A READING artist is about to release their first single after tackling their shyness.
Nikita Jordan, who performs as NKTA, is set to release her first single, Thought I Needed You, on Friday, October 14.
“I’ve always wanted to do music, since I was young,” she said, “but my issue was that I was extremely shy– so shy that I wouldn’t even sing in front of my parents.
“I would find other creative things to do that would allow me to stay in my comfort zone.”
But NKTA said that her family inspired her to continue working on music.
“My family would buy me different parts each Christmas to put together my own little studio and I’d just keep them in the box.
“Because I never thought I would take it seriously, but they never stopped pushing me.
“They believed in me before I even believed in myself – they are the inspiration.”
Her brother was also an integral part of her exploring her passion for music, and she said he was “on her case 24/7.
“Recording me signing and posting it on his Snapchat, even though I was convinced it sounded awful.
“Then he would show me all the responses he would receive.”
She said that releasing music was something she would always do: “I’ve just never known exactly where to start.
“I’d always write songs and they would end up in the bin or never being finished because I wasn’t 100% happy with them.
“I finally found someone that was able to help me in every area I needed help, from writing to structuring and recording.”
While she has posted a number of covers to social media, she said: “This is the first time I’ve actually been over the moon with something I can call my own.”
Previews of the single were posted to social media, showing promotional art and giving a snippet of the song.
NKTA said she drew inspiration from artists such as Summer Walker, Tink, and Rhianna, but also: “Old school artists, like Alicia Keys, Mary J Blige, and Aaliyah.
“Growing up in a household where I was exposed to all types of genres has enabled me to find myself and create the artist I have become.”
She said that this single “is just the beginning.
“I have so many ideas I want to bring to life, and I already have a second song on the way which I’m also so excited about.
“I feel so much more focused now than I have ever before and have found the best people to work with, so we will see what’s to come next.”
Thought I Needed You by NKTA is due for release on Friday on all streaming platforms, October 14, and is available to pre-save on Spotify via: www.instagram.com
