Niki Sadeki is a dynamic DJ and producer who is deeply passionate about connecting individuals through the power of music.
Photo credit: Niki Sadekiv – Official
With a unique sonic palette influenced by her Persian roots and an eclectic taste covering genres from grunge to traditional Persian music, Niki weaves atmospheric melodies with progressive rhythms to create her distinctive sound.
As the founder of Deep House Vancouver and a radio show host, Niki’s multifaceted role in the music industry extends beyond creating beats. She curates podcasts for various moods and platforms and has launched the ‘Mirror for the Sun’ compilation series for Alt Orient Records, providing a platform for international talent.
Currently based in the vibrant city of New York, Niki continues to push her musical boundaries, exploring a diverse range of genres and creating compelling narratives that encapsulate elements of melodious, indie, progressive, and deep techno. Her DJ sets, a captivating blend of downtempo to deep techno, have entranced audiences in nightclubs across the globe.
With the recent release of her deeply personal ‘Blue Dream EP’, Niki invites listeners on a journey through the emotional peaks and valleys of her life as a musician. This EP highlights Niki’s masterful ability to encapsulate and recreate moments in sound, a testament to her prowess as an artist.
In this interview, Niki delves into her creative process, the personal experiences that shape her music, and shares a glimpse of her upcoming projects and collaborations.
EG: Hi Niki! Welcome back! Congratulations on your upcoming release, the Blue Dream EP, on Manual Music. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this EP and what listeners can expect from it?
Niki Sadeki: Thanks for having me back! Yeah, it’s been crazy getting so much great feedback for this EP already. The EP really is a personal journey put into music, and so I’m super grateful for all the support and attention it’s getting.
The whole EP is about life’s ups and downs, the challenges, and the small triumphs. It’s like an emotional journey in the life of an artist, capturing anger, sadness, and yet, there’s this thread of hope that weaves through it.
Overall, the ‘Blue Dream’ EP is a reflection of life as I see it. It’s like a sketchbook of moments turned into soundscapes. Each track is a snapshot, where I’ve tried to encapsulate not just the sights and sounds, but the emotions and atmospheres of those moments, giving the listener a chance to step into my world.
EG: The Blue Dream EP is described as a heartfelt journey through the ups and downs of being a musician. Can you share with us some of the personal moments and experiences that influenced the creation of this EP?
Niki Sadeki: Absolutely, and thank you for asking about the personal aspects! The life of a touring artist, especially as a woman, comes with a unique set of challenges. This EP is very much a reflection of that journey – the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
One of the major influences behind this EP is the struggle with the scarcity mentality that’s pervasive in the music industry. It’s this constant pressure to compete, to be seen, to be heard, and the frustration that comes when your authentic voice gets lost in the noise. It’s tough, especially when you’re trying to stay true to your art without succumbing to mainstream expectations.
Also, as a female artist in this space, I’ve faced moments where I felt like I wasn’t being seen or heard in the way I deserved. There’s this balancing act of being authentic on social platforms, yet feeling like my message doesn’t always resonate as I intend it to. This EP was a way for me to channel these experiences, to transform the frustration, the misunderstandings, and the need for authenticity into something tangible and musical.
EG: Your track ‘Blue Dream’ is described as a raw and honest portrayal of the grind and emotion of being an artist. What specific emotions or experiences did you channel into this track, and how do you hope listeners will connect with it?
Niki Sadeki: I poured feelings of being misunderstood and the drive to stay true to my artistic vision into this track. It’s about the raw, unfiltered journey of an artist, the moments of doubt, and the bursts of hope.
I hope listeners connect with it on a personal level. Whether they’re fellow artists facing similar struggles or just anyone who’s felt the grind of chasing a dream, I want them to find a piece of their story in this track. It’s about shared experiences and the resilience we all find in our journeys.
“The whole EP is about life’s ups and downs, the challenges, and the small triumphs”
EG: ‘A Sunday in August’ is described as a chill-out track inspired by a laid-back day in Berlin. How do you find moments of calm and inspiration in the midst of a hectic life, and how did this particular experience influence the creation of the track?
Niki Sadeki: Finding these calm moments for me is about seizing opportunities in the midst of the hustle. Like that day in Berlin at Tempelhofer Feld, it’s about consciously stepping back to appreciate the surroundings, even during a busy tour schedule. It’s about pausing to watch life go by, embracing the stillness, and letting inspiration flow from these tranquil experiences. This approach is what led to the creation of ‘A Sunday in August’ – finding and cherishing those brief, peaceful interludes in a fast-paced life.
EG: As a master artist, you have a knack for capturing moments and emotions in your music. Can you walk us through your creative process when translating these moments into tracks?
Niki Sadeki: My process starts with drafting and sketching ideas for tracks, often when I’m still out there living the moments. These initial sketches are like blueprints, capturing the raw essence of my experiences. Then, when I’m back in the studio, I use these sketches as a foundation, building and refining them into full tracks. It’s a mix of planning and spontaneity, starting with a rough outline and then letting the creative flow take over to flesh out the details, ensuring each track authentically reflects the original inspiration.
EG: You’ve mentioned drawing inspiration from the people you meet and the places you experience. How do your travels and interactions with different cultures shape your musical style and approach?
Niki Sadeki: Every place I visit, every person I meet adds a new dimension to my understanding of the world, and this naturally filters into my music. Different cities and their unique vibes, the conversations I have, the landscapes I see – they all contribute to the tapestry of sounds and emotions in my work.
For instance, the energy of a bustling city might inspire a more upbeat, dynamic track, while a serene landscape could lead to a more contemplative, ambient piece. It’s this rich variety of experiences that keeps my music evolving, preventing it from being pigeonholed into one specific style.
EG: Beyond your music career, what are some of your interests and passions that influence your creative process as an artist?
Niki Sadeki: Besides music, I’m really into photography and making videos. It’s cool to tell stories through different lenses, it gives me fresh ideas and vibes for my tracks. And I’m a big reader. Chilling with a good book or tuning into an audiobook or podcast is my kind of relaxation. All these hobbies, like snapping photos or diving into stories, they kind of blend into my music, adding a bit of extra flavor and depth to what I create.
“This EP was a way for me to channel these experiences, to transform the frustration, the misunderstandings, and the need for authenticity into something tangible and musical”
EG: Living in New York City has left its mark on your musical exploration. How has the city shaped your artistic journey, and what do you hope to bring to your global audience through your experiences there?
Niki Sadeki: Living in New York City has definitely toughened me up and sharpened my artistic edge. It’s a place that demands boldness and confidence, and that’s really seeped into my music. Being here, I’ve found a stronger, more distinct voice and a unique angle on seeing the world.
Having my own studio space here, separate from my home for the first time, has been a game-changer. It’s a dedicated creative haven in the midst of the city’s hustle. Sure, NYC isn’t cheap, but maintaining this space is my commitment to my art and growth.
EG: As a multifaceted artist involved in various roles from DJing to event organizing and music production, how do you find these different aspects complement each other, and how does spontaneity play a role in your overall creative ethos?
Niki Sadeki: Mainly focusing on DJing and music production now, I’ve stepped back from event organizing. DJing really complements production; feeling the crowd’s vibe helps shape my music. I love the spontaneity in both – it keeps things fresh and authentic. It’s all about capturing the essence of the moment, whether I’m behind the decks or in the studio.
EG: Finally, what’s next for Niki Sadeki in 2024? Any upcoming projects, collaborations, or performances that your fans can look forward to?
Niki Sadeki: 2024 is going to be a year full of exciting partnerships. I’ve got several collaborations lined up with some standout talented friends in the music world, but I’m keeping the specifics under wraps for now. The initial reactions have me really excited!
Alongside this, I’m working on some remixes, some original tracks and getting ready for a packed spring and summer tour. It’s definitely going to be a full and thrilling year!
EG: Once again thanks for the time and all the best!
Niki Sadeki: Thanks for the chat and good vibes! Really appreciated talking about what’s ahead. All the best!
Niki Sadeki’s ‘Blue Dream’ EP is now available via Manual Deep. Stream and download here.
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