Meet Neekull | Artist/Singersongwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Neekull and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Neekull, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I decided on what kind of career I’m going for, I was working day jobs to support myself and invest in my actual career. As I was getting into it I needed to find that balance of going to work and making music. Having time for music was never a question. At that point in my life, going to work was like an obstacle or just something I had to get out the way so, I’d just get through it and look forward to the rest of the day to write and record. That was my routine at first. As I got further in, I understood there was more to the music industry than going to the studio and putting a song out every once in a while. I found myself making some connections with people and they would invite me out to these events, bars, house parties that opened up the fact that making connections can further my opportunity out here. And I just keep following the path. Now I’m having to find a new balance because music is a life style or in other words a way of life. Having to find a new balance, a new way of juggling the opportunities that come as I move into this new life style is challenging especially that there is no guarantee in the art world that I’ll be financially stable. And in a world like ours, I still gotta make sure I’m eating and sleeping at least. But I am so happy and willing to put in that work, having to reprioritize is a must. What I’m balancing out now is keeping up with the industry and having me time. Making time for my mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical self is essential to not burn out. Because I have to invest so much externally, coming back and checking in with my inner self is what keeps me balanced. It’s what allows me to stay strong and consistent.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a musical artist, singer-songwriter. As an artist, I love finding ways to incorporate my background and parts of my identity in my projects whether that’s musically or visually. One thing I got going for me that sets me apart from others is that I’m biracial. I’m half Mexican, half Chinese, raised by two immigrants with very different cultures. So for me, I love mixing my two cultures as well as being able to represent them. Growing up, obviously there weren’t many people like me so I was always in between feeling ashamed and feeling proud. The more confident I got with who I am and where I come from, that same confidence started shining through in my career. I really struggled with this because I was constantly told I’m “not enough”. I was and still constantly hearing “you don’t look Asian enough”, “you don’t look Latina enough”. And that really held me back because I was convinced I’m just not enough. But I got to a point of reflection where I told myself “I am a part of Chinese culture, values, traditions, holidays, food, and language. Same with Mexican culture. How can I believe I’m less than everyone when I have the privilege of experiencing, connecting, and being a part of both”? But it’s difficult in this industry because it’s so subjective. Yes, it should be about the music only yet we all know that’s not how the industry works. But once I let go of what was causing me to be so fearful, I have only opened myself to opportunities and experiences that benefit my career. I want to give people that safe space to be who they are and do what they want. I want to set that example in my music, visuals, clothes, all of it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Definitely hit the city and get the tourist stuff checked off the bucket list. I would go to like Grand Central Market, hit Bar Franca, and maybe a rooftop like Perch for the DTLA experience. Have to go to Malibu. I love Malibu, it’s so peaceful. There’s this restaurant, Cafe 27, up in Topanga that I would bring my friends to. Gotta have that contrast haha. Do the LA life thing, then head to Malibu to take a break and forget about our jobs.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shoutout Danielle King and Noeha Rose!!

Website: neekull.com

Instagram: instagram.com/neekull

Twitter: twitter.com/neekull

Facebook: facebook.com/neekull

Youtube: youtube.com/c/neekull

Image Credits
Xkylar (ig @xkystudios) Jamie Lendrum Charlene Lefever (@char.lefe)