How can U just leave me standing? ...in search of Prince Rogers Nelson.

Raised on the Gospel music of the Clark Sisters, Nik West played the class clown at school, but discovered Prince, and became Rolling Stone magazine's Queen of bassists. Listen in to her Purple, and Cotton Candy, reflections with us.

Episode Summary

"Be everything you are!". These are the words Nik West heard from one of her sisters at a crucial stage in her fledgling music career. By embracing her true personality, Nik West has forged a striking identity, both visually and musically. As well as releasing several albums, she's worked several of her musical inspirations including Larry Graham and Prince. She's been touring worldwide on her Cotton Candy tour this year as a young mother, so we were delighted to catch up with her recently.

Episode Notes

INTRO

2mins - Nik talks about her Cotton Candy World Tour and playing at The Jazz Cafe in London

4mins - Shredding with lead guitarist Joey and why chemistry is so important to the band dynamic

5mins30s - learning guitar from her Dad at an early age

6mins45s - Playing gospel music by the Clark Sisters

9mins30s - Use of bright colours, a distinct visual style and being everything that you are...'the class clown'

11mins - is there a separation between superhero bass player Nik West, and Nik West offstage as a mum and an everyday person?

13mins - How did Nik come to meet (and work with) bass hero - and inventor of slap bass - Larry Graham

14mins30s - Recording with Larry Graham

20mins - Career and playing advice from Larry: valuing space in music, being yourself and letting your tribe find you...

24mins - Supporting George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic!

29mins - Creating a career your way and being very independent in the music industry.

30mins - Black Beauty, working with Dave Stewart from the Eurythmics and auditioning in the music industry.