Lina Nikol - I Don’t Mind (Single) + 10 Questions
London based singer songwriter Lina Nikol returns with "I Don't Mind", a heartfelt neo-soul/R&B ballad exploring the tension between falling in love and protecting yourself from past heartbreak. Produced by Baker Aaron (ENNY, Kadeem Tyrell, Collard), the track pairs warm '90s R&B influences with a modern neo-soul sound, drawing comparisons to H.E.R., Alex Isley and Sinead Harnett.
Built around understated vulnerability, "I Don't Mind" captures the quiet hesitation that comes with opening up after you've been hurt before, making for an intimate and relatable listen.
Lina Nikol has steadily established herself as one of London's rising neo-soul voices, having opened for PJ Morton, performed at TEDx London, and earned support from BBC Radio 1, BBC 1Xtra, Jazz FM and Spotify editorial playlists including New Music Friday UK.
Lina Nikol sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I grew up mainly in Norway, listening to my parents performing. I was very little and I would stay in some corner until 2-3 AM sometimes, falling asleep under the sounds of my mom's voice and my dad's guitar. They would buy CDs of Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and I think it was inevitable to fall in love with music.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Aside from the legends I grew up with - Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, etc. other big artists that shaped my taste are Beyonce, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan, D'Angelo.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I'm working on an EP. It's been a while since I've released music and I decided I'll take my time and not rush the process. In real life, I'm literally going through a "new beginning" if I may say so and I want that to translate into the music as well, so I'm discovering ways to do it - whether it would be through the lyrics, the sound. But it's coming together and I'm really happy.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I would describe it as the sweet spot between traditional R&B/Soul and modern Neo-Soul - warm, very personal and emotional.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I would say - the biggest leap of faith I have taken - moving to London. I did that entirely on my own - barely knowing anyone, no close friends or relatives, no one moving with me, figuring it out all by myself, and at the same time navigating the music scene as an artist. Sometimes I don't even realise how brave that was until I mention it to someone and see their reaction. I've been really lucky to connect with some amazing people here and I'm looking forward to what's coming next.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Focus on yourself, trust your gut, do the work and don't take too seriously the bad stuff that happens. This is a tough industry and you have to have thick skin. Make sure to believe in yourself and stay true to your art - that's what will pay off at the end.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I've been listening to Lekan, Mack Keane and Gabriel Jacoby a lot.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Tori Kelly - "God Must Really Love Me"
Alex Isley - "When the city sleeps"
Brandy - "Full Moon"
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
A lot of things - love exploring new cool restaurants/coffee shops, catching up with friends, playing tennis, taking nice long walks, travelling to new places. And as of recently, apparently I am a fan of Murder Mystery Games lol.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Phone/laptop or notebook to write lyrics down, good coffee and comfy clothes.
