Sydney, Australia’s emerging artist nik. brings us a spellbinding single, “clarity,” a track that showcases her ethereal dark pop sound. The track tells of finding depth in self-discovery and a battle to break away from societal expectations.
At its core, “clarity” is a song that reflects on nik.’s personal experiences; written during days filled with existential turmoil and self-doubt. The lines at the beginning, “it’s subtle how you find yourself, exactly where you don’t want to be,” give the cue of a heartfelt expression in space and time under the pressure of expectations, mostly our own. nik. shares, “When I began writing clarity, I was six-months away from turning 30, and completely overwhelmed. Not by the number, but more this expectation I had in my head of what my life should like by the time I hit the big 3-0 – especially as a woman.”
This is something most people can relate to, especially those who feel the weight of societal expectations on their shoulders.
And the tension felt in the track is well pinned down in the metaphor of being between ‘blue or red pill’ from The Matrix. In fact, explaining, nik. said: “In one sense, I wanted to ignorantly stay ‘safe’ trapped in this constructed idea of life because it was comfortable, but I knew the only way through was to face reality, unpack my feelings and actually discover what I truly wanted, as opposed to what I ‘should’ want.”
Drawing inspiration from the likes of Billie Eilish, Vera Blue, and Ariana Grande, “clarity” is a lush arrangement that combines harmonies, pensive beats, and evocative lyrics to build a soundscape that stays with you far beyond the music. It is very rich in its production, and nik.’s voice is passionate and soulful, making it enchanting and emotionally drawing.
nik.’s music is an ethereal blend of dark pop and soulful R&B, being composed with enchanting melodies and lush production. Her unapologetic vulnerability, aching at the soul, takes one on a musical journey to her core, guided by the haunting storytelling in the midst of resonating emotions brought about by déjà vu from a vivid dream.
“I hope that when people listen, especially anyone who identifies female and can deeply appreciate the unbearable weight societal expectations can hold, they feel seen and valued. And in listening to my experience, can recognise and maybe even let go and free themselves of anything they might be carrying, that doesn’t serve them or their true purpose.”
This is the message of self-discovery and realisation in “clarity.” nik.’s performances reflect deep, tender feelings that keep the audiences emotionally engaged. Her music speaks of identity: negotiating this thing called life.
“clarity” is a preview of the musical journey she invites us to embark upon. For one looking for an escape, sonic therapy, or deeply real and vulnerable experiences, nik.’s music holds that space. So keep following as this Sydney-based artist continues to touch the soul with her sound.
You can find more of nik. at:
You can listen to ‘clarity’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.