Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Joans.
Niki, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a singer and performer since the beginning of my time. I would put on living room “shows” with my little brother and force my parents to watch us act out entire movie scripts I wrote (in my head) at the age of seven. I had an active imagination as a kid, believing the songs I wrote—before I even fully knew how to spell—were absolute hits. At twelve, I recorded covers of myself singing “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood and posted them to YouTube, dreaming of being “discovered” like Justin Bieber at the time. My imagination constantly ran wild, and I formed a habit early on of living in my head and creating a reality that made me feel alive.
My parents always encouraged me to take a route in life that would provide stability. First, I was going to be a lawyer, then a teacher, then an FBI agent, then a hostage negotiator, and finally, a therapist. Outside of music, I had found my passion for the mental health field. I knew I wanted to help people in some capacity, so I went to school for a psychology degree. I got the degree, got my first apartment and car, and was working as a case manager—so I did it, right? I had everything I wanted… didn’t I?
For years, I fought with myself over whether I was doing the right thing with my life. Though I was helping people—and loving it—I still felt wildly unfulfilled. I knew I was meant to be on stage, playing with my best friends and performing music that people could relate to. Even while I was in school full-time and working, I managed to play plenty of shows with my first band, Summit Valley, and we had a fantastic run.
I’ve realized that I’ve been combining my two passions—music and mental health—all along. Each of my songs is emotionally charged, and though some may have an upbeat rhythm, the lyrics are real, raw, and sometimes dark—because life isn’t always rainbows and butterflies. More than ever, the world needs to feel everything.
With today’s political climate, it’s important that communities are brought together, not pushed apart. Since the beginning of time, music has been a shared experience that brings people from all walks of life together—and that’s exactly what I plan to do.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely, NOT!
Being an artist in any medium is never “smooth,” though some days are easier than others. I’ve had my fair share of bad days—working with shady promoters (stay away from a man named Big Poppa), being taken advantage of by the industry, dealing with technical difficulties mid-show, and facing crappy business experiences. But the thing is… I believe I’m always exactly where I should be.
To truly be an artist, you have to roll with the punches and adapt. My life motto has always been: “Hope for the best, stay prepared for the worst and ALWAYS HAVE A BACKUP PLAN!”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an entertainer, a songwriter, a singer, a guitarist—and most of all, I’m human, just like everyone else. What sets me apart is my big personality and the way I bring light to any room I’m in—at least, according to my friends and fans. I do try to be a light wherever I go. I love making people laugh and smile, and my goal is always to make at least one person’s day a little better than before.
My voice and writing style are also things that set me apart, especially in the Dallas music scene. There aren’t many female-led rock bands out here, and I definitely fit into that category—the rock ’n’ roll vibe of Joan Jett with a hint of Amy Winehouse vocals. I take pride in my individuality and often have to remind myself that my journey is my own. Life will work out exactly the way it’s supposed to. At the end of the day, music is a business first and foremost—it’ll get figured out, but you have to keep moving.
How do you think about happiness?
Writing music that I love and making other people feel happy and included means everything to me. I didn’t grow up with a lot of friends or family around, and I often felt left out or overlooked as a child. Instead of letting those experiences turn me into a bitter person, I turned that hurt into a passion for making sure no one else feels the way I did. I’m proud to be the person for others that I needed when I was younger.
Another thing that makes me happy and bittersweet at the same time! I’m playing a farewell show in Dallas at TX Tea Room on 1/3/26 before Niki and the Sirens move to the West Coast to continue our journey. We owe everything to our Dallas family and truly couldn’t have come this far without everyone who has shown up over the last several years to love, support, and rock out with us. We love you, Dallas! <3
DM @nikiandthesirens or @niki.joansmusic for tickets. Details will be available on social media. Come out for a good time and help launch us into our next chapter!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Niki.Joansmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikiandthesirens/?hl=en
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0TgqwaCJdhDsitRFfjXabj?si=51bZf5oXRle3AbEVS5Gnmg
Image Credits
Zach Burns (photographer)
Crystal Kirby (photographer)
Third String Entertainment (Promoter)
@Ironhorse_photography
@heyemmajaye
@sancturayboudoir
