Livia
12-01-2005, 08:06 PM
http://www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-bin/ae.pl?mode=1&article=article1804.art&page=1
“I’m More Than Just A Singer”: An Interview with American Idol’s Nikki McKibbin
by Gil Sery -- 12/01/2005
Nikki McKibbin placed third in the first season of American Idol. However, differences of opinion as to her genre stalled her musical career. What has she been doing since then? Will she ever release an album? Find out inside.
Foxes On Idol: Your split from 19 Entertainment (after the end of American Idol 1) was well publicized in the press. Briefly, what have you been doing since then?
Nikki McKibbin: Since then I have been working on an album, trying to get a band together, and trying to get everything going.
Foxes: How’s that going?
Nikki: I did have a band together for a little while [called Downside], and now I am actually going to go ahead and do the solo thing. It’s a lot easier to work with one person than five or six when you’re not going in the same direction.
Foxes: It sounds like there’s more to that story.
Nikki:I was working with four really great guys in Downside, but they had not sacrificed and lived through what I have gone through in this process and I just did not feel that everyone was as committed to making this work as I was. As far as I can say, I only have or want to have to be upset with myself if something does not work out. I hate to have to depend on other people who just may not want it as much or as badly as I do.
Foxes: How has being on Idol helped you or hindered you?
Nikki: I think Idol pretty much opened up a lot of great opportunities, a lot of great doors for me. It’s obviously put me in the spotlight where people know who I am and it’s done a lot of great things for my career as far as being a great opportunity.
Foxes: Do you keep in touch with any of your fellow Idol contestants?
Nikki: I keep in touch with RJ and Kelly.
Foxes: How was it reuniting with Ryan Starr on Battle of the Network Reality Stars?
Nikki:I had a great time with Ryan. It was good to see her again.
Foxes: You’ve been on several reality shows since American Idol, like Reality Fear Factor, Battle of the Network Reality Stars, and Kill Reality. Did you do this to keep your name in front of the public for when you release an album?
Nikki: Definitely. I think everything, as an artist, is definitely to keep your name out there in the public eye, but also it’s fun to do different things. It’s a lot of fun to show people that I’m more than just a singer. I can act and I can sing and do other things as well.
Foxes: On Battle of the Network Reality Stars, what was it like to be on a team of outcasts that ended up beating all the other teams?
Nikki: It was pretty funny. It was like reliving American Idol all over again, I think. It was pretty hot. You know, I was always in the Bottom [Three on Idol] and then [on Battle], I got kicked off and came back and made great things of it. Fortunately, there I won.
Foxes: You play a singer on The Scorned, the movie that was filmed on Kill Reality.
Nikki: Yeah
Foxes: How did that come about?
Nikki: I was working with the people at The Fishbowl.com. I worked with them last year, and they called and asked if I wanted to sing in the movie and, of course, I’ll always take opportunity when it comes. Now I have SAG credit for being in movies, which is really nice. I’ve been accepted to the Screen Actors Guild, and it was great; it was a new experience.
Foxes: Do you plan on doing any more reality shows in the future or are you going to concentrate on your music career?
Nikki: I actually just finished shooting one more reality show with Burton Roberts from Survivor [Pearl Islands] hosting it. He’s a very good friend of mine. I’d rather concentrate solely on my music career, but to keep my name out there and keep people aware that that’s what I’m working towards, I think it’s good to show myself on TV here and there.
Foxes: What’s this new show about?
Nikki: It’s another competition, like Battle of the Network Reality Stars. We did a lot of rowing, fun competitions, [and] adventure boot camp. It was a lot of fun.
Foxes: Can you tell us what it’s called?
Nikki: I don’t believe we have a name for it yet. As far as I know it’s called Reality vs. Reality, but I’m not sure if we’re sticking with that name or not.
Foxes: You have many Internet fans who have been waiting patiently for you to release an album, like the one you said you were working on. When will it be released?
Nikki: I’ve been working with Mike Puskas from Astral Records for about six months now. He’s got a lot of great things lined up for me. I just signed with Black Sea Records, an indie label in L.A., We’re hoping to have four maxi singles out by March 2006, and if that goes well, a full album by the end of the year.
Foxes: We know from American Idol that you’re a big Stevie Nicks fan.
Nikki: Yes.
Foxes: Who are some of your other musical influences?
Nikki: I grew up listening mainly to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, but Pat Benatar, Janis Joplin, Janet Jackson, a couple of people you probably wouldn’t expect [in the] country [genre] like Reba McEntire – whom I love.
Foxes: Who would you like to work with on your album, if you were given the choice?
Nikki: Other than Stevie Nicks? (laughs) Gosh, I think it would be fun to do a duet with Kelly [Clarkson] from American Idol, just because she’s one of my best friends. She’s changed a little more of the style of music that I like nowadays.
Foxes: Her new album, Breakaway, is a lot more rock than pop.
Nikki: Yeah, definitely. I love it. I think she’s had a little more handle on what she’s doing lately. She’s more rock ‘n roll girl, and I think people are finding that out, which is awesome, because I knew it all along.
Foxes: Did you write or co-write any of the tracks on the album or the singles?
Nikki: My singles have all been written for me. One of them, “Save What’s Left of Me,” was sent to me from Lester Mendez, who writes for Santana. I’m hoping to help write some of the songs on my album, because I would like people to kind of have a feel for who I am.
Foxes: Is there any chance of you making a guest appearance on American Idol?
Nikki: The opportunity’s been given to me before. I have a standing invitation to perform there and I’d definitely take them up on it when my singles are out.
Foxes: What songs are going to be coming out on your maxi singles?
Nikki: Three that I definitely have recorded that are done and ready to go are “Unleashed”, “Save What’s Left of Me”, and “It Matters to Me.” [That last one] is kind of a ballad so I’m not sure if it’ll make it out. We have one more in the making that is going to be a huge hit.
Foxes: As a Texan, were you or any of your friends or family affected by Hurricane Rita?
Nikki: Not directly, but a lot people are here in hotels and things close to where I live, so I do see a lot of it, especially at work. We are trying to raise money at our bars for the hurricane victims.
Foxes: How are things going with your karaoke company, Angelfire Productions?
Nikki: I’ve pretty much gotten out of the karaoke business, because it’s hard to work on my music and run a karaoke company.
Foxes: Is there an official website where fans can stay up-to-date with you and your career?
Nikki: Yes, it’s nikkimckibbin.com.
Foxes: Thank you, Nikki. Hopefully we’ll see you in the record stores in the near future.
Nikki: Great, thank you so much.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get Concert Tickets, Even for Sold-Out Shows:
INXS
Bo Bice
Marty Casey’s Band, Lovehammers
Clay Aiken
Kelly Clarkson
Gil Sery is a freelance entertainment journalist who loves watching reality TV. You can email him at [email protected].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be sure to sign up for the RealityNewsOnline/FoxesOnIdol e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on both sites! For all of our articles, check out our sections on American Idol, American Juniors, Nashville Star, and Canadian Idol. Also make sure to check out RealityNewsOnline for recaps and articles covering other reality TV shows.
For even more news about reality TV, be sure to check SirLinksALot: American Idol and Reality TV Fever!
“I’m More Than Just A Singer”: An Interview with American Idol’s Nikki McKibbin
by Gil Sery -- 12/01/2005
Nikki McKibbin placed third in the first season of American Idol. However, differences of opinion as to her genre stalled her musical career. What has she been doing since then? Will she ever release an album? Find out inside.
Foxes On Idol: Your split from 19 Entertainment (after the end of American Idol 1) was well publicized in the press. Briefly, what have you been doing since then?
Nikki McKibbin: Since then I have been working on an album, trying to get a band together, and trying to get everything going.
Foxes: How’s that going?
Nikki: I did have a band together for a little while [called Downside], and now I am actually going to go ahead and do the solo thing. It’s a lot easier to work with one person than five or six when you’re not going in the same direction.
Foxes: It sounds like there’s more to that story.
Nikki:I was working with four really great guys in Downside, but they had not sacrificed and lived through what I have gone through in this process and I just did not feel that everyone was as committed to making this work as I was. As far as I can say, I only have or want to have to be upset with myself if something does not work out. I hate to have to depend on other people who just may not want it as much or as badly as I do.
Foxes: How has being on Idol helped you or hindered you?
Nikki: I think Idol pretty much opened up a lot of great opportunities, a lot of great doors for me. It’s obviously put me in the spotlight where people know who I am and it’s done a lot of great things for my career as far as being a great opportunity.
Foxes: Do you keep in touch with any of your fellow Idol contestants?
Nikki: I keep in touch with RJ and Kelly.
Foxes: How was it reuniting with Ryan Starr on Battle of the Network Reality Stars?
Nikki:I had a great time with Ryan. It was good to see her again.
Foxes: You’ve been on several reality shows since American Idol, like Reality Fear Factor, Battle of the Network Reality Stars, and Kill Reality. Did you do this to keep your name in front of the public for when you release an album?
Nikki: Definitely. I think everything, as an artist, is definitely to keep your name out there in the public eye, but also it’s fun to do different things. It’s a lot of fun to show people that I’m more than just a singer. I can act and I can sing and do other things as well.
Foxes: On Battle of the Network Reality Stars, what was it like to be on a team of outcasts that ended up beating all the other teams?
Nikki: It was pretty funny. It was like reliving American Idol all over again, I think. It was pretty hot. You know, I was always in the Bottom [Three on Idol] and then [on Battle], I got kicked off and came back and made great things of it. Fortunately, there I won.
Foxes: You play a singer on The Scorned, the movie that was filmed on Kill Reality.
Nikki: Yeah
Foxes: How did that come about?
Nikki: I was working with the people at The Fishbowl.com. I worked with them last year, and they called and asked if I wanted to sing in the movie and, of course, I’ll always take opportunity when it comes. Now I have SAG credit for being in movies, which is really nice. I’ve been accepted to the Screen Actors Guild, and it was great; it was a new experience.
Foxes: Do you plan on doing any more reality shows in the future or are you going to concentrate on your music career?
Nikki: I actually just finished shooting one more reality show with Burton Roberts from Survivor [Pearl Islands] hosting it. He’s a very good friend of mine. I’d rather concentrate solely on my music career, but to keep my name out there and keep people aware that that’s what I’m working towards, I think it’s good to show myself on TV here and there.
Foxes: What’s this new show about?
Nikki: It’s another competition, like Battle of the Network Reality Stars. We did a lot of rowing, fun competitions, [and] adventure boot camp. It was a lot of fun.
Foxes: Can you tell us what it’s called?
Nikki: I don’t believe we have a name for it yet. As far as I know it’s called Reality vs. Reality, but I’m not sure if we’re sticking with that name or not.
Foxes: You have many Internet fans who have been waiting patiently for you to release an album, like the one you said you were working on. When will it be released?
Nikki: I’ve been working with Mike Puskas from Astral Records for about six months now. He’s got a lot of great things lined up for me. I just signed with Black Sea Records, an indie label in L.A., We’re hoping to have four maxi singles out by March 2006, and if that goes well, a full album by the end of the year.
Foxes: We know from American Idol that you’re a big Stevie Nicks fan.
Nikki: Yes.
Foxes: Who are some of your other musical influences?
Nikki: I grew up listening mainly to Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, but Pat Benatar, Janis Joplin, Janet Jackson, a couple of people you probably wouldn’t expect [in the] country [genre] like Reba McEntire – whom I love.
Foxes: Who would you like to work with on your album, if you were given the choice?
Nikki: Other than Stevie Nicks? (laughs) Gosh, I think it would be fun to do a duet with Kelly [Clarkson] from American Idol, just because she’s one of my best friends. She’s changed a little more of the style of music that I like nowadays.
Foxes: Her new album, Breakaway, is a lot more rock than pop.
Nikki: Yeah, definitely. I love it. I think she’s had a little more handle on what she’s doing lately. She’s more rock ‘n roll girl, and I think people are finding that out, which is awesome, because I knew it all along.
Foxes: Did you write or co-write any of the tracks on the album or the singles?
Nikki: My singles have all been written for me. One of them, “Save What’s Left of Me,” was sent to me from Lester Mendez, who writes for Santana. I’m hoping to help write some of the songs on my album, because I would like people to kind of have a feel for who I am.
Foxes: Is there any chance of you making a guest appearance on American Idol?
Nikki: The opportunity’s been given to me before. I have a standing invitation to perform there and I’d definitely take them up on it when my singles are out.
Foxes: What songs are going to be coming out on your maxi singles?
Nikki: Three that I definitely have recorded that are done and ready to go are “Unleashed”, “Save What’s Left of Me”, and “It Matters to Me.” [That last one] is kind of a ballad so I’m not sure if it’ll make it out. We have one more in the making that is going to be a huge hit.
Foxes: As a Texan, were you or any of your friends or family affected by Hurricane Rita?
Nikki: Not directly, but a lot people are here in hotels and things close to where I live, so I do see a lot of it, especially at work. We are trying to raise money at our bars for the hurricane victims.
Foxes: How are things going with your karaoke company, Angelfire Productions?
Nikki: I’ve pretty much gotten out of the karaoke business, because it’s hard to work on my music and run a karaoke company.
Foxes: Is there an official website where fans can stay up-to-date with you and your career?
Nikki: Yes, it’s nikkimckibbin.com.
Foxes: Thank you, Nikki. Hopefully we’ll see you in the record stores in the near future.
Nikki: Great, thank you so much.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get Concert Tickets, Even for Sold-Out Shows:
INXS
Bo Bice
Marty Casey’s Band, Lovehammers
Clay Aiken
Kelly Clarkson
Gil Sery is a freelance entertainment journalist who loves watching reality TV. You can email him at [email protected].
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Be sure to sign up for the RealityNewsOnline/FoxesOnIdol e-mail update so you can stay informed about new articles on both sites! For all of our articles, check out our sections on American Idol, American Juniors, Nashville Star, and Canadian Idol. Also make sure to check out RealityNewsOnline for recaps and articles covering other reality TV shows.
For even more news about reality TV, be sure to check SirLinksALot: American Idol and Reality TV Fever!