Just In The Nik Of Time!

Photo by John Mack

An explosion of the musical fusion scene is opening the door for dynamic artists like Nik West to break through the mainstream barrier. Her debut album Just in the Nik of Time released in February of this year, is an instant neo-soul classic.

Keeping true to the art of the musical fusion genre, Nik West draws from the musical and vocal styles of veteran artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and Prince. In fact, when listening to “Eyes Closed” and “Black Beauty” you almost have to  squint to distinguish the soultress’ voice from the vocal sound of Badu. And “Forbidden Fruit”, “Do What You Gotta Do” has the “Purple One’s” influence all over them. The rest of the album is all Nik West. The fresh neo-soul sounds of “Who’s In The Mirror”, “Written All Over Me”, and “Wait A Minute” let’s you know exactly who Nik West is by showcasing her exceptional instrumental skills. Iconic guitar maker Fender also recognized her musical talent and offered her an endorsement, making her one of the first artists to play their new 6-string bass.

The coolest aspect of Nik’s music is the way in which she highlights the sound of the bass guitar. Normally the sound of any bass instrument is used to hold the beat, provide the groove and support the melody. In West’s case, the bass is the diva and instruments like the piano support her throne. If you can imagine the melody of “Do Me Baby” by Prince played in the low pitch sound of an electric bass-you got Nik West.

What I really love about Nik West is her uniqueness. Sure, you can definitely hear her musical influences, but there are few artists in the game who have the ability to put a supportive instrument like the bass guitar in the limelight and make it sound like it belongs in the front.  I also love the fact that she doesn’t use a lot of synthesizers and tech in her music. Those sounds are fine and I love where technology can take music. But if you are a die-hard music lover such as myself, the purity of sound that an instrument gives is irreplaceable. Any other artist may have used technology to amplify the sound of a supportive instrument, where as West decided to stay true to her bass and let it become part of the standard for neo-soul music. And the fact that she is a female holding down the one instrument that has been ruled by men for years like a queen, puts her in my Haute Girl category!

Visit http://www.nikwestbass.com       

                                                                                                    Just In The Nik of Time