Nikki Mackliff: “I wanna dedicate 100% to music”

By: Ma. Fernanda Soria @mafersoria

Many young talented people try to make their way into stardom, they send demos to radios wishing that people like their singing but only few get to record albums and sign autographs. We interviewed ecuadorian pop singer Nikki Mackliff, a teenager who has worked really hard to get her music out there.

How did you discover your passion for music?

I’ve been singing since I was very little, I started singing karaoke with my dad, then I was in my school choir (Balandra), the school uses to give an annual concert, I had the opportunity to sing for the first time in front of an audience in one of those concerts. My parents put me in a conservatory where I spent four years learning not only singing but also music theory and history. My parents thought it was a hobby at first but I was always passionate about music, I would sing alone in my room and create a concert environment, it always fascinated me, I always dreamed of singing and my parents decided to support me 100% and in 2009, I was able to give my first concert at Centro de convenciones, where I introduced my first single “Enamorada” and now in 2011 I also gave a concert to introduce “Como fui.”

Did you have stage fright?

Yeah, at first, but my acting coach told me that you always have to feel nervous, if you don’t get nervous then you should worry because then you’re gonna get nervous on the stage. It’s ok to be nervous, the stage then fills you with adrenaline and you can give everything.

Have you ever forgotten the lyrics of your songs?

Yes, It’s happenned to me, I’ve forgotten the lyrics but when that happened, I would make up lyrics or repeat them or if you are actually very inspired and forget the words, you make up and is completely inspired by what you are, but if you think too much, it shows.

How did you react when you heard that “Como fui” was on MTV?

It was amazing because it was the day of launch, which was at night, and hours earlier in the evening, told us that he was on the website and I was in my school as smooth and they called me to tell me and was on the website. For me it was a pretty big accomplishment and I am very excited because it was the same day we launch here in Guayaquil.

How is the recording of your album going?

We are making progress, this month I recorded the fifth song, it is called “Lágrimas cayeron” and it’s based based on what has happened to me throughout this year. We progressed a lot, my third single also came out this year, it’s a ballad, “Sufriendo en silencio.” We are doing very well and I always get messages on Twitter saying that people feel identified with my songs and I like that, comments help me improve.

Do you write your lyrics?

Yes, every one of them.

What about the music?

I also do that, I compose music and lyrics and the arrangements are made in the studio.

Have you ever gone on a national tour?

Yes, we were in Riobamba, we were in Quito  performing with Francisco Mayorca and I was also on a media tour, we’re getting outthere slowly.

How do you balance your student life with your music career?

My parents are helping me a lot, the school is now a little easier and teachers are also very supportive and I think that as I mature and grow I realize that I can organize better because I think if you are not organized, everything will be a mess and then you don’t know what to do. My career also made me grow up, it’s serious business.

Tell me about your influences, which artists have set your style?

Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift and Chenoa. I love Demi Lovato’s voice.

What inspired you to record “Sufriendo en silencio”?

My inspiration for “Sufriendo en silencio” were all those people who have had romantic relationships and when the relationship ends they don’t want to show their painand people ask them “How are you?” and they answer “yes, I’m over him or her” but in reality they’re dying inside and suffering in silence.

How was the experience of recording your first video?

It was an incredible experience because it was my very first video, I had the support of my fans and all of my friends. As my career has evolved I realized who my true friends are, who really will be there for me no matter what and those who won’t. There were fans who appeared in several scenes. Lenin Vargas was the one who produced the video, we had tons of fun, I love it when cameras record me, I love acting, and especially now that I’m taking acting classes.

Tell me about your hobbies, what do you do to relax?

I listen to music and play guitar.

Name three songs from your favorite playlist

“Dame un besito” by Chino y Nacho, “Price Tag” by Jessie J, and “Maybe It’s Not Too Late” by Demi Lovato.

Favourite color

Black and blue

Favorite Food

Shrimp Casserole

TV Shows

I like soap operas, right now I’m watching “Mi corazón insiste.”

What are your projects for the future?

The “Sufriendo en silencio” video will be shot this year, I will also do a duet, I did a dance song with an artist, you will soon realize who he is and we’ll also record a video on that.

You are in your high school senior year. What about college?

I think I will not go to college but I’ll study music, music production. When I’m in the studio, recording, I like to give ideas, be on the monitors, I want to learn more about it. I want to dedicate 100% to music.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career?

Not walking away or have conflicts with my family.

What would you say to the talented young Ecuadorians who hope to succeed in the music business?

This career is not easy, it’s a matter of having faith in yourself because if you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will believes in you. Always have faith in yourself and fight and be persistent in things.

If you wouldn’t be working in the music biz, what would you do?

I‘d have liked to be a volleyball player, I like volleyball.

How do you see yourself in five years?

On a stage with millions of people screaming my name and singing my songs.