Nikki Shannon is more than just a pretty face. In fact, she has the complete package--stunning voice, well-seasoned pianist, incredible songwriting and an electrifying personality that captures you instantly and leaves an indelible mark on your soul. Nikki also has a chilled vibe that flows right into her music and her performances which she executes as easily as enjoying a glass of fine wine.
But things were not always so easy for Nikki.
"It all started on Thanksgiving Eve when I was 4. My mom went to buy a horse but instead came back with a piano." Growing up in Kingston, New York, Nikki would watch her two older sisters play the piano and begged her mother for piano lessons. Even at a young age, she spent hours incessantly at the keyboard. In her teen years, she was constantly performing and songwriting--at first, singing in lounges, then writing/performing wedding songs for couples, and eventually writing songs for her debut album "Too Few".
Even with all this early success and incessant drive, Nikki couldn't escape the financial challenges of being a New York City artist and eventually became homeless. She would sleep in the backseat of cabs, on friends couches, and even in the basements of piano bars where she performed. But the music always kept her going, and Nikki never let any set backs cloud her visions of success.
Nikki's striking style, exceptional talent and her "bring it" attitude definitely sets her apart from other artists. Her songs reflect her to a tee--they are raw, real, and relatable. From moments of self-empowerment ("She is Me" and "Inner Circle"), self-realization ("Drink"), self-doubt ("Under Her Breathe"), and even making light of a woman's monthly visitor ("Chocolate and Wine"). "Suffocate", Nikki's favorite track, displays the sexy grittiness of her voice and showcases her classical piano training. Nikki's songs have recently been featured in an episode of "Six Degrees" on ABC, as well been on XM Satellite radio and the NYC classic rock station Q104.3 ("Out of the Box" hosted by Jonathan Clarke.) Nikki Shannon's debut album "Too Few" (released June 2008) is an eclectic mixture of sounds bursting with infectious melodies incorporating several genres of music yet sounding like nothing you have heard before.
Check out her debut album "Too Few" now! The album is available on itunes, Rhapsody, Napster, E-Music, and Amazon.
That's awesome! Every1 is doin great & yes, a lot has changed. Actually just got back from Paris recently, that was amazing. Hope everything is goin well on ur end....luv ur music as always, keep it up!
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The Fourth Annual Wave Gathering Emerging Artist Music Festival will be held in Asbury Park, NJ on June 19th, 20th, & 21st. Tickets for one- and three-day passes for the 2009 Wave Gathering are available now for sale online and by phone via TicketWeb. http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/EventListings.action?orgId=23
Hey Nikki, thanks for excepting. "Beauty Queens" work for free for
FAME. Please read our BLOGS! They take the work away from full time
working models who need the money for a living. Thank you for excepting
and thank you for your support. x
hey there. its been a long time.. i was just telling my friend how u would come into my work all the time and sing while u were eating.... lol.... hows everything going for you???