I stumbled across this very talented photographer a few weeks back and in light of Georgina Cook and Ashes57 getting some hype recently for their insight into the UK’s underground music scene, it is yet another lady who is making waves, Nikanika. I had a chat with her via email and she is very humble, almost instantly agreeing to do an interview with us. NikA has shot some of the biggest names in the scene rangin form Ramadanman to Oneman, at venues like the Paradiso in Amsterdam to Fabric in London. She is also a graphic designer, check out her work here: http://www.nikanika.com. Enjoy her images and interview below.

GET SOME INTERVIEWS NIKANIKA

Who are you? Where are you from? What do you do?
Hi there, my name is Rosa Maria Koolhoven, also known as Nika from Nikanika.com. I am from the Netherlands but moved to London in 2010 to follow a MA course in Image and Communication at Goldsmiths University of London. Next to that I am an (Dubstep) event photographer and graphic designer.

How did you end up in London?
Since I got involved in the Dubstep scene back in 2006 the love for London got bigger and bigger every year. When I started taking pictures I traveled a lot back and forth from de UK to Holland. So when I planned to do a Master in another city/country the choice to go to London was made very quickly.

What was the first record you bought?
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall. In terms of dubstep records I can’t really remember which was the first one, but Hijak – Tears is definitely my favorite.

What’s your favourite film, food and drink?
The Other Guys / Sushi / Mojito (Cocktails in general!)

When did you first start taking pictures and how did you get involved in the London bass music scene?
I started taking pictures because I met the talented Derek Djons, who was the first dubstep photographer in the Dutch scene. I am not sure why I wanted to start taking pictures, maybe because I got so inspired by the scene, the music, the people and Dereks pictures that I wanted to contribute something to.

After a while I got asked by Caspa to come to Fabric for his album launch to take pictures. That was the first time I went especially for a gig to the UK. After that more trips followed.

What/who inspires you?
A lot of things inspire me. Music, graphic design, photography and illustration. Also people who work hard and follow their passion are a big inspiration and they keep me going.

What are you listening to right now?
I’ve been hooked for a while now to Phaeleh. His tunes are just mind blowing. Also I discovered this new girl group Warpaint and their Billie Holiday track is so sweet. Their voices are really amazing.

Who should we be watching in 2011?
Phaeleh, Pariah and everything from the labels Hemlock and Swamp81.

If money was no object, what would you do?
Buy myself the perfect house somewhere in London with a fireplace, wooden floor, a room for my creative stuff, two cats, big piano and kitchen and invite all my family and friends over for an amazing dinner with lots of wine.

And finally, please complete the following sentence…

GET SOME… NIKANIKA.COM!!!