Check out our interview with singer-songwriter Nikita Lev who just released her new single “Elegance.”
The vision of “Elegance” takes you on a flashback journey and lets you relive the stages of childhood and upbringing up to adulthood. During these times we want to make sure not to be wrapped up in responsibilities and enjoy the wonders of life. Life’s too short, have fun! “Elegance” is a reminder of this.
To date, Nikita has written over 200 songs. Most of her songs carry a theme of longing, she says. “I like songs that are evocative, that are relatable, universal, yet ambiguous, I love a clever lyric,” she says. “I have always been inspired by artists that embody that; The 1975, St Vincent, Arctic Monkeys, Leonard Cohen, etc. Quite the variety.”
Follow Nikita @nikital3v
Hi Nikita, describe yourself in 3 words?
“I think superfluously”
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I grew up around music my family has always been very artistic and musical and my mom was in a band in the 90s. So I had a lot of musical infulence
How has this changed your life?
Well, I moved across the country to LA from New York I’d say that’s a big change.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Wistful, Clever, Exploration
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
When I was four my dad showed me Taylor Swift on TV playing a show and I was mesmerized. She’s been a constant inspiration to me as well as to so many other artists. It was never really a conscious decision to make music. I was always going to be an artist of some sort and I was surrounded by music.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play piano and guitar
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course, about so many things and I know it’s cliché to say but sometimes you have to take a deep breath and pretend you’re not. Chances are if it’s a show or something in front of people you’re nervous about, it’s mostly about the anticipation and adrenaline and you’ll feel great that you did it afterwards.
Tell us about your new single “Elegance”?
It’s me older talking about the breaking of promises that I made to myself when I was younger. Also the “in limbo” stage between childhood and adulthood.
What’s the story behind the song?
I was in the middle of a good healthy dose of writer’s block when I was playing with a riff that my mom’s old bandmate wrote when he was in high school. And thinking about my younger cousins wanting to play and hang out. Feeling that betrayal to my younger self for not wanting to because I knew exactly how they felt.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The finishing of a song.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I wouldn’t call myself an entrepreneur, that’s one of the lesser fun parts of the job, so I wouldn’t know. I think in general read a bunch of plays.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
I’m not sure, that’s not an easy question. I think lessons become great over time with more experience you have to utilize them and learn from them. So I don’t think I have a straight answer for that one.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Try to feel more than think. Trust your emotions more. I’m very susceptible to overcomplicating simple feelings.
How would your best friend describe you?
Talkative, ambivalent, sometimes obsessive and probably giddy.
What’s next for Nikita Lev in 2023?
I’m planning on releasing a couple more songs that will turn into an EP and we’ll see from there.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Carrots or red bell peppers.
And your favorite cheat food?
Ice cream
How would you explain your fashion style?
Effortlessly cool mixing of genres
What is your own definition of happiness?
Moments. It’s not a destination. Ever. You can be happy wherever you are. Happiness cannot be chased.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
David Bowie. He’s brilliant and I’d love to pick his brain.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Always Paris. I’d wanna go with my best friend.
Best advice ever given?
It’s cliché but you can only control what you do, what other people say or how they react is not your responsibility.
Do you support any charity?
I support Act Now which supports individual actions for sustainability and against climate change.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Hopefully doing the same thing just more and better, with more inspiring people around.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Lover, You Should’ve Come Over by Jeff Buckley.
What do you think of Social Media?
I truly dislike it but I understand its benefits. I’ve never really had a healthy relationship with it but I have it.
Where we can follow you?
My Instagram is @nikital3v, same with my Twitter– which is kind of a joke. And TikTok is the same but I don’t use it much.
Book: The Stranger – Albert Camus
Quote: “I’m sick of not having the courage to be an absolute nobody” – Franny and Zooey. That quote made me really think about my life and insecurities.
Movie: Almost Famous
Tv Series: Scrubs
Favorite Food: Ice Cream
Travel Destination: Perth
Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks or Women’s American Soccer team.
