Nikki and Rich -- About to Pop

By Ashley Iasimone Posted May 13th 2010 04:30PM

Who: Nikki and Rich
Album: 'Everything'
Video: 'Next Best Thing'
Hails From: Corona, Calif. and Queens, N.Y.
For Fans Of: Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys

Why They're About to Pop: Nikki Leonti, who started writing songs when she was 13 years old, is a former Christian singer who's toured as a backup vocalist for Carrie Underwood. Rich Velonskis, who started spinning at the age of 16, has experience as a DJ and hip-hop/R&B producer. Together, Nikki and Rich mesh gospel-inspired vocals, a touch of '60s girl-group sass and fresh, modern beats.

The pair met in 2007 and the mutual respect they have for each other's musical talents led them to figure out a sound that worked for them. They have since recorded a debut album (due out on June 29), filmed a music video and appeared on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show.'

"I admire Nikki's vocal abilities, her amazing songwriting skills and her tenacity. She doesn't take no for an answer," Rich tells PopEater. Nikki adds in, "Rich never ceases to amaze me. He never leaves me uninspired. He has an amazing ability to deliver music that can be pop and catchy, yet still have a depth that leaves it wide open for creative songwriting. I am always excited to see what he will come up with next. He's brilliant."

Watch the duo's new video for the tune 'Next Best Thing' and check out what else they had to say in an exclusive interview with PopEater after the jump.

Watch Nikki and Rich's 'Next Best Thing' Video

Six Questions With Nikki and Rich:

How did you both get started in music?

Nikki: Rich got his start as a DJ in New York and quickly escalated as a producer for artists such as Robin Thicke, Mario [and] Eve, and received a Grammy for his contribution on Ludacris' 'Release Therapy' album. I started as a singer in gospel music and later toured as a background vocalist for Carrie Underwood. Both of us came from completely different sides of the music world but at the same time complimented each other in our writing/music partnership.

Who are your biggest influences, both past and present?

Rich: I was influenced by Rick Rubin, Led Zeppelin, Michael Jackson, George Michael and the Neptunes.

Nikki: CeCe Winans, James Taylor, Tommy Sims, the Beatles, Crystal Lewis, Marc Broussard and Brandi Carlile.

Since you collaborate, what is your songwriting process?

Nikki: Rich creates all the music and that is always the inspiration for what comes melodically and lyrically. After the production is done, we bounce around ideas and concepts for the song, which for me always stems from the mood of how the track makes me feel.

Which of your tracks are you most proud of, and why?

Rich: I would say 'Yellow Brick Road.' It is the perfect example of blending the two different worlds we came from musically, and because of that [we were] able to create a truly unique song.

NIkki: I love what we did on 'Same Kind of Man.' I personally connect the most with that song on this record. I was excited to write to it. It was an instant love.

What's your favorite musical duo?

Rich: The Eurythmics.

NIkki: I'm a big Cher fan. Sonny and Cher are definitely my pick.

What do you have planned for the near future?

Nikki and Rich: The record is dropping this summer. We are just taking things as they come. We plan on continuing to do more live shows. We are always in the studio writing, whether it is for ourselves or other artists. We hope people like what we do and we plan on being around for the long run!

Download Nikki and Rich Songs