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Photo: Yudo Kurita

Jakarta-born, LA-based singer-songwriter and producer NIKI kicks off 2024 with the release of a beautiful, ornately crafted quarter-life crisis in the form of "24." The incredibly intimate song points towards a new era for the 88 Rising darling, blending all the things that have made her an international favorite, from brilliant lyrics to outstanding melodic sensibilities that give listeners the warmth and comfort of home. 

The single, which NIKI co-produced with Grammy-nominated producers Tyler Chester and James Krausse, opens with the artist playing her guitar as rich string arrangements, brought to life by multi-instrumentalist Rob Moose, buzz in the background. Her honeyed vocals reflect on growing up and the life she thought she would live, complete with a dog, garden, and picturesque house. As the tapestry of sound weaves around her, she also mulls over the things in her life that have made her content, confidently yet sweetly declaring, "That's enough for me right now anyway at 24."

"'24' was heavily inspired by Joni Mitchell's performance of 'Both Sides Now' at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival," shares NIKI. "I came across that performance and was so unbelievably moved by it, it brought me to tears immediately. I felt struck by some lightning bolt of inspiration and just ran to my studio and picked up my guitar, and out flowed the words to '24.' The song is essentially my attempt at synthesizing my early twenties and the many humbling things I have learned up to this point in my life—namely, learning to embrace nuance and the idea that life is rarely ever dichotomous. Everyone can be many things at once. Of the many takeaways I've gathered since turning 24, I think that's the most freeing one."

In just one year, NIKI has amassed over 2.1 billion streams worldwide following the release of her highly lauded 2022 album Nicole, taking the world by storm throughout 2023 and earning the hearts of millions. She also made her NPR Tiny Desk debut, embarked on a global sold-out tour spanning North America, Asia, Europe, and Australia, and honored the stage of numerous music festivals with her presence, giving vibrant performances to the stages of Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and headlining slots at Head in the Clouds NYC and LA. On top of all those incredible achievements, she also released her first live album, Live at the Wiltern. With the release of "24," NIKI is poised and ready to ascent to new heights and take on whatever 2024 may throw her way.

Watch the "24" lyric video below: