Nik Rael is known for music and lyrics that come from his soul. The Los Angeles native currently resides in New Jersey, but not before living in Pennsylvania, where you could find him singing in the choir, participating in drama club productions, and forming a band of his own in college.
Although he grew up listening to The Beatles and feasting on his musician father's incredible record collection from 60's and 70's rock to pop, soul, and jazz, his favorite singers are soul singers, including Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles and Sam Cooke.
Through the classic passion throughout each melodic note in his latest single, "Medicine Man," Nik Rael emanates to us in a personal song about rebirth, new beginnings, and the possibility of new love.
Many tenors embrace the organic approach of live instrumentation and the velvety truths classic rock and Americana beholds. Every artistic element blends seamlessly together as the entirety of "Medicine Man" carries forth the robust experiences shared by Nik Rael in an uncanny storytelling fashion. He states, "I got the idea to have a song called, "Medicine Man" because I'm named after my mother's grandfather, a Cherokee Indian medicine man. My first name, Nikolaz, is my mother's phonetic spelling of his name's pronunciation. It emphasizes the second syllable, but I always go by Nik. I originally had this grand concept for the song about being a medicine man and the magical and spiritual implications."
Nik Rael's wistful croons wrap you in the warmth of authenticity as he pulls you deeper into his world through the themes this feel-good record dissects. You can't help but fixate your attention on the amalgamation of musicality that forms the beloved foundation upon which Rael's poignant messaging rests. Produced by Todd Mihan and recorded in his home studio Hyde Park, NY, this collaborative effort blows us out of the water as Rael's contributions remain in the songwriting, acoustic guitar, vocals, and percussion, while Mihan's are with the drums, bass, lead guitar and mandolin keys.
Divulging the nature of the journey and his determination to see what life has in store for him, "Medicine Man" is a record that offers a nostalgic yet refreshing twist on the road to our destiny.
Welcome to BuzzMusic, Nik Rael! We can't stop listening to your latest release, "Medicine Man." With such a nostalgic approach to your music, what inspires you to hone in on that sound in the new age of mainstream sounds?
I don't see my approach as nostalgic, but I admit I prefer organic music performed by live musicians. Having my head on a laptop all day to create a song doesn't appeal to me. I like to feel the music in my body and soul. I think that's why I love the acoustic guitar so much - the sound comes from the fingers and the wood and steel strings of the guitar itself, not some digital plug-in or sample. More than anything, I'm a live performer and tend to take a performance approach when I record.
Throughout this record, you pour your heart into themes of rebirth, new beginnings, and the possibility of new love. Are there any experiences in particular that sparked the creation of this track?
Well, it's just a time for rebirth and new beginnings for me. I've recently gone through a painful divorce, and it's been a very difficult year. But with giant changes, there are opportunities—a chance at a new life and love. It's a whole new world for me, so I'm embracing that and all that might come my way. It's exciting.
Have you found that your songwriting has adapted through the various places you've lived? What stands out the most from L.A to New Jersey?
I feel like I've taken LA with me everywhere I've gone. I think LA is stamped on me. My parents were hippies in LA, went to the Monterey Pop Festival, and saw Hendrix. This was the home I was born into. Then we moved east, and NJ and NYC have made their marks on me. I'm certainly an east-coaster now. This is my home. I love living in New Jersey: the beautiful changes in the seasons, the hustle and bustle. I think I've gotten my artistic musician approach to life from LA and my parents. From my life in NJ and NYC, I've added some toughness and some grit, which is necessary to get by around here.
When crafting personal songs that dip into vivid lyricism, do you find it easy or difficult to transport yourself back to the moment you endured those feelings?
Felling the emotions from anything is easy for me. I'm a very emotional person. However, I often find that during the songwriting process, I feel somewhat detached. It's usually later on, after the song is complete that the personal impact of what I have written will hit me. I'll hear back a lyric, and suddenly, my eyes will tear up. Everything I write is personal. It all has significant meaning for me, or I wouldn't commit to it. I don't do light-hearted lyrics. Even the fun songs, like '81 Ford Granada, are emotional for me - every word in that song is accurate. It's a silly story about a car, but it's my life story - at least it was at the time. Generally, my lyrics are a direct window to my heart. It's all there: If you want to know me, listen to my lyrics.
What do you hope your audience takes away from the message of "Medicine Man?"
Wherever you are in life, a new beginning is possible. I'm looking for a new love in Medicine Man, but most importantly, I'm looking to find someone to help heal. I'm looking to find someone who needs me. We've all been beaten up and betrayed. I guess the message is, "Let's heal together - it's going to be a blast."