Introducing Wall of Sound UNIFY Intern Finalist #4: Nikki-Lee
We’re on the home stretch now with our fourth UNIFY Gathering Intern finalist being announced, but before we get to her name, just know she’s an exceptional writer by hobby who has a knack for reviewing shows and expressing opinions. Find out more about…
The Fourth Finalist: Nikki-Lee!
Hey Nikki-Lee, congratulations on making it to the finals, what do you think you’ll bring to the table?
Thank you for choosing me as a finalist! I can definitely bring unwavering enthusiasm and a lifetime of passion for music to the table. I have worked in radio and television and would love a chance to transfer those skills over to music. I’ve been to a lot of shows and they’ve all left such an impression on me, I know Unify 2019 will be no exception.
Your entry was a link to some exceptional pieces of written work you’ve done. Are you currently doing this for a hobby?
It is a hobby. I do it mostly for myself. I had been writing album and concert reviews for a long time and leaving them unpublished until my sister suggested I start a blog. I love connecting with other people who are passionate about music and want to chat about it and this seemed like the best way to do that.
Well, give your sister props because you’ve got this hidden talent that needs to be shared. You love live shows too which is great, what’s the most memorable one you’ve attended?
The Offspring at Warped Tour 2013. There was so much energy in the crowd and the band put on such a good show. They’re not a young band anymore but you definitely couldn’t tell from their performance! I loved the crowd singing along together despite there being quite drastic age variations amongst us all. It was really beautiful.
Let’s get to know your music tastes, what’s 3 bands you love and 1 band you dislike and why?
Blink 182, Jimmy Eat World, and Mayday Parade are at the top for me. I’m so loyal to them, I’d listen to anything they did. I don’t dislike a lot of bands but if I had to pick one I’d go with the Backstreet Boys. I’m sorry, but they’re the only nineties band I really think should stay in the nineties.
You had me at blink-182 haha but what’s your favourite song of All Time?
Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne. What an anthem.
Finish this sentence: My biggest fangirl moment happened when:
I crowd surfed to reach Josh Franceschi’s hand during a 2014 You Me At Six show at HQ. I had climbed over scrambling teenage bodies to reach him and when I did I grabbed his whole arm. He tried to shake me off to get back to the mic but I was afraid to let go because my feet were so far off the ground. I felt kinda bad for Josh, but that didn’t stop me from bragging about it to my friends later.
Who are you most keen to see at UNIFY Gathering 2019?
Taking Back Sunday and State Champs. I’ve wanted to see State Champs live since I watched their performance at the APMAs last year, that’s when I really got into them.
Voting starts next week, why readers pick you?
The readers should pick me because I know I’ll do a good job. This really is a career opportunity for me. I wasn’t lucky enough to grow up with bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath being played on the radio, but there is a new era of rock music ready and waiting for us and I want to be doing this when it peaks. I want to be a part of it.
Well keep your fingers crossed for next’s voting period, good luck!
The FINAL Finalist is announced tomorrow…
UNIFY Gathering 2019
January 11 to 13th @ Tarwin Lower, VIC
