We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikki Dunlap and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Nikki, what is the most important factor behind your success?
As a music producer and composer, I believe one of the most important factors behind my success has been consistency and diversity. For a long time, I limited myself to creating music within certain genres. However, expanding my creative boundaries and being open to producing whatever genre is necessary for the briefs I receive has truly changed the game for me. This flexibility not only keeps my work fresh and exciting but also allows me to meet a wider range of client needs, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of my brand.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art revolves around music production and composition, where my genuine love for music drives every piece I create. What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to consistency and my ability to embrace diversity in my work. Initially, I confined myself to specific genres, but I soon realized that true creativity lies in versatility. Now, I produce music across a wide array of genres, tailoring my compositions to meet the unique demands of each brief I receive. This approach keeps my work fresh and engaging, allowing me to connect with a broader range of clients and audiences.
I am most proud of my ability to evolve and adapt. Transitioning from a fixed genre mindset to an expansive, genre-fluid approach has been incredibly rewarding. This journey wasn’t easy, as it required stepping out of my comfort zone and continuously pushing the boundaries of my creativity. Overcoming these challenges involved a lot of self-reflection and a willingness to embrace the unknown.
The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable. I’ve learned the importance of staying true to my artistic vision while remaining flexible and open to new ideas. Consistency in delivering quality work, combined with the courage to experiment with different musical styles, has been key to my growth and success.
What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that we are built on a foundation of innovation, adaptability, and a genuine love for music. My story is one of transformation—moving from a constrained, genre-specific approach to a dynamic and versatile musical journey. This ability to adapt and grow has not only defined my career but also allowed me to create music that truly resonates with a diverse audience.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Welcome to Los Angeles
Morning: Start with breakfast at République on La Brea Avenue, renowned for its delicious pastries and vibrant atmosphere.
Afternoon: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and explore its extensive art collections.
Evening: Head to The Grove for some shopping and dining, then catch a movie at the iconic Pacific Theatres at The Grove.
Day 2: Hollywood and Music
Morning: Take a tour of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and visit the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Afternoon: Visit the Grammy Museum to dive into the history of music.
Evening: Enjoy a live music performance at the Hollywood Bowl or The Troubadour.
Day 3: Beach Day at Venice Beach
Morning: Start with a leisurely breakfast at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice.
Afternoon: Spend the day at Venice Beach, enjoying the boardwalk, street performers, and Muscle Beach.
Evening: Have dinner at Gjelina, known for its amazing pizzas and trendy vibe.
Day 4: Art and Culture
Morning: Visit The Getty Center to explore its impressive art collections and beautiful gardens.
Afternoon: Head to The Broad Museum downtown for contemporary art exhibits.
Evening: Dine at Bestia, a popular spot for Italian cuisine in the Arts District.
Day 5: Road Trip to Las Vegas
Morning: Drive to Las Vegas, which takes about four hours.
Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Evening: Enjoy a show, such as Cirque du Soleil, and dine at one of the many world-class restaurants like Joël Robuchon.
Day 6: Las Vegas Fun
Morning: Visit the Neon Museum to see the iconic Las Vegas signs.
Afternoon: Relax by the pool or visit the Mob Museum for some intriguing history.
Evening: Try your luck at the casinos and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Day 7: Return to LA and Relax
Morning: Drive back to Los Angeles.
Afternoon: Relax and unwind at your accommodation.
Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Nobu Malibu with stunning ocean views.
Throughout the Week:
Music Spots: Make sure to visit some iconic music spots like Amoeba Music for vinyl records and The Roxy Theatre for live performances.
Art and Museums: Include visits to MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) and The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.
Movies: Catch a film at the historic Cinerama Dome or the modern Arclight Cinemas.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My sister deserves the biggest shoutout because she has done nothing but support me in every way since the day I started making music. Her unwavering support and dedication to me and my craft is the reason why I am here today.
Website: https://www.nikkidunlap.com
Instagram: @nikkidonthebeat
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkidunlap
Other: TikTok: @nikkidonthebeat