Ascending Beats: Nikitaa’s ‘Elevator’ Rises with Empowerment and Eclectic Sound
R&B Pop sensation Nikitaa returns with their exhilarating new single “Elevator,” set to release on April 26th. This dynamic track merges dance-pop with smooth R&B, crafted to captivate and lift listeners to soaring new heights. Following the acclaim of previous releases like “Heaven” and “Godless”—the latter celebrated by Rolling Stone—Nikitaa continues to define 2024 with their bold and innovative sound. “Elevator” is not just a song; it’s a vibrant celebration of identity, featuring an empowering bridge that honors Nikitaa’s demi and genderfluid journey. Through eclectic synth beats and pioneering samples, “Elevator” invites everyone to embrace their power and ascend to greatness, on their own terms.
Follow Nikitaa @nikitaathewild
Hi Nikitaa, please tell us a little about yourself.
I am a queer singer-songwriter and producer born and raised in Mumbai, now based out of LA, and I make Pop/RnB music with Y2K, Indian, and sometimes house influences!
Describe your sound in three words.
Bold. Fierce. Vulnerable
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
I don’t know if I chose music so much as it chose me. It’s the one thing my entire life that I’ve been deeply in love with, fascinated by, and never tire of! Making music always felt inevitable to me. I think, as far as influences – I love and draw inspiration from 50’s, 60’s and 90’s Bollywood, 90s Classic Rock, grunge and alt-rock because I grew up loving those eras of music; but as a musician, Beyonce, Frank Ocean, Victoria Monet, Jon Bellion… these are definitely some of my main influences.
Do you play any instruments?
I play piano, although I’m not classically trained
Tell us about your new single, “Elevator?”
Elevator is a fun ode to my queer identity – with the entire outro section dedicated to the demisexual and genderfluid flags – as well as a manifestation song. The whole idea of Elevator as a song is building something that feels unique and undeniable even to my “top favorites” – the artists I look up to and respect most.
What’s the story behind the song? Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?
Elevator kind of came from the same fun-filled, explorative and curious place that Throne and Daddy Era come from – I wanted to make something that felt exciting, fun and that could inspire me and anyone that heard the song to make the best art they could make in the moment. When we were coming up with ideas for the song, we started by recording and building the vocal sample you hear right at the beginning, and then built the track around the concept I already had in mind for Elevator. I was deeply inspired by both Janelle Monae and Beyonce’s projects around the time I made this song – both artists who have always chosen to inspire other femmes to break through glass ceilings, so I drew from that well too. It was such a fun and new way of writing and producing for both my co-writer Connor (Quiet Son) and I! We experimented with unusual samples and sound sources. But we were both so committed to bringing this crazy vision to life, and I’m so proud of it. Elevator is definitely a sonic experience.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
Honestly, I just wanted to keep mining from the same vein of inspiration that got me to write Throne and then Daddy Era. All three of these songs have a sense of confidence, joy, silliness and cleverness that I deeply adore about myself and wanted to share with the world through my art. I just wanted to give more of who I am – all the different facets of who I am – to my art, and to my audience.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
It changes with every song. For this one, we started with concept and production. I had a tiny voice note of how I wanted to sing the literal word “elevator” haha. That was it. Everything else evolved as we went.
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “Elevator?”
Extremely. I always like building beats from scratch, after talking with people I’m working with about the concept, about both our perspectives, what everyone in the room is inspired by. I’m very very particular about production and arrangement, and I truly enjoy creating these songs!
Now tell us about the success of your previous hit singles “Heaven,” and “Godless?”
Oof, my gosh. I feel like ever since last year I’ve seen so many more people consistently resonate with and love my art. For Heaven especially, I had so many people get emotional and excited about the visuals and also the way my voice sounded on the record. Some people were excited to see a real, imperfect body and sensuality celebrated, others would comment and tell me they showed this song to their partners because as demisexual people they finally felt seen and represented. It makes me emotional! And then with Godless – getting recognized by Rolling Stone USA and Shazam feels so surreal, especially for a song that feels as vulnerable for me emotionally as Godless does. I’m really grateful for every milestone so far.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Buckle up, it’s a bumpy ride! And that’s okay, because this is your journey and nobody’s journey is perfect, nor meant to be so. I think of myself as a recovering perfectionist and people pleaser… and I think my younger self – who didn’t have as much grace for her own process, and her own humanity – could really benefit from a heads up haha.
What’s next for Nikitaa in 2024?
A LOT of music. Like seriously, probably the most music I have put out in one year than ever before. And more than one project that will be dropping! The first of which will be in July and is called Ascension!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Beyonce Beyonce Beyonce. My answer will always be Beyonce. I just want to sit down and pick her brilliant mind about life, art, career and sheer willpower. I have learned so much from her and respect and look up to her so much as an artist. Musically, that’s mom.
Best advice ever given?
Say no as many times as you need to, to get where you need to go.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
Hopefully working with my top favorites, writing incredible songs, representing my demi and genderfluid community on large stages, and on a stadium tour!
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Right now, it’s My Kink Is Karma by Chappell Roan.
What do you think of social media?
I love it as a means of expression and way to connect with listeners and friends. I despise it being the only viable promo tool for so many artists. I wish there were equitable and affordable ways to build an audience and get your art noticed that didn’t involve being chronically online to a debilitating degree.
Where can we follow you?
I’m @nikitaathewild on Instagram and TikTok! And NIKITAA on YouTube 🙂
Book: Currently – Oleander Sword by Tasha Suri
Movie: The Proposal; if you put it on, my mom and I will be glued to the couch haha. Also Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara; now my brother and I are glued to the couch
Tv Series: Avatar The Last Airbender; Also Blue Eye Samurai
Favorite Food: There’s a few – fried chicken, mac n cheese, my mum’s raajma chawal or her sindhi curry
Travel Destination: Coorg, Ooty, Masai Mara, Switzerland