Nikki Wishart

Where are you currently based?

I am currently based in Melbourne, Australia.

How did you first start playing music?

I was extremely young when I first gained an interest in music. From dancing to any song my parents put on to picking up the piano and vocal lessons in primary school, I knew music would be something I would be involved in at some point later in life.

What’s been happening recently?

I have been in the studio a lot. Writing, recording and lining up my upcoming releases. I’m super excited to show everyone what I’ve been creating.

Your latest single ‘Good Intent’, is out on the 16th of September, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The main influences for this song came from artists such as Gracie Abrams and Olivia Rodrigo, mainly drawing reference to the gang vocals in Drivers License, especially when building the depth I was going for.

How did you go about writing Good Intent?

Good Intent was a fascinating one to write, constructed over four months with my co-writer Jessie. We started the song with one perspective, and by the last writing session, the journey of the song and my feelings had changed drastically. Most of my sessions start with a brain dump of ideas and motifs that eventually weave themselves into the tracks I release.

What does this single mean to you?

When writing this single, I was in a battle with my mind. I felt helpless and as if I couldn’t control the narrative people were creating about me. There’s nothing I wanted more than to tell their friends that everything I did was ‘Good Intent’, which became the song’s foundation.

Where and when did you record/produce/master, and who did you work with?

Good Intent was produced and recorded in Melbourne with Hayden Lauersen in March 2022. Then it was passed over to Andrew Edgson at Studios 301 for mastering.

How did you approach the recording process?

The demo had a distinct guitar line, so the first thing we wanted to get right was the guitar. From there, we went straight into recording vocals. Looking back, I am so glad we did this before adding the additional production, as they have this raw nature. The emotion feels real.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I am currently listening to a lot of Sabrina Carpenter and Fletcher, and I am obsessed with the songwriting on the new ‘Emails I can’t send’ album.

What do you like to do away from music?

Away from music, I work for a preventive health charity called Pink Hope. We help empower Australians to understand their risk of hereditary cancer. As a keen health advocate myself, it is the perfect way to work with, support and educate community members to take control of their health outcomes.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?

I’ve got a few more tracks coming for the rest of 2022, and I’m excited to play a few gigs in the run-up to 2023.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Currently, my local cafe, ‘The Foreigner’. It is conveniently right around the corner from my Pilates classes!

Where are you currently based?

I’m currently based in Sydney, Australia. 

How did you first start playing music?

As my parents would confirm, I was always a shy and reserved child. I needed to be confident I could do something perfectly before attempting it. Strange, I know. But that’s where the music came in; I grew up in a household that loved The Eagles and other bands of the sort. By four years old, I realised music was my escape. I was no longer anxious. I was no longer scared, only excited. Innocently beautiful beginnings that have led me to a wonderful world of creatives and friends. 

What’s been happening recently?

Over the past year, I have indeed found my sound and direction in the industry, from making EDM pop to indie, stripped back tunes like ‘compromised.’ I wrote a lot, some good, a lot not so good (like I’m sure everyone does). Both with others and by myself. I made a choice in 2021, after moving from Melbourne to Sydney, that I would spend time refining my craft rather than proving to people that I was “doing things” online, and that’s exactly how ‘compromised’ came about.  

Your latest single ‘Compromised’ will be released on February 10, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

‘Compromised’ draws inspiration from all arms of the indie scene. We wanted to create an epic, symphonic ending that encapsulated the breakdown and heartbreak in the lyrics. We drew influence from tracks such as ‘All I Want’ by Kodaline to achieve this.  

For the overall vibe, I was, and still am, heavily influenced by the likes of Chelsea Cutler and Holly Humberstone for both the sound and songwriting. 

How did you go about writing Compromised?

‘Compromised’ came about in typical pandemic zoom session fashion. I had never written with Noah Vernon (my co-writer) before, but for some reason felt like I could tell him about everything I had been going through. It’s funny to look back at that moment now; little did I know it would form such a beautiful friendship. 

The song foundations came from a song called ‘Runaway’ by Half.Alive. I had noticed the person I was seeing casually at the time liked it, and we thought it would be a cool idea to flip the band name and title into a sad-girl tune about how confused I was. 

I find that weird, quirky ideas always create the most remarkable and unique songs. 

What’s the story behind the single?

2021 was a weird year for me. 

From initial excitement to complications and compromised moments, I learnt a lot about myself and who I am in relationships (unlabelled or not). 

Sometimes things in life are hard to explain. Not always black and white. Not always meant to work out, no matter how much you want them to. 

Written in a time when things were so intense, so caring, yet so hurtful. Weirdly I’m still trying to find the words to define what I went through. Amid an entangled situationship, I lost a friend, someone I would’ve done anything for, picked up the phone at any moment. I compromised a lot, and that’s where this song comes in. 

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I was more than excited to work with Ben Oldland on this track. From the minute we sent over the song, he got it. He got the references. He got the end goal. Noah and I talked about how insanely talented he was and how right he was for the project. His creativity and skill are insane, and I’m honoured to have collaborated with him on my 2022 releases.  

Nick from Panorama Mastering put the final touches on a song so dear to my heart. 

How did you approach the recording process?

It was different from how I had previously recorded tracks as it was entirely over Zoom. Creating the right vibe and tone in the room is hard virtually, but the boys made it seamless and easy. 

I always include co-writers in every stage of the process, so Noah was a part of all of the recording because a song is a team effort, no one person. 

What’s planned for 2022?

I’m more than excited for 2022. I have a few more releases planned, but I see this year as a one of growth and establishing myself in the indie scene. 

Please tell us about your future direction as a songwriter?

My aim as a songwriter is to continue to write music and lyrics that are different but real, honest and vulnerable. I want to find ways to say things that people can’t articulate because, from personal experience, I know how finding a song that explains exactly what you’re going through can make it just a little bit easier. 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I love Gracie Abrams – especially her most recent album, ‘This is What It Feels Like’ 

I actually have a playlist filled with all the songs I listened to throughout the making of the track. 

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/18Cker24JYi0V0gMjPSsEC?si=7016a4e5b50b476a

What do you like to do away from music?

Away from music, I’m a graphic designer. I also love working out, playing any sport I can get my hands on and listening to podcasts. 

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I love hanging out at the local national park; you will literally find me there every day. 

Favourite food would have to be ice cream or Vietnamese Pho.