Kendra Erika’s “I’m Nice Till I’m Not” Blends Vintage Glamour With Modern EDM Power

Kendra Erika is back with her boldest statement yet in “I’m Nice Till I’m Not”, an unapologetic anthem that fuses flapper-era attitude with high-energy EDM firepower. Known for her cinematic vocals and five Billboard Top Ten dance hits, including the #1 smash “Self-Control”, Erika once again proves why she is a standout voice in today’s dance and electronic music scene.

The track takes inspiration from the spirit of a 1920s New Orleans speakeasy, dripping with vintage glamour and jazz-club elegance. Erika’s sultry vocal delivery channels the allure of a bygone era while the production catapults it into the modern age with a driving beat built for the dance floor. The result is intoxicating: part old-Hollywood noir, part late-night festival energy.

At its heart, “I’m Nice Till I’m Not” is about empowerment and boundaries. Erika captures the duality of being approachable, kind, and graceful, while knowing when to stand firm and claim your power. The song’s lyrics and delivery radiate confidence, reminding listeners that strength and elegance can coexist. It is a celebration of feminine resilience, wrapped in a glamorous, club-ready package.

The music video, filmed at the legendary Capo’s Restaurant in Las Vegas, visually mirrors the song’s sonic duality. Erika steps into a mobster-era dreamscape of smoky backrooms and vintage aesthetics, embodying the elegance and grit of a woman who refuses to be underestimated. The moody visuals and stylish direction elevate the track’s cinematic qualities, creating a full sensory experience that is as glamorous as it is defiant.

Beyond the music itself, Erika continues to build her global impact. With more than two million views on “Body Language”, multiple Billboard chart successes, and recognition as a Goodwill Ambassador to China by the Hollywood Global Film Festival, she is cementing her place as not just an artist but an international presence.

“I’m Nice Till I’m Not” is more than a dance track. It is a declaration that kindness is strength, and that setting boundaries is its own kind of elegance. For fans of dance music with soul, style, and substance, Kendra Erika’s latest release is a must-hear.

"I'm Nice Till I'm Not" draws from vintage speakeasy vibes. What first inspired you to fuse that aesthetic with EDM?

I had already been transitioning from EDM to my roots in jazz, old Hollywood, and the classics. Ever since I remade "Phantom of the Opera" in 2019, I've wanted to fuse the two worlds.

Following this, they went on to do a Broadway remake of "As Long As You're Mine" from Wicked in 2021, and then recreated "Witchcraft" by Frank Sinatra in 2023. My soul yearned to make a homecoming, to set me apart from the rest. 

How did filming at Capo's in Las Vegas help bring the story of the track to life?

The walls are adorned with figures from the industrial, Great Depression, Prohibition, and flapper eras. From gangsters, actors, singers, and entertainers alike, you see faces that represent that time, and it really is like a night at the museum. The walls definitely could speak. And, not only was it about the visuals on the walls, but also the way Capo's is set up and designed, it does such an excellent job at conserving that sense of authenticity. It's not a place where you "can see where they were going", but a place where you feel immersed in that world that "I'm Nice Till I'm Not" pays homage to. 

You balance grace and power in this song. How does that duality reflect your own journey as an artist?

Thank you for those very kind words. It reflects how, over the years, I've managed to stay away from a lot of the damaging hyper-feminist trends and ways of viewing the world. One can still have grace with power and have power with grace. It doesn't need to be a total overtake of iron-clad power in your disposition, and it doesn't mean you have to be a total wallflower either. Knowing and mastering those levels is very important in that outlook. 

Your music often blends cinematic storytelling with dance production. What excites you about pushing those boundaries?

What excites me is that there are no rules about it. Commercially, there are rules, but in the world that I live in, there are none. And, I've always been such a big fan of those who fuse genres and styles. I think the first inspiration behind that was this group, Nova Era, that I saw in Epcot at Disney when I was a child. 

They adorned themselves in baroque, Victorian-style dress and white wigs, and they played this style of music that was a convergence of both classical and modern pop. It was really intriguing, even to me at such a young age. My mom got their CD and played it during every dinner party she ever had. So, blending the two worlds and sounds has been instilled in me since those young years. 

What can fans expect from the exclusive merch drop tied to this single?

Lots of fun pieces that are comfortable, useful, and quite sporty to wear and use throughout the day. Check them out! https://shop.kendraerika.com/shop