Niki Kennedy – New Release
If it were the last night of the world… how would you choose to spend it?’ That’s the burning question explored in the latest release for Niki Kennedy, an emerging singer, songwriter, and musician whose multi-cultural upbringing, solo immigration, and commentary associated with her towering presence have actively shaped her story as an artist. New Zealand born and now based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Niki moved from Auckland to Toronto, Canada, at the age of sixteen to attend the Randolph College for the Performing Arts to pursue her artistic ambitions.
She has since released her debut EP The Weather Up Here in 2018 and featured in Broadway World, No Depression, VENTS Magazine, Dancing About Architecture, Independent Artist Buzz, and more; on CJIM Montreal, Seattle Wave Radio, Alt Rock Radio, Bell TV, Shaw TV, and eTalk/CTV. Inspired by the effects of lockdown, The Last Night (Dancing With You) is a seductive blend of contemporary pop and R&B, utilising Niki’s dynamic and alluring vocal performance to highlight stirring, spirited hooks. As Niki says about the inspiration for the new track,
‘It’s about the hope that comes from envisioning where you want to be instead of accepting where you’re at.’ It kicks off with a funk-tinged groove with echoes of classic 80s era hip-hop, segueing into Niki’s soulful verse vocal. From here, the track builds into a series of atmospherics, vocal layers, and a powerful chorus hook. However, despite its inventive placement of sounds and textures, The Last Night (Dancing With You) also has moments of minimalism that bring into sharp relief Niki’s arresting performance.
Penned by Niki, produced by Shane Stephenson of Listening Party Recordings, and mastered by Greg Calbi (Tame Impala, Taylor Swift) at Sterling Sound, The Last Night (Dancing With You) has feel-good hues that pulsate with a joyful edge, a kinetic abandon infused to a timely, revelatory message.