Czech artist Veronika Boráková performs under the name NIKA – and she’s a conservatory-trained pianist and singer. Her new single “I Deserve To Be Calm” will remind listeners of all-time greats like Kate Bush, Norah Jones and Tori Amos.
“I Deserve To Be Calm” chronicles the emotional healing that took place after another artist heaped scorn on NIKA’s work for no apparent reason. Many artists never recover from a savage attack like that, but NIKA turned the hurt into an uplifting, radiant song.
Thanks to her resilient spirit, it wouldn’t surprise me if NIKA starts headlining concerts in Europe and the U.S. after the release of her second album Elsewhere next spring.
Was the video for “I Deserve To Be Calm” shot in Ostrava and the surrounding countryside?
Yes, the music video was shot right in the city centre of my hometown Ostrava. The countryside parts were shot in Ostrava-Klímkovice. It was a very cold yet still sunny day, so running around barefoot in a light dress was a bit of a challenge for me, but I’m grateful it visually worked out so well in the end.
What prompted you to write “I Deserve To Be Calm”? What life events led you to write it?
Right after I finished writing the song I wrote this in my lyrics diary: “This song comes from a deep feeling of realizing you are not what others make you feel you are, no matter how hard they try. Healing from self-doubt after somebody tore your work to pieces. Understanding their actual motives and complexes. Letting their hatred go and finding peace within yourself again. I am whole. I am not defined by the actions of those who were overcome by jealousy. I heal my heart. I heal my soul. I deserve to be calm.”
In a nutshell, I wrote the song after I was devastated by another artist’s way of acting and speaking towards (and about) me after our paths crossed. They were older, much more experienced than me and still they chose to spread hate and jealousy over someone younger just because that someone is able to write music and gets opportunities, too (at a young age). It really pushed me to the ground at the time – especially because before this incident I viewed this artist as an inspiration. But after a few days of crying and doubting my skills, I chose to understand that I was not going to let this ruin me emotionally and I wanted to spread the words to others who might be going through something similar. I think everyone, non-artist equally, has been through something like this and it could resonate with anyone. It is truly one of the most personal songs I have ever written.
I hear some Norah Jones qualities in your music. Who were your favorite artists growing up?
What a wonderful simile, thank you so much. I think I was always open to mixing multiple genres – as a listener and a composer. Since I grew up as a classical musician (started playing the piano at the age of 4, started composing at 6, classical singing later etc.) and then I even studied classical composition at a conservatory, the classical music has always played a big part in my music taste. On the other hand, my dad always played us rock and folk music on the radio. And later I fell in love with jazz and soul. I think my top-ever artists are Esperanza Spalding, Björk, Chick Corea, Czech singer Dan Bárta, Aurora, Jacob Collier, a Czech band called Vltava and Erykah Badu.
Your singing and piano work are fabulous! Do you ever do studio session work for other artists?
Thank you very much! I very rarely work with other artists, but I’d love to change that in the future!
Your 2022 album Flesh & Soul had eleven great songs, including my favorite “Suddenly”. Will you be releasing a new album next year?
I will and I’m extremely excited about it. My second album will be released on March 18, 2025. It’s called Elsewhere and in contrast to my first, more intimate album, the second one is a bit more “out there” (hence the name, hehe). I am using bigger sounds, more vocal harmonies, more percussion and sometimes synths. When it comes to the lyrics, I’m opening up about more personal things with fewer metaphors. I feel like I don’t have to hide behind words that much anymore. It’s overall just a bit more open to the listener, yet still a riddle in many ways. I can’t wait for you to hear it!
