We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nikki Dunlap. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nikki below.

Nikki, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was when I got my first TV placement on the FX show *Atlanta*. I was still in the Navy at the time, out in the field, covered in dirt, running on adrenaline, and just trying to get through the day. I wasn’t thinking about anything except the task in front of me. When I finally got a break, I checked my phone and saw the call and text that would change everything.

One of my tracks had been chosen for *Atlanta*. I remember just standing there, completely stunned. I’d been making beats on the side, pouring everything into my music whenever I had a moment to myself, but I never thought it would land on a show like that. I felt a mix of excitement, disbelief, and pride. Up until then, making music was something I did to keep my sanity, to keep a piece of myself alive in the midst of everything. But in that moment, it hit me—this could be something real. My music had found its way out into the world and resonated with people.

That was the turning point. It was like a switch flipped in my head, and I realized that I could do this professionally. I could actually build a career around my passion. Right there, in my Navy uniform, I made the decision to go all in. I was done just dreaming about it—I was ready to make it happen. That moment gave me the push I needed to leave my comfort zone, trust my instincts, and dive headfirst into my creative path. From that point on, I was all in.

Nikki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Nikki, a music producer, composer, and software developer who blends creativity with technology to create unique, genre-crossing music. My journey started unexpectedly while I was in the Navy; music became my outlet, a way to stay connected amidst the chaos. It wasn’t until one of my tracks landed on the FX show *Atlanta* that I realized my passion could become a career, and I decided to go all in.

I create music that tells a story, whether it’s through a beat for an artist, a score for a film, or a commercial. I draw on my diverse experiences, from my military background to my love for 90s and early 2000s music, crafting sounds that stand out. What sets me apart is my storytelling mindset—I don’t just make beats; I create experiences that connect emotionally.

I’m also a software developer, which adds another layer to my creative process. I build tools and applications, and I make music to push my creative boundaries. I’m proud of my ability to stay true to myself, take risks, and innovate in everything I do. I want clients and fans to know that my work is about authenticity and pushing limits. If you’re looking for music with a fresh, fearless perspective, that’s what I’m here to offer.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One lesson I had to learn was when I realized that perfectionism was holding me back more than it was helping me. I used to believe that every track I made, every beat I produced, had to be flawless before I could share it with the world. I would spend countless hours tweaking, revising, and second-guessing myself, afraid to put anything out there that wasn’t “perfect.”

The backstory to this shift happened when I started creating music for film trailers and commercials. The deadlines were tight, and there was no room for perfectionism. I had to learn to trust my instincts, make decisions quickly, and let go of the need to overthink every detail. One day, a project came in with a ridiculously short turnaround time, and I knew I had to deliver fast. I put everything I had into it and sent it off without obsessing over every tiny detail, and it ended up being a huge success.

That experience taught me that sometimes, striving for perfection can get in the way of progress. I realized that my creativity flows best when I’m not overthinking, and that my raw, authentic output often resonates more than something I’ve polished endlessly. Letting go of perfectionism has allowed me to be more prolific, take more risks, and ultimately grow faster as an artist and creator. Now, I focus on putting my work out there, learning from it, and continuously evolving, rather than holding back and waiting for everything to be perfect.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to connect with people on a deeper level through my work. There’s something incredibly powerful about creating a piece of music and seeing how it resonates with others, how it moves them or brings back memories and emotions they may not have felt in a long time. It’s that moment when someone tells me my beat made them feel something or took them to a different place—that’s what makes it all worth it.

As a creative, I get to tell stories without words, express emotions that are hard to put into language and paint vivid pictures through sound. Knowing that something I created from my own experiences and imagination can reach someone else, even across different backgrounds or situations, is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a way of forming connections that go beyond the surface and remind me that creativity has the power to unite us, no matter our differences.

The other rewarding part is the freedom to push boundaries and experiment. I love that I can constantly explore new genres, styles, and techniques, blending different influences to create something fresh. Every project is an opportunity to grow, learn, and challenge myself. For me, it’s this combination of connecting with people and constantly evolving as an artist that makes being creative so deeply rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nikkidunlap.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkidonthebeat
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkidunlap/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NikkiDunlap
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nikkidonthebeat