Interview with Nyki King

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

NLK: I grew up surrounded by talented artists and musicians. A big influence in my life and music has been my father, Eric Lindsay (aka Youth Rass-E-Mung); he had recorded reggae albums in Jamaica’s legendary Studio One and produced some of Montreal’s first reggae shows. I was on stage at 7 years old, along with my brothers performing as “The King Brothers.” We had popular performances in the 80s and shared the stage with Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, John Holt, U-Roy, Paula Clarke and many others.

As for what I would be doing if I didn’t choose music, I think I would have played professional basketball. I had a promising future at a young age. I played senior in grade 7. 

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

NLK: I love to self-educate and dig into many world events. I talk to Jesus, pray for the suffering, and try to understand why many of us resort to violence and harming others as a solution to one’s problems. 

I’m influenced by wanting to shed light on these common negative situations and topics, and bear positive solutions. 

How long has your band been around?

NLK: I’m a solo artist and have been singing, recording and writing for over 30 years. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

NLK: I was born in Canada. That obviously shaped my versatility. I’m British/Jamaican and I compose Rock songs…

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

NLK: It stands for Nyki Lindsay King. It’s my initials and it means keeping the last names of the two people who brought me into this world, my parents. 

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

NLK: I’ll have to go with performing at Club Soda with over 1000 people in attendance and Kola Note with over 500. 

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

NLK: Thus far, it’s Club Soda in Montreal. I like performing in front of a lot of people. I would love to perform at The Bell Center in Montreal. 

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

NLK: I would have to say Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Rise Against. 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

NLK: Believe in yourself… Be true to yourself and don’t stop trying if it’s a passion of yours… Do music because you love it. Don’t get caught up in the thought of FORTUNE AND FAME.

The advice” I would give myself is simple: WORK FOR GOD.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

NLK: I have a few, however CIRCLES hits home. It’s an inspirational song about having hope when things seem hopeless. 

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

NLK: I Don’t really have any old favorites. Music evolves, so new ones are always created. I think a lot of people loved Don’t Box Me In. And Circles

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

NLK: I tend to get inspired spontaneously, and write little notes down on paper or record the ideas with mumbled vocal expressions.

What inspires me to write music is the idea of being able to touch somebody’s soul from far away, because people can relate to shared experiences through the lyrics. 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

NLK: No matter what you’re facing in life, there’s a positive solution. 

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

NLK: I personally think it’s fair to say we can all have disagreements… how we deal with them is the deciding factor. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

NLK: I don’t make plans but I would like a label to help establish me as an artist. I’m currently working on a new album: Dharmachakra. I’m also in the middle of releasing my new single.