Jakarta-born singer-songwriter and producer NIKI achieved a significant milestone on May 29th with her late-night TV debut in the US as a musical guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. With this performance, NIKI became the first Indonesian artist to ever perform on the show in its 20+ year history.
Performing “Too Much Of A Good Thing”, the lead single from her upcoming third studio album Buzz, NIKI captivated the audience with her mesmerizing vocals and dynamic stage presence alongside her live band.
This appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! marks a historic moment not only for NIKI herself but also for the global representation of Indonesian artists on the international stage.
“Too Much Of A Good Thing”, released on May 3rd, is a flirty track infused with sardonic, all-too-honest lyrics that effortlessly convey the feelings that come with having a new crush. Set to sinewy bass guitar and a steady beat, NIKI starts off by professing,“Well, you look like you’re gonna break my heart /and I look like a tough shot in the dark on a good day.” The song is notably co-produced with NIKI’s friend and producer Ethan Gruska, who previously penned songs with the likes of Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver, Kimbra, and more.
NIKI’s upcoming album Buzz , slated for release on August 9th, reverberates with the hard-earned wisdom of a young woman who charges dauntlessly towards her dreams — but can still spare a laugh if she stumbles. Enlisting producers who had worked with her favorite contemporary singer-songwriters such as Tyler Chester, who’d captured tracks with Madison Cunningham and Sara Bareilles; she also recruited Ethan Gruska, who counts Fiona Apple and Phoebe Bridgers as collaborators, what surfaced in the album’s wake was a collection of warm, stirring folk-rock songs, which crackle and flare like a bonfire between close confidantes.