Hello music lovers! I’ve got an awesome interview lined up for you all with the incredibly talented POLI NIKA. If you haven’t heard her latest indie-pop gem “Down to Earth” yet, you’re seriously missing out.
This Lisbon-based artist is the real deal – her music just oozes vulnerability, honesty and an emotional rawness that hits you right in the feels. For “Down to Earth,” she teamed up with Canadian songwriter Liz Rodrigues to craft a stunning track blending heartfelt piano chords with these lush, evocative orchestral arrangements. And POLI’s vocals? Sublime doesn’t even begin to describe it.
In our chat, POLI got candid about her whole musical journey – from falling in love with singing and piano as a kid to the inspirations that shape her artistry today. We really dug into her creative ethos and how she channels vulnerability into her songs, celebrating the courage it takes to be that open and emotionally expressive.
POLI laid it all out there – the highs and lows that fuel her inspiration, the role music played in her early years, and the iconic artists who influenced her path along the way. It’s a testament to her resilience, authenticity and her drive to forge human connections through her music.
If you want to get to know the depth behind POLI NIKA’s sound and artistic vision, hear her hopes for the future, and the heartfelt message she wants to share with fans, you’ve gotta tune into this one. Her story is powerful, her talent is undeniable, and her spirit is truly something special. Get ready to be inspired!
Listen to Down to Earth
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What is your stage name?
POLI NIKA
Is there a story behind your stage name?
My stage name, POLI NIKA, comes from my real name, Polina, and the first letters of my surname, Ka. “Poli” also refers to the Greek word “πολύ” (poli), which means “many” and reflects my multifaceted personality and music.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in my emotions—whether it’s happiness and joy or sadness and pain. My relationships with important people also inspire me. Sometimes a song is my way of expressing what I can’t say directly, other times it’s a continuation of a conversation or an expression of gratitude. I also find inspiration in stories of other people when they deeply touch and resonate with me.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I’ve loved singing since childhood, and my first performance was at age five. Music has always been around me—I studied piano at a music school and later started vocal lessons. I would come home, turn on karaoke, and sing my favoгrite songs for hours. I listened to my favoгrite artists’ albums on repeat and sang along with them. I loved watching music shows and imagined myself performing on stage.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Although my family loves music, none of my relatives pursued it professionally. My mother played the violin and was the one who started nurturing my love for music. However, our family leaned more towards the exact sciences than creativity and art.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Since childhood, I was always drawn to the stage. I wanted to perform, be an artist, sing, and create. I loved doing it and noticed it came naturally to me. However, I made my serious steps into the music industry at 28. I was inspired by the singer Rita Dakota. I attended her music course, and it was there that I wrote my first song.
How did you learn to sing/write/play?
I started learning piano at a music school when I was five. At 13, I began vocal lessons at the same school. This developed me as a performer but not as a songwriter. I started writing my own songs relatively recently, after attending a music course for artists that I mentioned before. That course made me believe in myself and my ability to write songs. I attended various workshops, masterclasses, and songwriting marathons, and eagerly listened to lectures about music. To improve my songwriting, I participated in a retreat by The Songwriting Academy. I continue to learn and refine my skills to this day.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I can’t recall my very first concert, but Emeli Sande’s concert in Cologne 2 years ago truly inspired me. The incredible energy she exuded filled me up. I also immensely enjoyed Bobby McFerrin’s concert—it was an amazing musical experience that left me feeling like the happiest person on Earth.
How would you describe your music?
My music is gentle and delicate, contemplative, and sometimes playful. It’s rich in imagery and soulfulness, filled with warmth, love, comfort, and light. Even in my sad songs, there’s always a place for hope. My music can embrace and soothe, be profound and heartfelt, ironic and carefree.
Describe your creative process.
I usually start at the piano, improvising and trying to express my emotions in sounds. I begin to hum a melody and insert random words. At some point, a phrase grabs me and leads the story. Sometimes, the phrase appears in my head first, and I try to set it to music. I create a rough draft of a verse or chorus and play it over and over until it feels right. I move forward, thinking about how the story will continue.
I experiment a lot until I’m 100% satisfied. Sometimes I write a song in one day; other times, I take breaks and return to it later. Initially, I let go of my inner critic and give myself freedom. Once I have a rough draft, I start editing. It’s crucial for me that the song retains its strong emotional charge and authenticity. If even one line makes me feel proud and excited, I’m satisfied.
What is your main inspiration?
Life and my emotions, and all the experiences I go through. Life with its carousel of amazing events. And, as I mentioned before, human relationships.
What musician do you admire most and why?
There are many musicians I admire, but at the moment, I want to highlight Jordan Rakei. He recently released a wonderful album. When I think about what I want to achieve in music, his work sets a very high standard for me. My dream would be to collaborate with Jordan someday.
Has your style evolved since the beginning of your career?
Yes, with each new song, I explore and discover new facets of myself and my style. I delve into different themes and emotions. I started with songs about a painful breakup, then explored what makes me happy. Now, I’m focusing on themes of openness, vulnerability, and self-acceptance, which is reflected in my music.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Are there really competitors in music? I don’t think so. There are great artists I admire and talented ones whose successes I celebrate. Their achievements inspire me and give me faith that I can also achieve my goals. Music is not a sport; there is no competition. The challenge is to be heard and to find your tribe.
What are your interests outside of music?
I love traveling, reading books, especially good literature. I am interested in technology, particularly AI, and the new products and solutions emerging from its use. I enjoy meeting new people, having conversations on important topics, and immersing myself in others’ worlds with curiosity. I find it very inspiring to communicate with other creatives.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
When I was little, I wanted to be a writer and write books, for example, children’s books. I also wanted to be a translator, which I find very interesting. I love learning languages and speaking foreign languages. I liked journalism and tried my hand at writing articles and doing reports. So, I might have explored a career in literature or journalism.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
All my problems are internal. They are my own limitations and prejudices. My inner critic and its judgment, which I face almost every day. Sometimes I lack patience and find it hard to accept that the musical journey is a long one. It feels like I’m doing so much, so why am I not filling stadiums yet? (I’m joking, of course) All of this distracts me from the main thing and causes anxiety instead of playfulness and the joy of making music. High expectations from myself and sometimes being too strict with myself—yes, that’s what stresses me out now.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I am preparing to release new songs and plan to record a live session with musicians in the studio by the end of the summer. I am also currently looking for a producer for my next EP. My plans include applying to participate in various festivals and showcases. Additionally, I am planning concerts in Portugal and am open to invitations to perform in other countries.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
I really enjoyed writing a song with Liz Rodrigues, and I would definitely like to repeat that experience in the future. Additionally, I am currently looking for a producer for creative collaboration.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Through my music, I want to share messages centered on themes such as freedom, the importance of dreaming and pursuing those dreams, living life to its fullest, and fostering deep connections. I emphasize love, the urgency of not postponing life, the value of authenticity, trusting oneself and one’s heart, allowing oneself to make mistakes, marveling at the beauty of the world, being curious, taking care of oneself, the ability to slow down, not rushing ahead, acknowledging one’s feelings, not fearing vulnerability, confronting fears, and the reminder that we have only one life to live—no one else can live it for us. Only we truly know what makes us genuinely happy and the importance of doing what we desire.
