Nikki W

Nikki W. is a 16-year-old songstress from London, Ontario who released her first album at age 12 under a pseudonym she is trying to live down. Now she’s back with her official self-titled debut album available now on iTunes and in CD format as well check out http://nikkiw.com/ for all the details. Listen to us bond over our love for Joan Jett and The Runaways and tons more! Follow her on twitter @NikkiWMusique
The podcast’s intro music is “Covered Wagon” courtesy of Tayisha Busay off their debut full-length LP, “Focus/Virus” and Nikki W’s “Transparent Hands” leads us into the interview. - SinisterGirlz

Today 16 year-old Canadian singer Nikki W tells us about her new single "Transparent Hands" from her debut EP "Sad Generation," which was released yesterday (July 29th). Here is the story:
I wrote the lyrics for Transparent Hands as a poem before I realized it could be a song as well. I was sitting in my grade 10-science class, thinking about someone very special, and I ended up writing the first verse of the song. This song isn't just about love; it's about a different type of love. This person helped change who I was, made me more accepting and open towards life. I came up with the line "Transparent Hands" because their skin was so light it appeared transparent. One of my favorite memories of them is tracing the veins that sprawled across their palm like spider webs.

When I took the song to my producer we worked on it very quickly and changed the lyrics around a bit and wrote the chorus together. It all came together very organically and progressed the way a song like this should. For the whole experience I wanted to create a song worthy of that person and that honored what they did for me, I kept them in my heart through it all.

Gavin, my producer, brought the song to life with synths, a bad ass guitar riff, and his passion for the project. We finished the song in the studio with another songwriter, Karen Kosowski. She helped take the song from inside of me and translate it so other people could relate to it as well.

I really think that what we created shows that it's ok to be different and love people with your whole heart. - Antimusic

Big news! One of our Under the Cover Winners have signed a record deal!
We are so happy to announce Orianna, now Nikki W., has signed with Handsome Boy and Fontanna North who are under the Universal label.
Nikki‘s music career began at the young age of 10, when she joined a rock band as their lead singer. She won Free Fm’s Under the Covers contest back in December 2012, doing a Neil Young cover.
She is now 16 and just recorded her first CD with Canada’s top record producer, Gavin Brown! Gavin has also worked with Lady GaGa, Metric, Barenaked Ladies, Tragically Hip, The Trews, Mother Mother, Three Days Grace, Billy Talent and more. The results are amazing.
We are so proud of this very sweet girl. Please take a moment and check out her new video for her first single, “Transparent Hands.” - 98.1 Free FM (commercial radio)

16 year old pop sensation Nikki W is a little Dido, a little Kelly Clarkson and a whole lot of awesome. - A Little Bit Of Sol (tastemaker blog)

This 17 year-old singer/songwriter from London, Ont. will be releasing her debut album Sad Generation July 29. Check out her new video below! - Best Fan (tastemaker blog)

Canadian up-and-comer Nikki W is about to take the music world by storm! Previously known as Orianna, Nikki W has been compared to the likes of Metric and Lana Del Rey - and there's so much more than you may think. Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years and her video for "Transparent Hands" (which is about to get really popular on MuchMusic) is only a snippet of what's to come!

Buzznet is excited to bring you the exclusive premiere of "Transparent Hands" below. - Buzznet

I absolutely love this video. The music and lyrics are just pure brilliance and this girl's voice is just stunning! Take a listen and tell me what you think. :) - Escape Route (Buzznet)

Nikki Whitehead, also known as Nikki W is a 16 year old singer/songwriter from London, Ontario. Although young, she has already been compared to heavy hitters in the music industry, Lana Del Ray and Metric. Her upcoming album, ‘Sad Generation’, is due to be released on July 29th. The six track release was co-written by Gavin Brown, who has worked with artists such as the Barenaked Ladies and Lady Gaga. Her powerful voice is surprised for someone her age and is sure to grab your attention the minute you hear it.

I had the opportunity to ask Nikki a few questions, so keep reading to find out more about this new artist!

First off, how do you feel when people compare you to someone as well-known as Lana Del Ray or Metric? Did you ever expect that kind of reaction at all?

Nikki W: It is kind of unexpected, but it’s also a huge honour. When I was writing these songs I had no idea if people would actually like them, so to be compared to two amazing acts, it’s amazing.

What track are you most proud of off of ‘Sad Generation’?

NW: The track i’m most proud of would be Sad Generation. I wrote the song almost two years ago and just to see the changes in it and how its grown, just makes me very proud. I also feel that the song ties together the whole message of the EP, that you are never alone and to stay hopeful.

What was it like working with Gavin Brown?

NW: At first it was extremely intimidating, Gavin is an amazing producer that’s worked with so many huge acts that it was surreal almost to be working with him. Gavin really let me grow through the process, he made me feel like I belonged in the studio.

Is the music industry intimidating when you come into it so young?

NW: I think the most intimidating part is how many acts there are out there, and the fact that you’re not just competing with local bands but with well known artists as well. In order to be recognized you have to be great, not just ok, there are so many musical options out there that you have to really be top of the game, and that parts a little unnerving. It’s also intimating being younger because I don’t have the experiences older musicians have, so i’m looking forward to making lots of mistakes and creating my own experiences!

Do you plan on going on any touring anytime soon?

NW: Nothing is set up right now, but hopefully soon i’ll be booked as an opener on a tour! I’ve never been on tour before so the concept is exciting but intimidating as well.

What made you want to pursue music in the first place? Was there a defining moment when you said “I’m going to do this”?

NW: Ever since I was born a little girl all I’ve ever wanted to do was sing, it’s always been my passion. The defining moment was probably when I was 11, I was playing my first ever show with my band, Poet. I remember being up on stage singing ‘Come Together’ by The Beatles and just knowing that performing is what I needed to do. Ever since then music has been my entire life, I don’t really do anything else.

If you could tour with any band or artist, who would it be?

NW: I would love to tour with the Arctic Monkeys or The National. I’m really into their sound and think our music has a cohesive sound that would compliment each other nicely.

What can fans expect from your upcoming album?

NW: An album that is full of heart and love. This was truly a process and I put myself totally into all the songs. I hope that people will listen to the EP and connect with it, I just want to make peoples lives a little better by knowing that they’re not ever alone.

And as always with Canadian Beats, we like to ask a few questions to help your fans get to know you better:

What is the first song you remember listening to?

NW: ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by the Beatles.

What was the first CD that you bought?

NW: “Aquarium” by Aqua. My favourite song on there was ‘Barbie Girl’.

Any guilty pleasures?

NW: I love Twilight. I’ve read all the books a million times.

Oddest habit?

NW: Whenever I listen to a pump up song I always record myself on my computer wearing weird wigs and dancing along (not very well).

Favourite TV show/movie?

NW: Sherlock on BBC or Sex and the City.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

NW: My dream was to go to Paris, and I went there this April! But now the Czech Republic, my mom was born there.

You’re stranded on a desert island, name three things you would want to have with you.

NW: Dehydrated food, a water filtration system, and a tracking device so someone could find me.

Any Canadian band/artist you would recommend to your fans?

NW: I would recommend this artist from Montreal who goes by the name “Violett Pi”. I love his EP, Violette, it’s very easy to listen to and has great lyrics (if you can understand french).

If you could see any band or artist in concert, who would it be?

NW: I’d really love to see Joan Jett, she is one of the reasons I decided to become a musician. I just love her songs and how bad ass she is.

Top three places you’d like to travel?

NW: Switzerland, The Czech Republic, and England.

And finally, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

NW: Thank you so much for the support you’ve given me while creating this EP, I hope you all love it and connect to it! Thank you so much.

Nikki W on social media:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikkiwmusique
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiWMusique/timeline
Website: http://nikkiw.com/ - Canadian Beats (tastemaker blog)

London, Ontario singer/songwriter Nikki W has released her debut album ‘Sad Generation’ today (July 29, 2014). The 16 year old has already been compared to the likes of Lana Del Ray and Metric. Her debut album was written with Gavin Brown who has worked with Metric and Lady Gaga.

The six song release sounds like anything but a 16 year old. Her voice is very strong and powerful, quickly grabbing your attention. “Transparent Hands” is one of the quicker paced songs on the album and has terrific instrumentals, especially the guitar in the chorus. “Paper Boat”, a slower song, really shows off her vocal abilities. “Don’t Take Me Home Tonight” picks up the pace a bit and has almost a dance/electric feel to it. The title track shows just how powerful her voice is and how much control she has. “Superman” is my favourite song off of the album and has an upbeat feel to it with very relatable lyrics. Finally, the album closer “Darkness” sounds just as the name would imply; it is a slow song with haunting lyrics that again show off her impressive voice.

Over all I was very impressed with Nikki’s debut album. You would never guess that she was as young as she is by the sound of her voice and the control that she has over it is mind blowing. Be sure to check her out because she will go far.

Rating: 4/5 - Canadian Beats

Aspiring pop artist Nikki W. recently released her Sad Generation EP online, and while her music clearly has some similarities to her influences (Stevie Nicks, Patti Smith, as well as some more modern comparisons like Lana Del Ray, Florence + The Machine, Regina Spektor, Ellie Goulding, Feist and several others that the description itself lists), Nikki’s EP showcases a unique sound and an experimentation with instruments that is all her own and is extremely fascinating to listen to.

Unfortunately, while the unique composition of her songs draws interest, the lyrics and subject matter of the songs are somewhat cliché and orthodox, creating a jarring juxtaposition and making the EP somewhat disappointing as a result.

Like a movie script, I assert that the quality of lyrics can make or break a song. While many songs can talk about the same subject matter of struggling with expectations or lost/found love, a truly great song stands proud and unique simply due to a creative use of diction to set itself apart from it’s peers. Lou Reed’s bizarre lyrics, for example draw interest due to their use of shockingly bizarre imagery in the same sentence as the banal and everyday, creating a shock to the senses.

Unfortunately, Nikki W.’s lyrics – which she co-wrote with producer Gavin Brown (who also worked with Lady Gaga) – do not really leave much for the imagination for the most part.

The worst offenders are “Superman” and “The Sad Generation,” with the former coming across as a tad simplistic (reminding me of the infamous opening lines of Hoobastank’s “The Reason”), while the latter is simply a retread of other songs commenting on the vapid and emotional distraught nature of today’s youth in a vein similar to Lorde's “Royals.”

I didn’t find it interesting or incisive when Lorde did it, and my view has not changed with Nikki W.’s attempt at it. While no fault of Nikki W. herself, simply saying the world is vapid and emotionally distraught has almost become vapid in itself. I think Nikki W. is definitely capable of more incisive lyrics and commentary, showcasing the “emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years” mentioned on the EP’s description. Unfortunately, I just don’t think it’s really on display here.

However, while the lyrics and subject matter leave a bit to be desired, I must insist that the EP is not bad. I would still say that people should listen and buy it simply due to the unique sound that Nikki W. brings to each song. While some bands or artists somehow make every song sound the same, Nikki W. changes her entire style from song to song.

She can experiment with a harsh guitar and chimes in single “Transparent Hands” then change a country sound in the beginning “Sad Generation," finally switching to a lonely and melancholy string orchestra and piano in “Darkness.” She even changes the way she sings, almost making me think I was listening to someone else entirely. Nikki W. clearly has an understanding of sound that I could not even fathom, and displays her knowledge and talent proudly.

The clear star of the EP is the single “Transparent Hands.” With its thumping drums and chimes, as well as an echoing guitar and Nikki W.’s hauntingly detached vocals, it is definitely the most unique track on the album. While it is a song about finding a new love, the song has a strangely aggressive tone to it, and it’s a juxtaposition that wholly benefits the song.

While I enjoyed the other songs on the EP, “Transparent Hands” was the song I listened to on repeat while writing this review and will definitely be buying. - Celebrity Cafe

With the popularity of teen stars performing alternative rock like New Zealand’s Lorde and Britain’s Birdy, it is thrilling to see Canada make a contribution as well. Her name is Nikki W. (which stands for Whitehead), and she’s from London. She’s only 16 but you wouldn’t know it from her voice which has an Adele old soul quality. Nikki W has released her debut 6-track EP, Sad Generation, a strong start. MuchMusic is airing the MV for “Transparent Hands” which we have embedded below. We dig this brooding electronica with haunting beats and a splendid voice. - Music Canada (tastemaker blog)

Canadian up-and-comer Nikki W is about to take the music world by storm! Previously known as Orianna, Nikki W has been compared to the likes of Metric and Lana Del Rey – and there’s so much more than you may think. Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years and her video for “Transparent Hands” (which is about to get really popular on MuchMusic) is only a snippet of what’s to come!

Buzznet is excited to bring you the exclusive premiere of “Transparent Hands” below:

Nikki W’s Sad Generation EP will be available on July 29. - Celebrities Temple (tastemaker blog)

Nikki W., the 16 year-old singer-songwriter from London, Ontario, will release her first full length EP entitled Sad Generation, produced by Gavin Brown, on July 29th. Nikki’s style is a vibrant mix of guitars, piano, and haunting synths, all layered over a restless and hard-hitting rhythm section held together by Nikki's enchanting voice. Already compared to Lana Del Ray and Metric, Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years. Like every preceding generation, Nikki’s is filled with distinct loneliness and fear. According to Nikki, she is ready, willing, and able to speak on behalf of “gypsies, wallflowers, and those without a voice.” Her powerful, yet vulnerable, voice touches on love, doubt, sex, self-harm, and alienation – all themes common to Nikki and her peers. Nikki describes her music as “pop music with cuts, tattoos, and honesty.” Although working with someone with Brown’s credentials was at first intimidating, Nikki credits him with allowing her to grow through the songwriting and recording process. “I’ve been in and out of studios since I was 12. It’s kind of like a second home to me. I love going in and writing songs there, or just recording a track.” - Concierge Questionnaire

(July 29, 2014 – New York, NY) The MuseBox today announced the release of Sad Generation, the debut album from Nikki W, the 16 year-old singer/songwriter from London, Ontario. The recent premiere of the first single/video for “Transparent Hands” became a Buzznet Featured Video due to it’s sheer popularity from viewers. Nikki’s style is a vibrant mix of guitars, piano, and haunting synths, all layered over a restless and hard-hitting rhythm section held together by Nikki’s enchanting voice. Already compared to Lana Del Ray and Metric, Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years. According to Sam Tweedle of The Pop Culture Addict, “Nikki’s voice and writing skills are astonishing for a girl her age.” Sad Generation was produced by Gavin Brown, and is available on Nikki’s official website.

Like every preceding generation, Nikki’s is filled with distinct loneliness and fear. According to Nikki, she is ready, willing, and able to speak on behalf of “gypsies, wallflowers, and those without a voice.” Her powerful, yet vulnerable, voice touches on love, doubt, sex, self-harm, and alienation – all themes common to Nikki and her peers. Nikki describes her music as “pop music with cuts, tattoos, and honesty.”

With straightforward, yet poignant, lyrics like, “Don’t know who to trust and who to doubt” and “Someone like you is much too wonderful, lovely for someone as sad as me,” Nikki has already garnered attention for her songwriting prowess. Although working with a producer with Brown’s credentials was at first intimidating, Nikki credits him with allowing her to grow through the songwriting and recording process. “I’ve been in and out of studios since I was 12. It’s kind of like a second home to me. I love going in and writing songs there, or just recording a track.” - Don411.com

The MuseBox today announced the release of Sad Generation, the debut album from Nikki W, the 16 year-old singer/songwriter from London, Ontario. The recent premiere of the first single/video for “Transparent Hands” became a Buzznet Featured Video due to it’s sheer popularity from viewers. Nikki’s style is a vibrant mix of guitars, piano, and haunting synths, all layered over a restless and hard-hitting rhythm section held together by Nikki’s enchanting voice. Already compared to Lana Del Ray and Metric, Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years. According to Sam Tweedle of The Pop Culture Addict, “Nikki’s voice and writing skills are astonishing for a girl her age.” Sad Generation was produced by Gavin Brown, and is available on Nikki’s official website. - Hellhound Music (tastemaker blog)

The 16-year-old singer-songwriter from London has just released her first single, Transparent Hands. It’s out ahead of the release of her EP, Sad Generation, which will be available on Tuesday.

Despite her relatively young age, the H.B. Beal Secondary School student — whose full last name is Whitehead — is writing about some challenging subjects, like sex, self-harm and alienation. That may show she has depth, but there’s nothing gloomy about Nikki W.

“It’s cool,” she said, when asked about all the attention she’s getting. “It’s kind of crazy.”

Transparent Hands was a featured video on Buzznet, she’s had work streamed on muchmusic.com and she just made her first live TV appearance, on CHCH. There have also been strong reviews of her work, including comparisons to Lana Del Ray and Metric. - I Pick (tastemaker blog)

“Pop music with honesty” is how Nikki W. describes the music that’s getting her plenty of attention.

The 16-year-old singer-songwriter from London has just released her first single, Transparent Hands. It’s out ahead of the release of her EP, Sad Generation, which will be available on Tuesday.

Despite her relatively young age, the H.B. Beal Secondary School student — whose full last name is Whitehead — is writing about some challenging subjects, like sex, self-harm and alienation. That may show she has depth, but there’s nothing gloomy about Nikki W.

“It’s cool,” she said, when asked about all the attention she’s getting. “It’s kind of crazy.”

Transparent Hands was a featured video on Buzznet, she’s had work streamed on muchmusic.com and she just made her first live TV appearance, on CHCH. There have also been strong reviews of her work, including comparisons to Lana Del Ray and Metric.

Music’s kind of an obsession for Nikki W. She joined her first band when she was 11 and has been taking vocal lessons for years. She also plays guitar and piano and writes all her own songs.

She’s unashamed about her work being pop, but insisted it’s not disposable like so much of the music out there.

“I kind of want to break out of that because pop music is grew, but it has this reputation that it’s not deep,” she said. “I want it to have an approachable sound but the lyrics to be a little deeper.”

As for the future, she joked that she’d love “success and fame and money,” but said that’s not her focus.

“I want to make music that people love just as much as I do,” she said. - Metro News (national daily newspaper)

Wise Beyond Her Fears: Teenager Nikki W Voices Younger Generation’s Angst
16 year-old Canadian writes pop music with “cuts and tattoos” on Sad Generation out July 29th
Watch Brand New Video for “Transparent Hands”

The MuseBox today announced the premiere of “Transparent Hands” the first single and video from Nikki W, the 16 year-old singer/songwriter from London, Ontario. “Transparent Hands” premiered exclusively on Buzznet. Nikki’s style is a vibrant mix of guitars, piano, and haunting synths, all layered over a restless and hard-hitting rhythm section held together by Nikki’s enchanting voice. Already compared to Lana Del Ray and Metric, Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years. According to Sam Tweedle of The Pop Culture Addict, “Nikki’s voice and writing skills are astonishing for a girl her age.” Nikki’s self-titled forthcoming release was produced by Gavin Brown, and will be available on Nikki’s official website.

Like every preceding generation, Nikki’s is filled with distinct loneliness and fear. According to Nikki, she is ready, willing, and able to speak on behalf of “gypsies, wallflowers, and those without a voice.” Her powerful, yet vulnerable, voice touches on love, doubt, sex, self-harm, and alienation – all themes common to Nikki and her peers. Nikki describes her music as “pop music with cuts, tattoos, and honesty.”

With straightforward, yet poignant, lyrics like, “Don’t know who to trust and who to doubt” and “Someone like you is much too wonderful, lovely for someone as sad as me,” Nikki has already garnered attention for her songwriting prowess. The songs took shape as she co-wrote her forthcoming EP entitles Sad Generation (to be released in July 29th, 2014) with producer Brown. - Ouch Magazine

Nikki W - Sad generation (2014)
She´s only 16 but sounds like she´s been an artist for at least a decade, Ontario based Nikki W makes mature and modern pop in the same vein as Lights, Metric and Lana Del Rey.
She co-wrote the EP with producer Gavin Brown (Three Days Grace, Hoobastank, Billy Talent) and I must say that "Sad generation" is a very promising start for this talented artist.
There are moments when I think of Tori Amos meets Peter Gabriel like the title track, the only thing I miss on this 6 track EP is perhaps one or two more upbeat tracks.
The first single "Transparent hands" is quite nice, it´s perfect for a long drive in the car.
3 out of 5 - Roth n Roll (tastemaker blog)

http://shakefire.com/video/nikki-w-trasparent-hands - Shakefire

Nikki W is only Sixteen years old and already has four-plus years of having recording studio experience as a singer. Hailing from London, Ontario, Canada, she recently premiered via-Buzznet “Transparent Hands” music video from her upcoming July 29th release of ‘Sad Generation’.

Nikki W is confident in her vocal range and writes music for the future! Although Nikki is already getting the comparison shots of Lana Del Ray, we can see she is just being herself. Nikki is bringing unique song lyrics and a warm vocal arrangement.

If you’re wondering what Nikki’s songs are about you can probably guess by ‘Sad Generation’ and what teens are going thru these days in this generation: “love, doubt, sex, self-harm to alienation.”

This is not Nikki’s first time producing an album or EP, this is actually her forthcoming EP entitles Sad Generation (to be released in July 29th, 2014) with producer Brown.

We can guarantee you Nikki W will be appearing more often in the near future in the music scene soon. We recommend you go pick up a copy of her EP which will soon be available on her official website: http://nikkiw.com/ - Vinnie Langdon Show

We’ve been spinning singer Nikki W’s upcoming EP, Sad Generation, at our offices lately and we’re consistently blown away by the fact that this talented artist is just 16 years old.

The teen sensation not only sounds more mature than other singers her age, but the refined melodies found in this collection of songs definitely reflects the work of a seasoned vet. We could barely write out our homework at that age let alone lyrics this beautiful.

Listen to Sad Generation a week ahead of its release date now at Much’s First Spin and be sure to pick up a copy of Nikki W’s EP on July 29!

Best Tracks: Transparent Hands, Sad Generation

Listen to Nikki W’s record Sad Generation over at MUCH’s First Spins section here! - Much Music

This one is off of 16-year-old London, Ontario, native Nikki W.’s debut album Sad Generation. Produced and co-written by Gavin Brown, it’s great to hear a young up and coming artist with both potential and substance. - Alan Cross "A Journal Of Musical Things"

Canadian up-and-comer Nikki W is about to take the music world by storm! Previously known as Orianna, Nikki W has been compared to the likes of Metric and Lana Del Rey - and there's so much more than you may think. Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years and her video for "Transparent Hands" (which is about to get really popular on MuchMusic) is only a snippet of what's to come! - Buzznet (@TinaTweetsALot)

Hailing from London, Ontario up-and-coming 16-year-old pop singer/songwriter Nikki Whitehead, aka Nikki W. has just unveiled the music video for "Transparent Hands", the first single taken from her forthcoming debut EP Sad Generation which she co-wrote with producer Gavin Brown and is scheduled for release on July 29th.

Nikki's style is a vibrant mix of guitars, piano, and haunting synths, all layered over a restless and hard-hitting rhythm section held together by Nikki's enchanting voice. Already having been compared to artist such as Lana Del Ray and Metric, Nikki projects an emotional honesty and wisdom beyond her years. According to Sam Tweedle of The Pop Culture Addict, "Nikki’s voice and writing skills are astonishing for a girl her age."

Like every preceding generation, Nikki's is filled with distinct loneliness and fear. According to Nikki, she is ready, willing, and able to speak on behalf of "gypsies, wallflowers, and those without a voice." Her powerful, yet vulnerable, voice touches on love, doubt, sex, self-harm, and alienation – all themes common to Nikki and her peers. Nikki describes her music as "pop music with cuts, tattoos, and honesty."

With straightforward, yet poignant, lyrics like, "Don’t know who to trust and who to doubt" and "Someone like you is much too wonderful, lovely for someone as sad as me," Nikki has already garnered attention for her songwriting prowess. - Wonky Sensitive (tastemaker blog)

16-year old Nikki W has been capturing the attention of music fans everywhere thanks to her powerful voice and artistic maturity.

The London, Ontario native is set to release her new EP “Sad Generation” on July 29th which features the single “Transparent Hands”. You can check out the accompanying music video for the track below. - Confront Magazine