Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Briar.
Hi Nikki , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a 16 year touring CMA country rock recording artist from NJ. I am an army wife, married for 17 years, we have 4 beautiful children (ages 2, 5, 8 and 9) and we have 9 cats and 1 dog.
I started singing at 18 months and music is how I learned how to talk! My father was a touring jazz / swing / pop drummer and my mom played piano. My first instrument was piano in elementary school but drums/ percussion was my favorite. I was the first female drummer for our middle school band and I started guitar during that time from my uncle who was an amazing guitarist. I did musical theater, modeling, dance, anything you can think of because performing arts was in my blood from the start. Living close to NYC helped give me so much exposure to the creative world, awesome on and off Broadway stages, theaters, great teachers and schools, agencies etc. And although I grew up on r&b, pop and jazz, once I heard Shania, Leanne Rimes and Garth Brooks in middle school, I knew my calling was for country music in which I would create my own sub genre style of country rock/pop. I also knew the importance music and creativity had on my childhood so I went to college for music and education and taught music and general ed for 10 years before becoming a full time touring musician and mother. I knew God’s plan for me was to share music, entertain people and be a mother, I am truly blessed and grateful I can juggle both and have been able to for 16 years. My husband had his deployments and the distance was difficult, but music got me thru it. My first country single A SOLDIER’S PRINCESS was cowritten with a friend from NJ/Nashville in 2009. It was amazing to travel to Tennessee for the first time to record, perform, do various radio interviews and be a tourist all at the same time! It taught me how to perform as a soloist with just my guitar and to be able to grab the attention of a audience as if I was with my full 5 piece band back home in NJ. I learned alot in 16 years and I still am which is awesome! I’ve had the honor of performing and touring with many incredible national acts, selling and creating over 20 originals that have been on various radio stations, doing TV appearances, and making people smile, sing and dance! I professionally sing the national anthem for all events and arenas, my favorite being MONSTER JAM! This fall I am releasing 3 new songs, including a beautiful song I wrote for my daughter called My Baby Girl, which follows the release of my song MAMA’S BOY which I wrote for my 3 boys. I have a few new musical projects I’m working on as well including releasing country Christian music and songs/poetry for children. Music and creative writing were huge for my development and I teach my children that having music, God and animals in your life are essential in becoming a loving, gentle person.
My talented band, the SweetBriar Band, and I travel yearly and I do over 200 shows. My husband and children are my biggest fans and come to most shows and I simply couldn’t do it without their love and support. Balancing motherhood and traveling musician / recording artist can get tricky involving lots of planning and never enough hours or days, but my goal is to make sure everyone’s needs are met and that includes my passion for music. So from late nights recording and performing to early morning school runs, ballet classes and karate, I love the chaos and couldn’t have imagined this life any other way. My husband Angelo has always been my inspiration and motivation since day 1, he believed in me, took me to shows and auditions, drove me from Nashville to Ohio, Illinois, Florida, West Virginia back to NJ during our 16 years of touring, he educated himself all about stage sound and lighting and invested in the most wonderfully professional equipment over the years. It’s wonderful to have a companion that not only supports my passion but decided to nurture it and assist, we make a great team!
I am excited for what the future holds and at the same time I enjoy taking one day at a time………
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Struggles have been the hustle from day 1, keeping the momentum up especially during 4 pregnancies. I was blessed to be able to successfully perform up to my 8th month of pregnancy with all 4 children and slowly return to the stage a month after each. It pushed my body and mind but music is what I needed, during deliveries, surgeries, numerous health issues and hospital stays. It took a huge toll on my body and I’m still recovering but every obstacle makes you stronger. So health is always a concern and again making sure I meet the needs of our family while performing and traveling and balancing motherhood and music. We’ve made it work and it gets easier in time, my husband and I are a great team and that’s why it works!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m definitely most proud of balancing both being a mother and traveling musician. Finding a solution to a problem or an obstacle involves alot of love, patience and team work. My kids love music and traveling with us but of course they have their social lives and activities so we work hard on scheduling and lots of planning. My parents and in laws are a tremendous help and support system as well!
I’ve also become much more confident in my songwriting so it’s so fun to get random inspirations and writing a song literally in the moment! Either from waking up in the middle of the night with an idea to writing songs in my truck or on the beach, it’s amazing how the mind works and what triggers creativity and inspiration. I’ve seen many interviews where taylor swift discusses her songwriting methods and many times it’s waking up with an idea, recording a quick melody or lyric and going back to sleep, and it’s true!
What sets me apart from others aside from my lifestyle is probably my musical style. Incorporating country rock and pop into my music and also creating a few bluegrass pop originals have been so much fun! The thing about being a musician (and a gemini!) is that I’m very diverse! I love everything! My dream duet is with Kenny Chesney and Michael Buble! It’s fun to create something true to me but also color outside the lines at times and experiment!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I look forward to what’s to come and any changes or challenges that may occur. I’ve had many challenges over the 16 years of doing this so I’m ready for anything! During covid many performances and concerts we’re canceled, but I kept busy and connected to fans doing weekly virtual shows and outdoor performances until everything was resolved, so my outlook is staying focused and connected.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nikkibriar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikki_briar_official
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkibriar
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nikkibriar1
- Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0r3pql7t2MbDLC8FyZsMn1
- Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/nikkibriar
