SONGSTRESS AND MUSE: NIKKI JEAN

August 25, 2015

SONGSTRESS AND MUSE: NIKKI JEAN

The subject of our latest interview, Nikki Jean, is an inspiration to me for many reasons- her incredible talent, her love and enthusiasm for her craft and most of all for her genuine humility.

NIKKI JEAN ON HER CAREER: Songwriting is not a career, it is a vocation. As such, its never been much of an option, more akin to an insistent car alarm of a calling. Every day my main goal is to make music with my friends, and it is deeply satisfying walking out of the studio at 4 in the morning with something to play on the ride home that didn’t exist yesterday. I’ve always held fast to the notion that I am inspired by good food, good friends, and bad bad men. .. but I think the closer to the truth is that I’m inspired by great minds, and small moments. . and what happens when the two of them collide. Hmm. . something important. . dental health? that’s true. . I was at a Patti Smith concert and she said “if I could tell you anything I’ve learned its to take care of your teeth”. Other than that. . go with your gut, follow your bliss, its rarely safe, fraught with hardship, and the most rewarding way to spend your brief time here.

Nikki in a self made skirt and top

WARDROBE STAPLES: I tend to make a lot of my own clothing, primarily skirts cause they’re easy and so comfortable. Outside of the things I make my current absolute favorite piece of clothing is a 1972 wool varsity jacket that has the Technics emblem on the back. It fits perfectly and its a piece I look forward to owning till someone pries it from my cold dead hands. I also am very keen on my 1986 Billy Joel concert t-shirt, a cheap Forever 21 Tupac loose tank, and a pair of black 531 Levi’s. I tend to veer toward classic Americana casual.

Billy Joel Concert T-Shirt

I LOVE my Heidi Wynne scarves and tank tops. . The scarves make even my casual outfits look finished and complete. The tank tops are the best ones I've ever had, and I've been wearing this style since middle school. The straps are just the right width and the neckline is flattering, it indulges my inner tomboy without sacrificing femininity, which is always the sweet spot.

Heidi Wynne Charcoal Grey Tank, Heidi Wynne Deep Fuchsia Cashmere Bella Wrap

CURRENTLY READING: I’m currently reading Linguistics for Dummies, The Metaphors We Live By, and This Means This That Means That. I just finished The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, I highly recommend this book. . . it’s been life altering for my house.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATION: I spent much of the summer in Chicago, but took a brief vacation to Playa Conchal and the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica. I didn’t know zip lining through the jungle was a life goal, but having completed it, I think it should be.

Chicago, Illinois

Monterverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica

Playa Conchal, Costa Rica

FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS: Peter Thomas Roth anti aging cleanser. CeraVe Sunscreen (and PM lotion-super cheap and wonderful) Paula’s Choice BHA liquid, and any good Vitamin C serum.

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Perricone MD Vitamin C Serum, CeraVe Sunscreen

MUSIC PLAYLIST: Future - Commas, Drake - Hotline Bling, Post-Malone - TeArs, Francis & The Lights - Like A Dream. and Joni Mitchell, of course. . .

Future, Drake

Joni Mitchell

CURRENTLY WATCHING: Every cheesy formulaic Crime Procedural. Its part of my recovery process from Game Of Thrones.

Game of Thrones

FASHION ICON: I don’t have one per se. . . i just like what I like. 1950s silhouettes, ease of care of my garments, comfort and something to keep me from getting bored.

FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Any restaurant with Dice Raw. Family makes the food better.

FAVORITE CITY: I really don’t have one. . cities have their own unique charm, and if you get to know them, they’ll show it to you . . Philly, the Twin Cities, and Chicago all have a very special place in my heart.