A Breeze of Zephyr: Niki's Melodic Tapestry
In anticipation of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, I am excited to delve into one of my favorite artists of all time: Indonesian singer-songwriter Nicole Zefanya, more widely known as Niki. Niki’s debut EP, “Zephyr,” was released almost six years ago on May 23, 2018, and coincidently during AAPI month too. "Zephyr" embodies the intricate feelings of desolation, longing, and introspection in romantic relationships.
Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, Niki was the first female artist to be signed onto 88rising, a record label consisting of predominantly Asian/Asian American artists. In an interview with The Forty-Five in 2022, her relationship with the Asian American community wasn’t fully realized until she joined 88rising; however, her deep immersion into the culture caused her to move to Los Angeles and she “never looked back.” Now, she is currently based in Los Angeles.
Though I am a fan of her latest tracks, such as “Keeping Tabs” and “Backburner” released in 2022, my heart always returns to “Zephyr,” my favorite album of hers to date. “Zephyr” exudes a gentle breeze of contemporary R&B and soul, incorporating a seamless fusion of sultry production, classic R&B, and thoughtful lyrics exploring the complexities of relationships. The album’s title, a word derived from the Greek god of the west wind, Zephyrus, has its airy characteristics emulated throughout all eight tracks.
In an interview with NME in 2018 following the release of “Zephyr,” Niki spoke candidly about being an Asian female musician. “I’ve taken on almost this responsibility to set up a platform for Asian females, because we’re very underrepresented racially, in the media and in pop culture,” she said. Niki’s achievements as an Asian woman in music, being the only female headliner at the Head in the Clouds Festival in August 2019, deeply resonate with me. As a Chinese American woman with a passion for music mixing and production, I admire Niki’s dedication to writing and producing her own music, and I look up to her as a guiding light in the industry.
In “Newsflash!”, the first track on the album, Niki confronts her lover with his inability to commit, bluntly suggesting him to go burden someone else. “Say My Name” dives into Niki’s longing for affirmation from her lover, taking the form of hearing her name spoken. The next track, “Friends,” takes an entirely different route, exposing the harsh reality of “friend-zoning” and crossing boundaries.
"Spell" will enchant listeners with its dreamy ambiance, capturing the essence of longing as doubts cast a spell upon a lover's broken heart. “Vintage” shines as an upbeat pop-R&B track, reminiscing on a previous relationship as vintage yet unforgettable. Layered synths, as well as kicks and snares, are all present on this jazzy and 90s-esque R&B track.
“Dancing with the Devil,” my ultimate standout track, brims with lust, passion, and the melancholy realization of being blind to a toxic lover. Unapologetic about it (literally), Niki compares her infatuation to dancing with the devil — a stark contrast to her next track “Pools,” where she questions why her lover allows her to linger wistfully. The EP draws a close with “Around,” acknowledging Niki’s love in a labyrinthine nature, submerged with enduring love and affection.
All eight tracks in “Zephyr” play gracefully, akin to unwrapping a new treasure, one by one. Indeed, the number eight, symbolizing good fortune in Indonesian culture, holds its auspicious nature true through the magnificence of this album. The choice of eight tracks for Niki’s debut seems intentional; as the pioneer female artist of 88rising, it is reasonable to assume that the number 8 holds significant meaning for her. However, though Niki embraces her Asian identity, her messages and artistry can be deeply appreciated by anyone who has faced trials and tribulations with love. In echoing the sentiment of my favorite song “Dancing with the Devil,” you won’t commit a crime bigger than given’ [listening to Zephyr] up. Happy almost-AAPI month!