“High School In Jakarta” singer-songwriter NIKI has revealed that she will be releasing her newest single, “24” on January 12.
In an X (formerly known as Twitter) post, she wrote, “On the 24th of January I’ll be turning 25, so before that particular birthday I thought I’d release a song I wrote in an attempt to synthesize my early twenties, and the many humbling things I have learned up to this point. “24” out 1/12.”
This is NIKI’s first release since the 2023 live recording of her album, Nicole. The record is home to multiple of her hits, such as “Take A Chance With Me,” “Oceans and Engines,” “Backburner,” and the aforementioned “High School In Jakarta.” Pre-save her single, “24” here.
In a press statement, the singer shared that she was inspired to write the song after watching Joni Mitchell’s performance of “Both Sides Now” at the 2022 Newport Folk Festival. “I came across that performance and was so unbelievably moved by it, it brought me to tears immediately. I felt struck by some lightning bolt of inspiration and just ran to my studio and picked up my guitar and out flowed the words to ’24.’
“The song is essentially my attempt at synthesizing my early twenties, and the many humbling things I have learned up to this point in my life — namely, learning to embrace nuance and the idea that life is rarely ever dichotomous. Everyone can be many things at once. Of the many takeaways I’ve gathered since turning 24, I think that’s the most freeing one.”
Last year, she staged her first sold-out solo concert in the Philippines at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as part of her Nicole world tour. The show was her first sold-out arena show as an artist. Prior to that, she made her first live appearance in the country as part of 88rising’s Head in the Clouds Manila leg. She performed alongside her fellow 88rising artists like Joji, Rich Brian, Warren Hue, as well as artists like Atarashii Gakko!, BIBI, and Jessi.
In an Instagram post celebrating the conclusion of her world tour, NIKI wrote, “Insane that all around the world there are those of you that listen to my music & come to the shows. Thank you for being there if you were. Know that you have made a girl’s life. Never ever in my wildest dreams did I think this could ever happen to someone like me, and yet here we are, because of you and your support. Love you all so much, so grateful it hurts.”
Listen to NIKI’s “24” below.