5 Songs I Love w/ Niki Dawson

Following the release of her latest single 'No Car', Flex caught up with Singer-songwriter, producer, and digital artist Niki Dawson to find out more about what influences her alt-R&B sound. If you enjoyed Niki's picks, be sure to check out 'No Car' at the end of the article.

1. I Feel for You - Chaka Khan

This was one of the first Pop songs I came across to combine Funk, Soul, and Hip-Hop.  

Chaka's stellar vocals, Stevie Wonder on harmonica, The artist formally known as Prince was producing, and Grandmaster Melle Met were all rolled up into this infectious dance track. The synth textures and electronic drums gave such epic waves of musical genius. It inspired me to not only push the boundaries with blending genres, but to remember to create things that move me. So I can dance like nobody's watching 

2. SEE YOU AGAIN - Tyler, The Creator

I became a Tyler fan late in the game after hearing this song from one of my favorite albums by him. 'Flower Boy' felt like an evolution of his sound that made you feel an array of emotions. When I heard the lyrics,"I Wonder if you look both ways when you cross my mind" and I was hooked! Fans of his work wouldn't expect anything less from his raw lyricism, stacked vocals, and ethereal like synth choices. This song gave ballad-like valleys and hype peaks, all coexisting harmoniously in a track. Sonically elevating what we've come to know as hip-hop. Making it more intricate and complex than its stereotypical confines.

3. Get Up - Amel Larrieux

This song was such a big deal to me as a kid! Hearing indie Neo Soul Queen Amel for the first time, in the car with my dad changed my life. It was the uplifting message of not staying defeated, mixed with Jazz infused notes and pockets. So unique in its entirety, along with the experimental music video. Never had seen or heard anything like it! This song was from her debut solo work, before she paved the uncharted path for independent artists. Prioritizing her creative freedom over the major labels restrictive marketing suggestions, and changed directions. Launching her own label with her partner. I learned early on through her interviews how important your intellectual property and having creative control is. Much appreciation, and love to her and her art

4. The Ghost of You - My Chemical Romance

Yes, I'm an MCR fan! And this song captured my inner emo kid, just trying to figure myself out. From their sophomore album that went 3x platinum, this song made me realize how dramatizing vocals in annunciation and delivery can take a good song to great. The lead singer Gerard Way, makes you feel engulfed in emotions of longing as the song builds in intensity. Beautifully emoting the heaviness behind loss.

5. Shaolin Monk Motherfunk - Hiatus Kaiyote

Last, but certainly not least is a song from a talented band that gave me goosebumps when I first heard it. I remember surrendering to the audible journey as you had no idea where they were taking the music on first listen. Learning that this song, was one of their first tunes written together as a band. I listened to Nai Palm's timeless vocals and double entendre lyricism cascade over a layered wall of synth textures & unique sounds. I was inspired by the rule breaking sections. No usual verse, chorus, verse, bridge. They just did what felt authentic and good for the song. Seamlessly transitioning each section met with a surprising twist.  This album and band was a breath of fresh air as a music lover/maker. And definitely earned a spot on my top fave.

Listen to Niki Dawson 'No Car'