Nikisha Reyes Pile

My mother tells me that I started singing seriously from the age of 5. As I grew up and continued to develop as a singer, I knew that I wanted a career in music. Before I entered High school, I used to write my own songs with my sisters. Once in school, I had many opportunities to hone both singing and song writing skills, taking part in concerts and competitions.

When I was 15, I learnt how to produce my own music, which was a huge step up from just writing lyrics and finding melodies on the piano. My first fully produced song was called "Fell in Love", and was created for my Music GCSE coursework, which contributed to my final grade "A*". From there I continued to develop my skills and went on to study a National Diploma in Music Practice.

There are many artists that influence my work. I like being versatile, and naturally I gain inspiration from various sources, whilst trying to maintain originality. Artists such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, Influence my vocal style and preference most particularly in ballads. Growing up in church, I was naturally influenced by Gospel music, and singers such as Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin & Nu nation, CeeCee Winans and Whitney Houston, they all continue to inspire me. In terms of contemporary peers, I also consider Brandy, Faith Evans, Christina Aguilera and Beyonce as influences.

As for Pop music, I have always loved Michael Jackson, and Madonna.

Being Trinidadian I have a huge catalogue of musical influences that comes from the Caribbean, including soca, reggae and Latin music. Predominately Trinidad, where I was born. Artists such as Machel Montano, Denise Belfon Zoelah and Alyson Hinds. I love soca and believe as a musical form, demonstrates hedonism, raw power and a sexual confidence

The list of my influences continue to grow just as musical growth does. I prize myself on being versatile, and to maintain that, I have to allow others to influence me. Its often a challenge and it makes my love for music grow even more.