Interview with Nikole Smith
by: Mike Johnson

When and how did you first become interested in music?

I have been interested in music since I was nine years old. I started out in my church choir at Messiah Baptist Church in East Orange, New Jersey. From there I started doing school talent shows from 5th grade all the way to 8th grade. Then when I entered my freshman year of college I attended vocal chamber and choir.

How long have you been playing music?

It is now  11 years.

How did you get your Name ?

Well, I go by Nikole   S.  My last name is Smith I figured it be a lot easier for people to remember.

How would you describe your type of music ?

I would describe it as all of my feelings coming out. I am more of an R&B, Pop, Hip Hop artist. Some people would thing because of my vocials  I sound a little bit country, but my grandmother was born in Virginia what can I say, some of your southern roots come out  when you lease expect it. When it comes to music I find that there is a way to incorporate every piece of your life emotionally and vocial.

What song do you think is your best one ? 

Oh wow .. I want  to say Fallen Star, simply because it is full of energy and it is something you can dance to.

What are your musical influences?

The Jacksons, Whitney Houston, Jay Z, Mariah Carey, Boys II Men,  Donna Summers,  Selena,  Janet Jackon, Linkin Park, and Beyonce.

Does anyone in your family play music?

No I wish, so we could be a family duet or group.

What is the strangest place have you played music in your life?

I know this sounds weird  but, the strangest place I have ever performed at  is when my grandmother put me on the spot  at made me sing in the lobby of my building.  No Joke I  looked at her as if to say nana this is not a performance venue …please do not do that to me, I love you but please no. I have not even had a rehearsal, I am no good for this today.

What else do you do besides play music? 

I am also a student at Mercy College, I am an English Major, while taking care of my 81 year old grandmother.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

I really admire musician such as the Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, The Ojay’s,  and Gladys Knight because they opened the doors for many African American singers today, and  gave them music that can be passed down from generation to generation that taught us something  useful to take with us along the way.

Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD's

Some of my favorite musicians and groups are: TLC, Michael Jackson  Boys II Men  and  Xscape.  favorite CD’ s are? Salt n Pepa Very Necessary,  Michael Jackson’s Dangerous,  Queen Latifah Black Region, and

How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Keep going, you cannot stop because you made an error, you must continue on with the song, or set.

Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?

I always get nervous before a performance, I think it is natural for every musician, however once you get out there and you are in front of the audience you start to feel more comfortable because they are feeling you, and they become like your family after a while.

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