a rule that I wouldn’t write about something I hadn’t gone through. It takes a lot to be honest.

PC: On the other hand, what is your favorite part of the music process?
Nikki: I think that the vulnerability would also be my favorite aspect of this process! Sometimes the things that scare us the most have potential to make us grow the most too. I feel like I learnt a lot about myself from opening up more with my music.

PC: If you weren’t in the music business, what would you be doing?
Nikki: I always find this the hardest question to answer! I can’t live without music. I know that I would definitely be doing something creative. I love to draw and paint, so I guess an artist? Or a poet?

PC: You’re quite involved with several charities. What made charity work a priority for you?
Nikki: I was always encouraged by my family to use my voice to help others. It’s something that I learnt at a very young age. If you can, it is so important to give back. I am a very passionate person by nature, and when a charity really strikes a chord with me, I have to get involved.

PC: You began singing and performing professionally at a very young age. What have you learned along the way that you would share with other young musicians?
Nikki: Never lose that fearless attitude you have as a kid. My very first show, I was almost so oblivious to the size of the crowd that it worked to my advantage. I wasn’t nervous. I think proving to myself that I could do it then showed me I have no reason to doubt myself now. You just have to hold onto that carefree confidence!

Pop Culturalist speed round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Nikki: The Bachelor

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Nikki: Dirty Dancing

PC: Favorite book?
Nikki: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Nikki: Rent

PC: A band or artist people would be surprised is on your playlist?
Nikki: Red Hot Chili Peppers

PC: Go-to karaoke song?
Nikki: “Thriller”

PC: First album bought?
Nikki: Christina Aguilera (the self-titled album from 1999)

PC: First concert you attended?
Nikki: The Eagles

Make sure to follow Nikki on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. And pick up Solid Gold on iTunes or Amazon.