Featured Artist: NIKKAELA

How did you get into music and how has the journey been so far? Was music something you always knew you wanted to pursue?

Music has always been my safe place. It found me in the moments when I felt most alone—when I needed somewhere to hide, to feel understood, and to make sense of the heaviness I carried. I was an emotional teenager with big feelings growing up in a complicated Filipino household, so songwriting naturally became my outlet. It was the one space where I could process my emotions honestly.

As a kid, I’d lock myself in my room and write songs for hours. My mom also put me into so many creative activities—singing competitions, dance, auditions, acting, modeling, even beauty pageants lol. So the arts have always been part of my life, even if I drifted away from them during puberty.

But I eventually rediscovered my voice through faith, spirituality, and worship leading at church. That’s where I reconnected with my gift and understood the purpose behind it.

You recently released a new single, "Body Language". What was the inspiration and story behind the song?

“Body Language” was written in Toronto with one of my homegirls, Chirine, who’s also an artist. It was one of those magical sessions where nothing was planned—the song just kind of revealed itself the moment we heard the beat. We had this powerhouse trifecta: Crush on production (with Jojo Karvelis adding his magic on drums), Chirine engineering the session, and the two of us writing together. The energy of an all-female team is honestly what gave this song its fire. The inspiration was simple: I wanted to feel at home in my own skin again.

We created something rooted in empowerment, community, and storytelling. “Body Language” is my reminder to myself—and to anyone who’s ever felt small—that our bodies hold strength, history, and resilience.

Being an artist based in Vancouver, how has your experience been with the local music scene? Is there anything you would love to see a change towards?

Vancouver’s music scene is tight-knit and full of heart. I’ve met some of the most supportive, genuine creatives here—especially within the Filipino and AAPI communities. But I still think there’s a lot of room for more representation, more risk-taking, and more spaces where young artists can actually feel inspired by their surroundings. We need more hubs and events where creatives from every spectrum can gather, collaborate, and grow together. In spite of that, I still think our city is on the rise.

Sometimes it feels like artists have to leave Vancouver in order to expand, and I would really love to see that change. I want this city to be a place where artists feel empowered to build, connect, and create opportunities for themselves without limitations. What we truly need are more music industry leaders here—people willing to make plays for artists so we can actually scale and thrive. More consistent industry-focused events, more networking spaces, more community-driven initiatives… that’s what will help Vancouver become the creative hub it’s meant to be.

Who are you listening to right now? Is there a song on your rotation that fans might be surprised you're into?

Right now I’m listening to a lot of Destin Conrad, Cleo Sol, Isaia Huron, Nujabes and Kehlani—who’s actually one of my biggest inspirations. I also grew up loving artists like Ariana Grande, Alicia Keys, Brandy, Cassie, Beyonce, Pussycat Dolls, Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff (i was a disney kid lol) and Sade.

A song on my rotation that people might not expect is “ChopNScrew” by Jean Deaux and Ambré—it just hits every single time. That, and “Indonesian Fantasies” by Sonder. Both songs just get me.

Other than music, how do you express your creativity? What keeps you inspired creatively?

Dance is a massive part of my creative life—it’s how I reconnect with my body and release emotions I can’t always put into words. Recently, I’ve also fallen in love with video editing and spending real quality time with myself. Solitude has become such a big self-care ritual for me.

I journal daily, practice affirmations, meditate, and read books that keep me aligned and grounded. I’m also really into creative directing—conceptualizing shoots, mood boarding, building visuals. Fashion and thrifting also bring me so much joy.

All these outlets tie back into my music. They help me feel aligned with my purpose, because creativity isn’t just something I do—it’s everything around me. Every little piece of my life inspires the artist I’m becoming.

Finally is there anything else you'd like to promote or talk about?

Yes! I have a “DECLINE” visualizer coming out very soon, and I’m working toward a special new project for “Body Language” in the new year. I also have a few more singles coming out next year, all leading up to my debut EP, which I’m so excited about—it feels like the most honest version of myself I’ve ever put into music.

And… I’ve been planning a NIKKAELA show that I hope to bring to life very soon. Everything is in the works, but it feels like it will all align with time.

This year was strange but beautiful—lots of wins behind closed doors and a lot of growth that doesn’t always show online. I’m grateful for everything that’s happened and even more excited for what’s coming in the new year.

Check out Body Language and the rest of NIKKAELA's music here, as well as be sure to follow her socials to stay up to date!