By Phil Lacombe
Country music has always been built on storytelling, but every now and then an artist comes along who adds a little extra grit, attitude, and rock-and-roll swagger to the mix. Enter Nikki Sparks, a rising country-rock artist who is turning heads with her bold sound, unapologetic personality, and debut EP Crock Pot. With her latest single, “DOUBLE WIDE PARADI$E,” gaining attention and a major EP release show scheduled for June 22 at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, Sparks is quickly becoming one of the local artists to watch. We caught up with Nikki to talk music, inspiration, country living, and what fans can expect from the next chapter of her journey.
CVW: For readers discovering you for the first time, who is Nikki Sparks and what do you bring to country music that nobody else does?
Sparks: “I’m a small town girl who always had the burning desire to sing & entertain people since the age of 11 years old, when I first started busking in front of a hotdog stand in my hometown. For people hearing me for the first time, I’d say there is an undeniable & unapologetic throwback sound, that blends 90’ Country & Rock, that I’ve coined as ‘Crock’. My brand of Country infuses memorable hooks, big guitars and big choruses like the music I grew up listening to. Media outlets have referred to me as ‘Shania-Crow’ which I completely embrace, as Shania Twain and Sheryl Crow are two female trail-blazers I deeply admire, and with careers I aspire to have.”
CVW: Your debut EP is called Crock Pot. That’s a unique title. What’s the story behind it, and how does it represent who you are as an artist?
Sparks: “Thanks! As I mentioned, ‘Crock’ is a blend of country and rock. The songs on Crock Pot have been simmering and slow cookin’ for a few years which got me thinking about the process of cooking an actual Crock Pot! It seemed like the perfect title for my debut EP. Sometimes songs take 20 minutes to write, but some of my best songs took years of simmering before they were ready to be served up to the public. Crock Pot represents all the time it has taken me to discover who I am as an artist…and a person, for that matter.”
CVW: “DOUBLE WIDE PARADI$E” is already getting people talking. What inspired the song, and what’s the message behind it?
Sparks: “DOUBLE WIDE PARADI$E is a fun little ditty that evokes the good times I’ve had partying with friends in a double-wide trailer park with four simple ingredients: good friends, loud music, a keg of beer and some red Solo cups. It’s a light hearted summertime banger that proves that you can have a great time without breaking the bank.”
CVW: Country and rock have always crossed paths. Which artists helped shape your sound, and where do you see yourself fitting into today’s country music landscape?
Sparks: “My sound is heavily influenced by country artists like Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and Faith Hill, along with arena rock icons like Bon Jovi, Journey and The Rolling Stones. To be honest, I’m not really thinking about ‘fitting in’ but more about ‘standing out.’ I’m just being me and enjoying the ride. I think the country-rock lane I’m in has been wide open for a couple decades and I’m happy to bring back a true country-rock sound.”
CVW: Every musician has that one moment when they realize this is more than just a hobby. What was that moment for you?
Sparks: “The moment this became more than a hobby was when I packed up my life to move crosscountry to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music. I spent two months sleeping in my car, showering at a local gym and parking overnight at a grocery store in Hollywood. When you’re willing to risk everything, sleep in your car, and call a parking lot home, just to keep chasing a dream, you realize this is no joke- it’s a passion and a calling.”
CVW: You’re preparing for your EP showcase at Agua Caliente. What can fans expect from a Nikki Sparks live show that they won’t get from simply streaming the music?
Sparks: “When you come to a live show, you get the full ‘Crock’ experience! My shows are all about high energy and connecting with the crowd that quickly turns a concert into a party! I’ll be performing songs off my ‘Crock Pot’ EP and a mix of country and rock classics that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats and on the dance floor. You can catch the show on Monday, June 22nd, from 7-10p at Aqua Caliente Casino Cathedral City. It’s an all-ages show and free to attend!”
CVW: If someone handed you the keys to a festival lineup and told you to pick three artists to share the stage with, living or dead, who would they be and why?
Sparks: “If someone handed me the keys to a festival, my three dream artists would be Shania Twain, Prince and The Rolling Stones, all being legendary songwriters & performers.They are all legendary songwriters and performers who completely redefine what it means to put on a show.”
CVW: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an independent female artist, and how have you overcome it?
Sparks: “Breaking into the ‘boys’ club’ that is the country music industry. It’s tough enough just to cut through all the noise, but it’s even harder when female country artists only make up less than 10% of the music played on country radio and streaming platforms. As an indie artist, I have overcome the odds by being relentless. I don’t wait wait for breaks- I make them. I continue to build an online community directly with my fans and let the music and my live shows speak for themselves.”
CVW: Looking ahead, where do you want Nikki Sparks to be one year from now, and what goals are you chasing after the release of Crock Pot?
Sparks: “One year from now I’d like to be out on tour sharing the ‘Crock Pot’ EP with country fans at festivals nationwide…heck, make that worldwide!”
CVW: Where can fans find you?
Sparks: “You can stream my music on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, and Apple Music. You can also join the party and follow my journey on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube at @IamNikkiSparks.”
With a debut EP on the horizon, a growing fanbase, and a sound that blends country heart with rock-and-roll fire, Nikki Sparks is ready to make some noise in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Whether she’s singing about life, love, or living your version of paradise, one thing is clear: Nikki Sparks isn’t interested in following the crowd, she’s carving her own lane. Be sure to catch her EP release showcase on June 22 and keep an eye on what’s next from this rising country-rock artist.
That’s a wrap on this week’s Local Music Spotlight, but the party doesn’t stop here. Hit the shows, feel the beats, and keep the valley’s music scene thriving. Because around here, the next song that changes your life might be playing tonight.
