Steady Growing | Nikki

Nikki was born in Buckinghamshire, England, and brought up on a wholesome diet of Hendrix, Cream and Pink Floyd so his choice to take up the guitar at the age of 12 years old was no surprise.

Nikki was awarded ‘Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year’ by Guitarist magazine for his song ‘You Stole My Music’ from the four-track demo of the same name. Guitarist magazine hailed his outstanding musicianship and song-writing abilities, going on to comment: ‘Ability alone is not enough to get a crowd going and even the most brilliant guitar player has to have something memorable on stage as well as coming out of your stereo, Nikki Murray certainly does.’

The following year, his song ‘I Wonder Why’ was chosen by Guy Chambers and Beverley Knight to be included in the Top 10 of BBC Radio 2′s ‘Sold On Song’ initiative and his track, ‘The One Thing I Like About You’ was recognised in MTV Networks VH1 ‘Unsigned Song Of The Year’ poll. VH1 said, “The song is wonderful and has true hit potential.”

Nikki works tirelessly and has been building a solid live reputation with gigs over the last 2 years at London’s premier venues as well as various gigs throughout Europe where he has been wowing audiences with his own unique brand of music. Nikki’s distinctive vocal style has been described as ‘Neil Young meets with Tom Petty for a drink with Jimi Hendrix.’

Nikki’s stunning début album has 12 innovative tracks, which fully demonstrate his understanding of composition, melody and hit making ability. From the up tempo Title track ‘Sunshine Vampire’ to the hauntingly contagious ‘One Thing’, Nikki’s unique style, which is best described as ‘ Alternative Singer-Songwriter’, reflects his uncompromising approach to his music and a talent that is totally undeniable. Co Produced by Gary (30 UK top 20 hit records) Stevenson, mixed by Steve (Michael Jackson ‘History’) Baughman this outstanding album is destined to become a seminal piece of work.

How long have you been in the industry?
Started playing at 12 and since then have always been a massive part of my life. As soon as I left school I played in various bands and tried to gig around as much possible. As a pro player I have been lucky enough to share the stage as a guitarist with various artists including, James Blunt, Leona Lewis,Unklejam and Celine Deon to name a few. Over the years I have been offered various record/ publishing deals which didn’t come or I choose not to sign until early this year when I signed to ZY Records.

Do you have any projects out now?
I am recording my debut album now produced by Gary Stevenson who has had 30 UK top 20 hit records and mixed by Steve (Steve B) Baughman whose credits include. Michael Jackson, 50 Cent, Eminem, Pink Destiny’s Child to name a few. The album will be out early next year so keep checking my website and Facebook page for updates!! www.nikkimurray.com www.facebook.com/nikkimurrayuk

What inspires your music?
That’s a really easy but open answer. Quite literally anything in everyday life. But generally a broken or a fixed heart!

Where are you from?
I am from Buckinghamshire in England.

What artists in the industry inspire you the most today?
I’m a huge fan of great songwriting more so than any particular artists, but Ryan Adams songs always get to me and his delivery is and story telling skills are something I aim for. Elbow are another band with great songs as is Emiliana Torrini. Her album Fishermans Woman is one of my favorites. Obviously being a guitarist I love Jimi Hexdrix who has been a massive part of my guitar playing and learning. I also love David Gilmour’s style and both of those I’m sure will come across in my album.

What makes you different from other artist today?
I think my main attribute would be my mixture of songwriting influences from past to present. I never try to be one thing I write as I feel which I believe will set my album apart from the rest on it’s release next year.

What do you want your future fans to know about you?

Website-
http://www.nikkimurray.com
youtube-
http://www.youtube.com/nikkimurrayuk
Facebook-
http://www.facebook.com/nikkimurrayuk
Twitter-
http://www.twitter.com/nikkimurrayuk
SoundCloud-
http://www.soundcloud.com/nikkimurrayuk
Myspace-
http://www.myspace.com/nikkimurrayuk

This is an article from our Sep 11 Issue, download it here 

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