NYIKO grapples with codependency on “Keeping Me Alive” - (6/17/20)
NYIKO, photo by Niles Gregory
NYIKO shares their latest single “Keeping Me Alive,” available 6/17 on Digital Formats via Trailing Twelve Records.
Back in April, NYIKO debuted “Like The Movies” - the latest entry in a growing repertoire of glistening new wave and synth-pop. Today, NYIKO returns with “Keeping Me Alive”, a bold statement on codependency wrapped up in glistening post-punk slickness.
According to NYIKO, the track was inspired by personal experiences with attachment and addiction. “The song started with the line [I love you but you’re bad for my health / I don’t know why I do this to myself].” In order to properly explore the lyric, NYIKO tapped into a previous relationship. “Without getting into too many details, my partner at the time was suffering from a form of mental illness and her treatment became deeply interwoven with our relationship, resulting in codependency issues. In some ways, I think that the pure nature of being in that relationship was hindering both of our growth,” he explains. In the song, NYIKO likens codependency to various vices including smoking, drinking, pills. He explains that “a relationship or a person can feel like an addiction and that you would be lost without them, even when you know that it’s causing you harm.”
The heavy message is counteracted by buoyant and glossy instrumentation. Leaning into more nostalgic synth and guitar tones, the production came together after NYIKO shared the demo with some of their close friends and collaborators. “Stone Irr laid down the bass and Niles Gregory tracked the guitar parts. I was lucky enough to have my friend and fellow artist Holander sing backup vocals on the chorus.“
“Keeping Me Alive” is a dreamy, bold, and energetic slab of retro pop; pining vocals keep a steady pace above driving guitar, rhythmic synths, and bubbly bass. NYIKO adds, “it’s a song about coming to terms with the dynamic of a codependent relationship, but not necessarily being ready to call it quits.”
“Keeping Me Alive” is out June 17th via Trailing Twelve.
Take a listen to “Keeping Me Alive” below.
Written, Recorded, Performed, and Mixed by Nyiko Beguin, Trailing Twelve (ASCAP)
Mastered By Steve Kitch at Audiomaster UK
© & ℗ 2020 Trailing Twelve Records. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized Copying, Reproduction, Hiring, Lending, Public Performance, And Broadcasting Strictly Prohibited.
NYIKO - Keeping Me Alive
TTRS-032
Released 17 June 2020
Length: 03:52
BIO
NYIKO
NYIKO (“nee-koh”) is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, label owner, visual artist, and actor based out of Los Angeles, California. They have released synth-pop, new wave, post-punk, and hip-hop projects with Disney, Amazon, Sony/ATV, Heard Well, Trailing Twelve, and more.