Nik & Sam
, country music’s hottest new duo, may seem like an overnight sensation, but their story has been years in the making. At the age of 10, the sisters began playing traditional country & bluegrass music, with Sam on banjo and Nik on guitar. Within a year, they were wowing audiences in their home state of Arkansas.
Possessing talent far beyond their young age, the girls soon began writing their own music, infusing their individual influences into their style. They have toured extensively opening for artists like Thompson Square, Randy Travis, Little Big Town, Jason Aldean, Phil Vassar, Kellie Pickler and SHeDAISY.
Now, at the age of 20, Nik & Sam’s career continues to pick up speed. The duo is currently playing around the country as they continue to write music and grow their fan base. Atlanta Music Guide took some time to ask Nik & Sam some questions about their fans, their greatest moments and their music. Here’s what they had to say:
What is the strangest thing a fan has done for you?
“A fan gave us a CD, which we thought was music. It was actually a slide show of the fan’s bio, along with slides of us with pink animated hearts around our faces. Not strange at all…Ha.”
What is the funniest moment you have had as an artist/band so far?
“We were getting ready for a pretty big show. A lady promoter already had us nervous about our performance. We were only 15 and we didn’t want to disappoint her. Thirty minutes to show time, she approached us in the green room. As we stood up to greet her, Nikki opened a can of Dr. Pepper and it sprayed all over her formal dress. Great first impression, right?”
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
“Typically we run through our set list and then get oddly quiet…kind of like a recluse, till we hit the stage.”
If you could describe your music in one word, what would it be?
“Expression.”
How do you connect with a crowd?
“We strive to write songs people can relate to; during live shows we move around a lot and sing to the people, not necessarily at them; after the show we will stay and meet as many of them that want to meet us…no matter how late it gets, we’re there until our last fan. We love them!”
How did you come up with your band name?
“We were always called Nik and Sam for short. It was probably easier Nikki and Samantha. When we started playing gigs at age 11, it just seemed natural to use Nik and Sam.”
What is the best way to write music?
“We don’t really have a specific way we write. Sometimes the lyrics come first; sometimes the melody or chord progression is where we start. If we’re in the zone though, it doesn’t matter what time of day it is…we roll with it.”
Make sure you check out Nik & Sam, along with Bonnie Bishop and The Baron Sisters, playing at Eddie’s Attic this Friday, March 29th for BMI’s Girl’s Night Out!
