Nykara Interview
By Elizabeth Riehl
Rising R&B artist Nykara sat down with our own Isabella Galan and Lizzie Gottlieb in the studio to give us a glimpse into her musical style, lyricism, and future projects.
Nykara, a Syracuse University undergrad from the Bronx, currently has an EP entitled Over It and a handful of singles released on all streaming platforms. When asked how she would describe her sound, she shared that people often compare her music to Ariana Grande’s voice paired with the lyrics of a SZA song. Throughout the interview, Nykara frequently mentioned that one of her biggest musical influences is Ariana Grande, along with artists such as SZA, Summer Walker, and Jhené Aiko.
Nykara spoke about often being labeled as an R&B artist but believes her sound cannot be limited to just one genre, as she tends to experiment and genre-bend with each new track she creates. Though her sound is constantly evolving, her producer has remained the same and continues to help her grow in countless ways. She credits much of her success to her manager, producers, engineers, and her family and friends. Nykara was candid about the hardships and complications of balancing life as a full-time student while building a music career and expressed deep gratitude for the people in her life who continue to support her.
After discussing her sound, Nykara opened up about the lyricism present throughout her tracks. When asked what she wants listeners to know about her music, she shared that her lyrics are real — the emotions and vulnerability she conveys offer a true glimpse into her feelings, stating that music speaks louder than words alone. Nykara expressed that she is constantly striving to take her listeners on a journey through her lyricism. Her last EP, Over It, guides listeners through the emotions and experiences that follow a breakup. On the horizon, she has another EP coming out that explores the feelings that emerge after the grieving process ends. Along with this upcoming project, she is releasing a single entitled “Want Your Love” in collaboration with fellow Bronx artist Zeke Pujols.
Our hosts were lucky enough to speak with Nykara ahead of her performance at King of Clubs on April 26. Nykara, who earlier in the interview expressed her love for performing live, shared her excitement for the show. When asked what she was most looking forward to, she spoke about the joy of sharing her music with both new and returning fans, and about checking out the fashion scene in the crowd.
If you weren’t lucky enough to see Nykara perform, be sure to follow her on Instagram @nykaraa and stream her music on all major platforms. Keep an eye out for her upcoming EP, future shows, and her new single “Want Your Love,” dropping May 2. For more artist interviews, as well as the latest in music, sports, and news, follow Z89 on Instagram @Z89Radio.
