This is Niki. Growing up in Hong Kong and now based in Taiwan, my relationship with music has been a constant thread throughout my life. It all began at the age of two when I first encountered the piano; while my tiny fingers tried hovering over the keys, I discovered the language that would become my refuge and expression.
By the time I turned twelve, I had started writing original compositions, often scribbling melodies and lyrics on the backs of exam papers during class. This early creativity became an outlet for my emotions, a way to channel the complexities of my teenage years into something beautiful.
I grappled with the ups and downs of growing up, and I found solace in transforming my drama and trauma into music. The piano was my primary tool; it was accessible and familiar, allowing me to create songs that reflected my innermost thoughts.
At this stage, I had not yet been introduced to the world of digital audio workstations (DAWs) and MIDI arrangements. My early work was raw, intuitive, and grounded in the simplicity of melody and emotion (the quality was horrible, but documented emotions are so strong that I sometimes can’t even bear to revisit them).
When I turned twenty, I took a significant step forward by releasing my first self-produced demo album, Late Therapies. This collection was primarily piano-based and served as a snapshot of my emotional landscape then; it was also the first album I created based on a relationship.
Each piece was infused with raw emotion, a testament to my experiences and the personal growth I had undergone. The process of creating this album taught me the importance of authenticity in my music—a lesson that continues to guide me.
As I matured as an artist, I became increasingly curious about the vast possibilities of sound. I began exploring various instruments and self-learning online tools, which expanded my creative horizons. Influenced by artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, I found myself gravitating towards country folk styles, initially crafting songs that reflected the narratives of my life.
However, with the release of my second album, Through the Shades, I took a bold step by infusing elements from various genres, seeking to create immersive experiences for my listeners. This blend allowed me to capture the feelings I experienced during the creation process, while still retaining the essence of my piano roots.
Throughout my musical journey, my discography has served as a mirror, reflecting my personal growth and evolving perspectives. Each album tells a story—not just of my life, but of my maturation as a musician.
My latest album Pride and Prejudice features a total of 15 tracks, all of which made it onto the charts, ranking from #1 to #50 on StreetVoice, Taiwan’s local indie streaming platform. Inspired by and dedicated to my ex, this collection captures the whirlwind of emotions – both the highs and the lows – experienced throughout our 15-month relationship.
In reflecting on this journey, I can’t help but describe my ex as a narcissistic, sexist, and materialistic individual who masqueraded as a man. Ultimately, this dynamic led me to create a heartfelt album that delves into the common experiences following a breakup.
My hope is that my lyrics resonate with listeners, providing them with solace and a sense of understanding. Pride and Prejudice is my side of the story – a farewell and a final romantic gesture to my inspiration. It’s important to clarify: this is definitely not a revenge album.
Unlike my previous releases, Pride and Prejudice was crafted and recorded in just two weeks using an entry-level USB microphone. This approach was intentional; I wanted to capture the raw authenticity and emotion surrounding my breakup.
While the lyrics may be direct, sometimes even irritating and gut-wrenching, I teamed up with the talented Casper Yang, a well-known Taiwanese producer and singer to infuse a variety of genres into the arrangements, including country, R&B, folk, soft rock, and more, enriching the overall listening experience.
The themes explored in this album reflect contemporary issues, such as how people often prefer to “replace broken items instead of fixing them to last.” I delve into the ways men frequently prioritise ego and pride over genuine connections, the empty promises made merely for sex, and how goodnights can all too easily turn into goodbyes.
As I share this music with the world, I hope to connect with those who have faced similar experiences and provide a space where we can all find a bit of understanding and healing together.
Listen to Pride And Prejudice below, and stream it elsewhere here.
Words by Niki // Follow her on Instagram
