Lyrical Muse

Queens-raised musician Nikki Buatti hones in her modern yet timeless soul music on latest single “What Is Life,” an anthem capturing resilience and grit.

Offering an enticing peek at upcoming debut album, Miss Lonelyheart, the track juxtaposes exasperation and a sense of betrayal with the strength and determination it takes to find your way back to life even after everything around you has crumbled.

Encapsulating a fighting spirit and the grace to still appreciate every moment of your life, the track weaves soulful delivery and nostalgic tones together to create an experience framed by raw talent and deep emotion.

The track is accompanied by a noir-style music video, directed by Modern Day Auteur, with a black-and-white style highlighting the cinematic approach. With an intriguing narrative that follows Nikki on the run, the visuals unfold the story of an artist’s plight ; misunderstood and targeted. With a touch of vulnerability dispersed by a powerful presence, the video casts Nikki as a wanted femme fatale, leaving us wanting more.

Produced by Nikki Buatti and Brendan Keenan and recorded at Cove City Sound Studios, with a mix by John Arbuckle with beats courtesy of hip-hop/jazz legend DJ Logic, the track hints at the expansive list of musicians awaiting us on the record.

Speaking of the track, she says, “I don’t make music for anyone other than myself really. “‘What Is Life’ is a diary entry, recounting a moment I felt at rock bottom. Someone I trusted left me in the lurch and the floor gave out from beneath me. In that moment, I questioned it all. But through life, I’ve learned that no matter how many times the world comes crashing down, you get back up, you crawl your way out and you live to fight another day. We all question life — I know I do, more than I’d like to admit — but I still appreciate every moment of it. “What is Life” is a ballad to all those down and out.”

Having been immersed in the golden sounds of doo-wop, Motown, and Jazz standards since childhood, Nikki’s dreamy yet grounding musicality is set to soar to greater heights with her upcoming debut album.

Connect with Nikki Buatti : Instagram

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