When it comes to modern-day funk/soul music, you need not look further than Nikka Costa‘s musical catalog. She has been trailblazing her musical path for over 25 years, producing a string of funk/rock/soul records starting with 1996’s Butterfly Rocket. Costa was already a music industry veteran, releasing her first pop record at age 9, but it was the transition to a sound that represented the soul of the young artist that made the American music industry take notice.
In 2000, she released the now classic track “Like A Feather” and in 2001 the album Everybody Got Their Something. With the success of that album came 2005’s can’tneverdidnothin’ and 2008’s Pebble to a Pearl. Nikka was opening for Britney Spears and Lenny Kravitz, and collaborating with artists like Prince, Mark Ronson, and Beck.
Family life became Nikka’s primary focus following her string of 2000’s records, only releasing two records between 2010 and 2017. As her children got older and the pandemic came to a close, Costa was able to set her sites on a new album, Dirty Disco (release date August 16, 2024). Nikka and I discussed why 2024 is the right time to release a hot new batch of Disco/Funk tracks to her worldwide audience.
It’s been 6 years since your last release, Nikka & Strings, Underneath and in Between. Was it a conscious decision to take that much time in between albums, or did life just get in the way?
Well, a lot has happened in those 6 years including a pandemic! I knew I wanted to make another funk record, but during those COVID years, I didn’t feel it was the time. People weren’t ready for celebrating and dancing, we were all just coping. The other years were spent focusing on my kids, writing, and making the record. Time just flies I guess, but I’d rather take my time and make sure I’m happy with the result, than release something that’s not fully cooked, just to have something out there.
Your music is a real family affair, with your husband Justin Stanley acting as producer on many of your projects. How do the two of you balance work and family life?
Justin and I have collaborated since we first met, so it is part of our relationship. We have taken breaks from working together and done projects with other people, then we are always happy to get back in the studio together. There is a shorthand between us creatively and also an expectation that other people I’ve worked with don’t always have. They don’t push me as hard. Because Justin knows what my limits are and where I have gone in the past, he’s always the first to say “Sing it again” or “That chorus could be stronger”. Generally, we have a very strong respect for each other, and somehow it works out without us killing each other!
After that, we come home and like every other family figure out who’s taking who to basketball or helping with homework, who’s making dinner, etc…
“Dirty Disco” and “Keep It High” have a great disco/funk dance feel. Can we expect more of this sound on the Dirty Disco LP?
Yes! I wanted to make a really up-vibe record that is high in energy and positivity. There are only a couple of mellower tunes, so mostly it’s a record to lose yourself in, not have to think about all the trouble in the world, and dance if you want to.
As someone who has spent her entire life in the music industry, how do you keep your sound fresh with each release, while still maintaining your identity as an artist?
I follow my inspiration and don’t purposely make music that is trying to fit into what’s happening at the moment, or what the industry is trying to sell. I follow my gut, what do I want to hear, what do I want to play for my audiences? Does it ring true for me at this moment? If I thought about it too hard, I couldn’t imagine it would feel authentic, so I try not to think and just make music I like.
Vinyl is such a hot commodity for music lovers right now. Are there any plans to ever release Butterfly Rocket or can’tneverdidnothin’ on vinyl or a 25th-anniversary repress of Everybody Got Their Something?
I would love to release those albums on vinyl, yes! Some are easier than others, depending on label/ownership, but yes, I’m a total vinyl lover, so that would be awesome!
Do you have any plans to tour supporting Dirty Disco?
Yes! we will definitely be touring this year! It’s why I make records! Playing live is the best part 😉 We are figuring it all out right now, and as soon as there are dates, I’ll be spreading the word! xx
Dirty Disco is an album full of life and positivity, one that you will want to play on repeat this summer, so make sure to pre-order your copy and get ready for a Disco/Funk dancefloor experience!
Dance music lover, Mid-Century Vintage Shop Owner, Magnetic Magazine Disco & Funk Chart Editor.
