Today we’d like to introduce you to Niki Bente.
Hi Niki, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my live music career with a good friend of mine as an acoustic duo. We actually still work regularly today. A band called the Adventures of Todd And Niki. We’ve been playing together now for over a decade, everything from Irish pubs, wineries, country clubs, to people’s special events and weddings. I never really thought of making music a career, but the more I got to do what I love and started making decent money at it, it started to sound not only like a dream but a real possibility. I had done the reality tv singing shows such as American Idol and Nashville stars and I was lucky enough to make it far, but I never really had the confidence to make the whole package complete. Once I got into the live music and cover scene, I grew as a performer, singer, artist and met some amazing musicians that I feel incredibly lucky to have learned from. Once I built up my song catalog and confidence I began playing with multiple bands through the Southern California. Started with an 80s band or three haha, then an r&b/ top 40, a funk/soul, country, and multiple classic rock bands. I learned that being in many even if it was just to sub meant that I could work a lot and I was constantly having to build my catalog and learn on the spot which I think has made me the performer I am today.
I eventually started playing in theme parks like Magic mtn, Knotts Berry Farm, and Disney, and the consistency was and has been nice. Being a singer, you usually only find work on weekends. The theme parks have live music most of the week, so that helped me make a more consistent living. Today, there are three bands I primarily work with one is an all-female band, Pulp Vixen, which is everything from Latin to Iron Maiden to Guns N’ Roses, TLC, and everything in between. HWY 111 which is an all rock band that I play with every Thursday at Fantasy springs in Palm Springs. I sometimes want to pinch myself to check if I’m dreaming because I am working with three of the best men/musicians I’ve ever known, and they are all legends in their instruments. Then three years ago, I was lucky enough to be asked to do my dream gig. Play Stevie Nicks in a reimagined tribute to one of my favorite bands Fleetwood Mac, Twisted Gypsy. It’s Fleetwood Mac with a twist, heavy guitars, extra keys, no tracks, and a very high-energy show. Sometimes when I’m driving to a show, I think, wow, I get to play my favorite person in the whole world and still maintain my own unique artistry at the same time, that’s really incredible. I would of never expected to work 5-6 days playing music with incredible people one day, but here I am doing it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I truly believe that anything that’s easy will never shape you into the person you’re supposed to become. I always thought a little bit of a struggle is what helps you appreciate the wins anyway. With that, I would say growing up I definitely was told I needed to lose weight or dress better, and for a minute there, I got so focused on that that I could never truly perform the way I wanted to. I was always in my head, thinking what if pictures taken from the wrong angle for some reason it held me back from really just going for it. Although I wish I would’ve let that go sooner because it really held me back from the focus and determination it takes to make it in this industry. It is a part of my story, and I wouldn’t be who I am without it. Also, financial struggles, and equating that to your worth can be a real thing in this industry. During 2020 entertainment was one of the first things to leave and one of the last things to come back. There was definitely a point during that where I questioned if I picked the wrong career. Haha
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional live music singer. I am the most proud of the connections I make with people through the performances. I have had some of the most incredible moments playing Stevie Nicks because she means so much to me and so many others. I get to spread that love and continue to share her music with people who might not even know they need to hear it. Music is healing, and Music is therapy. Being a performer, we get to help people escape the heaviness that life can sometimes be, and I thoroughly value that I can do that by something that I love doing.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Number one would be my mom Joyce Bente, a.k.a. most incredible woman in the universe. No big deal. Lol. My mom is the CEO of a huge company, got amazing grades in classes other than choir, raised me for the most part on her own, and still managed to be a great friend to those that know her to a best friend to me. Although I chose the unconventional lifestyle she has been by my side and fiercely cheered for me to fight for myself and this career that I wanted. The second would be my boyfriend Mike Stang. He is one of the hardest-working musicians I know his work ethic was something I immediately admired, and I genuinely don’t think I would have even half the work, the drive, or the hustle I hadn’t met him. He always has my back when I take risks and he’s the first person I bounce and new career move off of because I know he always has my best interest at heart.
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Image Credits
Amber Emily photography Michael anthoney photography Air bender Media
