Meet Long-Island Native Nikademis as He Speaks on His Journey and His Sound

Written By: Chase Wilson

Recently, I was sent some music randomly by someone I had never met, and instantly became a fan. In January, I was able to sit down with the artist, who goes by Nikademis, to get his story and learn more about his musical progression as well as the fights he wins each and everyday battling mental illness. Check it out down below, and go even further below to check out the tracks that jumped into my own playlist.

TRILLVO 

So let’s get to know you. Who is Nikademis? When did you first get into making music?

Nikademis

Just wanted to say that first, I appreciate the opportunity, thanks a bunch. I’m a 20 year old electronic music producer from Long Island, NY. I first got into making music I believe in my sophomore year of high school which was around 2014.

TRILLVO 

Did you start by making electronic music or was there a different genre you started with?

Nikademis

It was always electronic music for me. I always loved music and was in choir in school but never really had a specific genre of music I was into. A couple of friends and I started a local DJ business in 2013 and one of them showed me electronic music and I fell in love with it. Then I started producing mainly progressive house at the time for fun.

TRILLVO 

So since you always loved music, would you say this is something you’ve always wanted to do?

Nikademis

Definitely not actually, the idea of becoming a music producer really didn’t surface until 2-3 years ago. I had no idea what any of this even was prior to high school, but as I started to understand it more I quickly fell in love with it.

TRILLVO 

That’s sick, I love hearing how music can just become someone’s passion like that. I always have to check, how’s your mental health doing?

Nikademis

Yeah! It was really something that I felt gave me purpose. My mental health is fairly good I’d say. I’ve had some pretty bad anxiety, but I keep it under control much better than I used to. I also had a number of medical issues in the past that didn’t help with my mental health but like I said, I’m able to deal with it.

TRILLVO 

In what ways would you say you maintain your mental health? I know a lot of artists say the beginning of their musical career was the hardest on them mentally.

Nikademis

Yea I totally feel that. I get frustrated and anxious with my musical career a bit more than I’d like, because I’m so anxious to grow as an artist, but I like to continue to remind myself that all great things take time and I need to be patient. I also have a low dosage SSRI medication I take which actually helped me tremendously in terms of anxiety and stuff. I’m not afraid to admit it either because I feel that we need to try to eliminate the negative stigmas around mental health, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say it helps me

TRILLVO 

Wow, mad respect for you. I agree wholeheartedly and also try my best to eliminate that negative stigma around talking about it. So off the topic of mental health and into music, The Simulation was just released January 6th and sports some synth-heavy sounds. What was your vision for the track?

Nikademis

Thanks man! Yea people are suffering because of those stigmas and it needs to end. So The Simulation was super natural to create. The main structure of the track was done in one sitting if I remember correctly. My idea is to always take the listener on a journey. The main vision behind the simulation was to take the listener on a journey through the realization that we might be living in a simulated reality. I like to think that the heavy synth sounds combined with the organic pianos and guitar strumming are a bit of a representation of the digital world being intertwined with what we understand to be the real world.

TRILLVO 

Do you personally feel like you executed the track the way you pictured? What was the general reaction from your fans on the track?

Nikademis

Yes, definitely happy with the execution on it. All of the fans seem to enjoy it! I think many were surprised by it because it’s a bit different from some of my previous music, but this track launches the beginning of a new journey for Nikademis. I’ve had a number of people tell me that it belongs in a movie or in a car commercial.

TRILLVO 

It’s a seriously good track, for real. What are your future goals concerning music? Are you within reaching distance of any of them?

Nikademis

I mean my biggest overall goal is to be able to give back to people in some way through music. In the short term, I’d love to get a track signed on one of the more popular electronic music labels. Getting on Proximity has been a goal of mine for a while as well

TRILLVO 

I like that a lot. I’m sure you’re on Proximity’s radar, 110%. What can we expect from you in the next couple months? Should we expect more in the style of The Simulation? Or is there yet another new evolution from Nikademis we can expect?

Nikademis

More originals, collaborations and hopefully a couple of remixes! Overall, more dope music! Somewhat like The Simulation, but things will continue to grow from here. Expect things to get a bit more chordal and melodic, and maybe a curveball every once in a while.

TRILLVO 

I think we’re definitely all ready to hear and see where you’re going. Is there anyone out there that’s special to you that you’d like to show some love to?

Nikademis

As of now I’d love to thank my friends Martin and Chez at Housemania. They’ve been a huge help in promoting these tracks. And also my friend Mike Harris who has helped bring the new vision to life with his dope photo & multimedia skills and advice

TRILLVO 

Aw yeah, shout-out Martin for putting me on The Simulation. I really appreciate you taking some time out of your day to talk with us, you’re a really genuine artist and we’re looking forward to seeing where you go over the next couple years!

Nikademis

Yea! He’s the man. And of course! I appreciate you providing me with the opportunity. Gonna do my best to keep it real and keep providing everyone with some dope tunes!

Check out the rising star on his socials linked below, and make sure to press that play button while you’re browsing!

Connect with Nikademis

Soundcloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter