PREMIERE: Imani Nichele - Quin (Single) + 10 Questions
Picture Credit: SPORT CAST
With her debut project set to release this Spring, Chicago-based artist Imani Nichele premieres her new single “‘Quin”. On the self-produced track, the 23-year old takes her listeners on a spacey, magical voyage. “I felt friendless when I created this record”, she says. “‘Quin much like the project I’m working on feels like a loose affirmation of my inner world. The gaudy, the pure, and the cynical.”
Imani Nichele is a Chicago-based poet, rapper, singer/songwriter & DJ. Born and raised in Detroit, MI – her work has diverse influences on spectrums between alternative, folk and underground Hip-Hop.
During her teenage years, she was active in poetry workshops and even wrote a book at the age of 17. After excelling in the community and serving as the 2018 Detroit Youth Poet Laureate – she began to pursue music and released her 4-track EP, WELLNESS CHECK in 2022. In addition to being a solo artist, she is co-founder of DJ duo 22xS under the alias “Mani duh Mixer”. Aside from her marrying melancholic melodies, the young artist has also toured; traveling overseas and US spot dates. Currently, Imani is working on a new project with more show dates to be announced soon.
Imani Nichele sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I think I've always been connected to music, the way it weaves itself throughout daily life. Coffee shops, social gatherings, even spilling out of car windows while commuting. and How it stays with you–even if only the melodies linger and you can't recall the words. There is something deeply connective about sounds, I think now my desire is to articulate, and then immortalize my headspaces–and ultimately myself as a whole.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
The first band that comes to mind is Daughter– It'd be cool to write for/with them. But for a rapid list I'd say: Quelle Chris, Willow, JID, Dijon and Carrtoons.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Im working on a mixtape. No solid info yet, but expect to be submerged.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I do so much so this is a hard question. Id say Perpetually genre adjacent–off kitler and even calmative? I think I am very good at creating “Mood Music” though the mood is always shifting.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Definitely having my debut single being featured on Apple Music 1. It confirmed for me that my talent was outwardly identifiable, and if I want any level of success I can have it if I keep showing up.
Picture Credit: SPORT CAST
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Just be honest with yourself, and everything else will follow.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Immediately– Benjamin Earl Turner, and Jay Cinema. Both are doing very good work.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I'm sort of living in the past lately. Hmm–Ill do top 3: Aquamarine by Willie the Kid, Yesterday’s Tomorrow by Phony Ppl, and Atlantis by K-OS.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
When i’m not creating– Im loving, feeling, grieving, and observing. I think that simple balance is necessary as an artist. We need input for good output.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Water, Tea, and my Phone.