Meet Nikki Hayes | Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Hayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikki, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Keeping promises to myself. I think that’s a key role in building my confidence in my work, as well as just in my everyday life. Also, while a strong work ethic is key, it can be difficult to hop into the action side and the word “work” itself can bring a level of resistance for a lot of people. Also, I feel like it’s more than action. It requires more of being someone you’ve never been, which can feel easier since we all have an imagination and an identity. It has been easier for me to do things and I’ve achieved way more results and accomplishments with doings things from the identity of being an artist, rather than “wanting to be” an artist as if it was separate from me – from how I create, how I plan, etc. All of the “actions” are from an identity, not separation of.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The music I make is an embodiment of R&B/Soul. From the instrumentation, to the vocals and lyrics. Each piece has an intention and brings in a level of intimacy and comfort. I’m most proud of the way that I’ve grown as an artist and lyricist. Each song that I release shows not only the growth in musicianship, but also my character development. I think my music is not only something that grows with a person overtime, it’s also timeless. It was not easy to get where I am professionally, but each moment had love as a driving force. The best lesson I’ve learned along the way is to not take circumstances for outcomes and persist. I want the world to be able to feel comfort with my music. I want people to be able to vibe with others to it, but also to shut the door to others and go inward with themselves. My music is the reflections of the way I’ve seen and heard myself, and I want others to feel seen and heard as well through it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to Arizona, I would take them to a lot of places in Phoenix. I would take them to Snakes and Lattes, which is a game bar. It has a library full of board games and card games. It also has great drinks. I would also take them to Poetic Soul, which is an amazing open mic that’s every week. Hash Kitchen for a great brunch. I also love very chill settings so the pool at my complex, or Lylo Swim Club for a night swim. I would also take them to Sedona for a hike (though the hiking would be my first experince too).

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sonya Gregory-Hayes, my mom and my manager. She has been my biggest cheerleader from the beginning. She’s seen and been in the ups and downs with me. She deserves the highest credit and recognition.

Website: https://itsnikkihayes.com/home

Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsnikkihayes

Twitter: https://instagram.com/itsnikkihayes

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsNikkiHayes

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NikkiHayes1

Image Credits
Photographer: Deshaun Matthews
Photographer: Ashleigh Carpenter
Photographer: Cohl Cantrecall