After grabbing the ear and approval from Grammy Award and Dove Award-winning recording artist Smokie Norful, the group knew they were onto a special breakthrough. From ministering in houses of worship to the stages of historic performing arts venues Nikeo Music is leading an innovative new sound of music.
We all know Gospel music is one of the genres least open to change. Can you all talk about the stigma that comes along with trying to introduce worship hop as a genre?
AP: It’s different! We’ve ministered places and the people loved us. But we have gone to a few churches and people literally got up out of their seats, covered their kid’s ears, and walked out. It’s like wow. Maybe it’s too ‘worldly’ for you?
Unconventionally formed in 2013, the group beams with confidence as they detail their humble beginnings. All members met while pursuing a solo career, Aaron “AP” Pearson and Ishmael “Ish” Rouse a decade ago while studying at the Institute of Audio Research in New York City. Akida Gray and AP a few years after that. Lastly, Tynesha “Tyne” Jackson was introduced to the group by Ish after discussing her interest in lending her voice at their church home, Agape Family Worship Center five years ago.
After coming together for multiple performances as a then collective, the group gained a following quickly. With no idea that the audience would take to them as a unit and having no name pre-selected the group inherited “Nikeo Music” drawing inspiration from member Ish’s record label, Nikeo Music Group.
Now that you’ve shaken off the difficulties of being in a new group such as finding a track that represents everyone. What can fans expect from your sophomore project, 3AM? What was the inspiration behind the album?
AP: We all you know worship worshippers at our church, so we don’t get together until 10 o’clock at night until almost four o’clock in the morning then turn around to go to work at seven o’clock. The whole album came together because we wanted to show people what the grind was about me. Staying up late! You know the kind of sacrifice that comes with making the music.
Akida: It represents the grind, it represents the hustle. It represents the families who have sacrificed along with us. It represents the dream that you’re striving for and chasing after to get to. Everyone has a 3 AM! So we just hope this album will speak to that.
Check out Nikeo Music’s new music video for their latest single, “Empty” directed by Austin Hein Productions below.
Nikeo Music’s new album 3 AM will be available for purchase where all e-music is sold very soon. Be sure to connect with the group on your favorite social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.
