NIKS announces debut EP, ‘Milieu’, on Or:la’s Céad label

NIKS is releasing her debut EP, ‘Milieu’, next month on Or:la’s imprint Céad. Listen to lead single ‘V2B’ below.

The London DJ and producer first-ever release will feature four new tracks split into two moods. The first is inspired by the club and Carnival, while the second half shifts into “cool down” mode, leaning into sunrise set vibes with original field recordings. Or:la joins in on the EP closer ‘Stomp the Grid’. It’s out on 17th May. 

NIKS describes the lead track as “for the peak time club, ‘V2B’ creates a sense of urgency with its dynamism”, according to a press statement. “Violins, speedy cowbells, drums, vocals, an alarm and a tingly bass, all work together to build this immediate and non-stop feeling, with synths in the second half to bring a floaty feel.”

The Black Artist Database (B.A.D) and Black Electronic Music Association (BEMA) co-founder released the ‘Riding Senses‘ single in October 2023. Her debut track ‘Badness, Can’t Work’ landed last summer as part of the B.A.D label‘s inaugural compilation ‘Synergy Vol. 1’. You can revisit DJ Mag’s interview with NIKS and Tanya Akinola about the label and compilation here.

The second ‘Synergy’ compilation was released last month with music by CARISTA, Yazzus, Olive T and more.  

Earlier this year, B.A.D and Saffron hosted a series of online music production workshops for women, trans, and non-binary people artists. 

Last June, NIKS and fellow London artist Amaliah caught up to chat about their music production journeys — read the conversation here.

Revisit NIKS’ 2022 entry in the DJ Mag Selections series in which she shares music by James Bangura, JRMS, Kellee, Nigel Hayes and more.

Check out the ‘Milieu’ EP on Bandcamp, and listen to ‘V2B’.