Nicki Wells Interview

In the rhythmic dance of music, Nicki Wells finds her canvas for expression, embracing the silences between notes as much as the melodies themselves. With her captivating debut album "Ellipsis", the artist weaves a tapestry of influences spanning Indian classical, Celtic folk, eastern European choral, and Western pop music. Shaped by a diverse upbringing that took her from the foothills of the Himalayas to the heart of London, her artistry reflects the harmonious fusion of cultures and experiences. From a chance encounter with Nitin Sawhney to her own project TURYA, Wells' journey has been one of exploration, resulting in a soul-stirring resonance that defies categorization.

We got to speak with her about this journey, her debut album, and her aspirations.

Congratulations on the release of your debut album, "Ellipsis"! Could you share with us the inspiration behind the album's title and how it relates to the themes explored in your music?

Thank you! Yes the title Ellipsis refers to the three dots at the end of a sentence(…) to allow for the word or sentence to sink in. That’s what I wanted for this album, for it to sink in its own time and way to the listener. The last track of the album is Ellipsis which is the only track without lyrics, it’s an instrumental. By that point I had said everything I needed to, and had the vision of a bird flying over a vast sea while composing it.

The album features a blend of influences from Indian classical, Celtic folk, Eastern European choral, and Western pop music. How did your diverse heritage and upbringing in various cultures contribute to shaping the sound and style of Ellipsis?

I think we are all a combination of our upbringing, our nature and nurture. Growing up in different places allowed for this cultural integration in my music to develop more effortlessly. I try not to do things for the sake of doing them, like creating a specific sound or genre but to rather follow the genuine feeling. Then depending on how that comes out, in whatever genre or sound is the way it’s expressed authentically. I of course am careful about cultural appropriation but in order to touch upon other cultures, there has to be humility, an understanding and a grasp of theory and technique that is authentic and not ‘trying’ to sound like a stereotype.

Several songs on the album, like "I Have Longed to Be Here" and "Warrior", seem to explore themes of empowerment and self-discovery. Can you delve into how personal experiences and challenges have shaped the lyrics and emotions behind these tracks?

Sure! Those two songs were very much about me coming into my own as an independent artist and as a woman creating and producing music. Creating the album was a self empowering process. And Warrior in particular was about being your own warrior - saying no negativity, judgement and about charging into ones own truth and power with dignity and fearlessness. 

The album's imagery and allegorical lyrics have a way of evoking vivid imagery. How did you approach the process of crafting these lyrics and what do you hope listeners take away from the imagery you've created?

As a person I think very allegorically. Pretty much all of my songs derive from a vivid visual narrative. When I write songs, it’s often like watching a movie in my mind. I hope listeners draw out their own imagery from the lyrics, as they would from a novel. Everyone has their own unique interpretation of a narrative. 

"Ellipsis" features a track with the same name that's purely instrumental. Can you share your perspective on how this track complements the rest of the album and what it represents?

Ellipsis was the symbol of (…) of the album. At the end of a sentence which invites contemplation or to allow that information to sink in. It is the last track of the album and wordless because by then I said everything I needed to say.

If you had to choose only one song from the album, which one would it be and why?

I’d probably say You’re Alright Kid because that was a song I had written to my six year old self and it was very personal and emotional for me to write. It was a hug to my child self and an image of holding her hand walking together towards her future. 

Looking ahead, you have an upcoming live show at St Matthias Church in London. How does performing live contribute to your artistic expression and what can your audience expect from this upcoming performance?

Performing live is a whole other dimension of being a creative and I am looking forward to bringing these songs alive in a live context. We have a very exciting band which includes a string quartet and since the album has strings throughout the record, it will be a magical experience to have them live. I hope the audience are taken deep into the world of Ellipsis and come out feeling fresh and empowered.

After the release of Ellipsis, what are your aspirations and plans for the future? Are there any themes or musical directions you're excited to explore in your upcoming projects?

Yes, absolutely! I am already getting started with the next album and I have also joined forces with my husband Tarq Bowen for a duo project we have started called Bowen Wells which we are excited to explore. It’s a different sound to my own original work, very fun, lively and more of an Americana folk-rock feel! 

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