Interview: Nikki Hopkins (Plus Free Song Download)
Singer/songwriter Nikki Hopkins has a powerful testimony, from a rebellious childhood to serving in Iraq as an army medic. Having launched a music career with her debut EP, 'Held By Love', Nikki has just won a public vote to perform at the UK's Big Church Day Out event. LTTM caught up with the singer to find out more.
Before embarking on a music career, you served with the military in Iraq - Can you tell us about that experience and how it influences your music?
The time I spent serving in Iraq was an amazing experience, I was able to witness and experience some incredible things that I will never forget! I sometimes look back and think, wow was that actually me, did I actually do that?! I was such a different person back then! It was undoubtedly an uncertain and dangerous environment and looking back now, I can see that God’s hand of protection was on my life through that time! I would say if there was a way in which this experience has influenced my music it would be the thankful heart I have towards God, for His faithfulness, His protection and just knowing that He's always been there, even in those uncertain times, which I believe is reflected in my songs.
What was it like recording your first EP, 'Held By Love'?
It’s been scary and exciting all at the same time but overall it's been an amazing experience. I am relatively new to all of this, so it's been a learning curve for me, which hasn't always been easy as I've really had to battle with self-doubt during the whole process. However, I've grown in confidence and learnt so much about music, song writing and really just how the whole system works during the making of the EP. Thankfully I have had great support from friends and family, my church and the team I have around me at Resound media. The most incredible thing of all was to hear the finished product, I'm so happy with the outcome.
Which is your favourite track on the EP and why?
That's a toughy, I'm not sure I could choose one! Musically I really like 'Nothing I Can Do' as I really love the bluegrass sound but I think 'Held by love' means the most to me, as it really describes the journey I've been on with God and the revelation I had of always being held by His love.
If you could work with any song writer, who would it be and why?
I always find myself wishing that Emile Sande wrote worship songs as her song writing is beautiful. I've related a lot to Natalie Grants Lyrics in the past, her music has been hugely influential in my life, so I would love to write with her. To write with Philippa Hanna would be amazing, as her writing style is amazing and so different to anything else out there.
Free Song Download
Used with permission.
I think I am only just beginning to find my feet with my music style to be honest, I would say that it has a slight country feel, the melodies I produce always seem to come out with a country 'twang' so I am just running with what I am inspired to do at the moment. As I mentioned earlier I have been hugely influenced by Natalie Grant's music but there are many other Christian artists/worship leaders I've been influenced by such as Darlene Zschech, Philippa Hanna, Kari Jobe, Christy Nockels, Hillsong, Kim Walker/Jesus Culture, Matt Redman, Meredith Andrews and not forgetting Lecrae, the lyrics in his raps are amazing!
How would you define success in your career as a singer?
To be honest, the opportunities I've had so far I would define more as favour than success. It’s still early days for me and things are really just starting to unfold, God has opened many doors for me so far and I want to just keep going in the direction He leads. My every success, past, present and future comes from Him.
In your opinion, what makes the perfect worship song?
It's great to have songs that help us to reflect on the goodness of God and help us to fix our attentions on Him. I really love worship songs that just speak solely about the majesty and the holiness of Jesus and completely glorify Him, like 'Revelation song' for example. To be honest, when it comes to worship, I think God is more interested in the heart from which it is expressed, I don't think it's about an amazing vocal, clever lyrics, or an amazing musical arrangement, although all those things are great because we should honour God by giving our gifts back to Him to the very best of our ability.
What advice would you give to any aspiring singers or songwriters out there?
I would just say- go for it! Seize every opportunity, test every door and don't worry about small beginnings because you just don't know where it could lead! I also think as singers, musicians or songwriters, it’s important not to take your gift lightly and take time to develop it. Most of all, remain humble and always remember where your gift comes from.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
That answer would change from week to week but at this present time it would be 'Victors Crown' by Darlene Zschech. Then once it died I'd just sing whatever I wanted and all would be ok :)
What does the next year hold for Nikki Hopkins?
Who knows, lots of exciting new adventures I hope! At the moment I am waiting for the result of a vote that could see me sing as a UCB unsigned artist at 'Big Church Day Out', which is hugely exciting!
[Note: Since the interview took place, Nikki won the vote and will appear at Big Church Day Out 2013]
My EP is due for release on the 13th May, so I'm really hoping that it will do well and there will be lots of opportunities to share these songs with as many people as possible but ultimately I just want to listen to God’s voice, go where He leads and walk out the plans and purposes He has for me this year.
Find out more at NikkiHopkinsMusic.co.uk
