Born and raised in East London, Nikhil Beats draws from a wide variety of influences and has carved out his own British-Asian sound. With an expanding discography, he has worked with the likes of Finn Foxell, Danny Sanchez, Bawo and KeepVibesNear to name a few.
Last month, Nikhil successfully launched his merch line before announcing his first festival booking at Hackney's Dialled In Festival this April. Breaking the outdated mould that producers should remain in the shadows, Nikhil is setting a new president and setting the tone that producers are artists in their own right.
HOW ARE YOU DOING?
I’m good thankyou! Life is bitter and sweet so I can’t complain!
WHEN DID YOU FULLY COMMIT TO A CAREER IN MUSIC, AND WHAT MADE YOU TAKE THAT STEP?
A family friend asked me - very sternly- “what the hell are you doing?” Either you want to do it or not.
And if you do, you need to be willing to put the hours into master your craft.” I know this person very well and knew they meant this with as much love as possible. So I went home and decided to take it seriously and put the work in.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TOAST TOPPING?
LOTS OF BUTTER!
WHICH SONG FROM YOUR NEW EP MEANS THE MOST TO YOU?
‘Something For You’ it’s about someone special to me. *gags with cuteness*
WHAT HAS BEEN A LESSON YOU HAVE HAD TO LEARN WHEN IT COMES TO THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?
It’s not a competition. That’s just a lie they tell us. It really shouldn’t affect what someone else does and how successful they are, just be happy for them. It’s like you’re a table and you're jealous of a chair - it’s so irrelevant haha
WHAT’S THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER?
My sister used to tell me how shit my music was. Now she’s been converted, lol. It started with one, ten, a hundred and soon it’ll be them all!
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HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED AND INSPIRED TO KEEP MAKING MUSIC?
I genuinely enjoy it so much so the dopamine naturally keeps my going. But if I’m struggling chanting Nam Myo Ho Renge Kyo pretty much fixes any problem you may have.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU IN 2023?
MORE MUSIC! More interesting music, singing, new sounds, different vibes, a continuation of my musical journey. Wiser and more insightful reflections. I think next year might be a lot darker music though, we’ll see who hurts me first!.
