Artist Update With Nik West: Career, Bass, Prince, Rolling Stone, and More…

Nik West is a singer, songwriter, and bassist who worked with Prince, Macy Gray, John Mayer, Eurythmics, Steven Tyler, and many more. She is the founder of Queen of Strings, a female bass and guitar program and competition. Her albums include “Just In The Nik Of Time” (2015), “Say Somethin’” (2016), and “Moody” (2023).

Photographer Calvin Smith, Courtesy of Nik West

KB: Did you always want to be a singer/musician growing up?

Music was always a huge part of my life, but I didn’t necessarily grow up saying, “I’m going to be a professional musician.” Once my dad bought me a $100 bass, everything really changed for me. I decided to become a musician, and nothing could stop me; I definitely made the right choice!

KB: Who were your musical heroes when you were a kid?

Brandy, Musiq Soulchild, Erykah Badu, Michael Jackson.

KB: What age did you start playing bass, and why did you pick this instrument?

I started playing bass when I was a teenager. I actually started on guitar, but I realized pretty quickly that the bass was where my heart was. It felt natural.

KB: How would you describe your music, and why should people have a listen?

I would describe my music as a fusion of funk, rock, soul, R&B, and a little bit of everything that has inspired me throughout my life. I don’t like putting myself in one box. My music is energetic, emotional, funky, and unapologetically me.

People should listen because I want my music to make you feel something. I want you to dance, smile, get inspired, and maybe even pick up an instrument yourself.

KB: You worked with so many great artists… What was it like working with Prince?

Working with Prince was an incredible experience. He was such a powerful artist and musician, and being around someone with that level of creativity is a true blessing.

KB: Which bass guitars have you used in your career, and which one are you using currently?

I own many basses, but for my live performance, my absolute favorite is Fender. I play a 4-string Fender American Ultra Jazz Bass.

KB: Rolling Stone named you “The Bass Icon of This Generation”… That is quite a compliment! How did this make you feel?

It was an incredible honor. When you dedicate your life to music, you don’t do it for titles… You do it because you love it. So when something like that comes from a publication as legendary as Rolling Stone, you definitely stop and take it in. There are so many bass icons, and being on that list is a joy.

I also see it as a challenge. If people are calling me an icon, then I have a responsibility to keep pushing, keep creating, and keep inspiring the next generation of musicians, especially young women who might look at the bass and think, “That’s not for me.” Yes, it is.

KB: What are you up to now?

Most importantly, I am a mom, and I love it! I’m writing new music (maybe 50+ new songs… but I can not choose which to add to the next album… haha), getting ready for the upcoming fall tour this September and for 2027! I also just finished working on a TV show and worked as an actress in a short indie movie… There is a lot on my plate.