Get to Know Rising Miami House Artist Niki Keys

3 weeks ago 19

After releasing her debut single, Niki Keys swung by to dive into her roots as an artist, share her thoughts on the scene in Miami, and discuss where she’s taking her career next!

Miami has brought forth many talented artists in the scene, and more continue to carve out space for themselves each passing year. Niki Keys, formerly known as Nicolette, is one of those artists who has begun to make waves for herself in the South Florida community. This raver-turned-DJ has been on quite a journey since first entering the scene, first by leaning into her curiosity about how to control crowds from behind the decks and then growing into the production side of the spectrum later on.

Past years saw Niki Keys take the stage at nightclubs throughout Miami and at festivals like Groove Cruise, yet she’s looking to 2026 as the most ambitious year of her career. After rebranding to her new alias and embracing a more grounded, intentional approach for her next chapter, she’s checked off another box by releasing “You Tonight,” her debut single that’s found a home on WEST RECS. Powered by a bumping bassline and pop-infused vocals, it’s a glimpse at what Niki Keys is all about—those moments on the dancefloor where nothing else matters but losing yourself to the music.

As Niki Keys embarks on this next chapter, we caught up with her to dive into her roots, her thoughts on the scene in Miami, her recent single, and what her future plans are for the rest of the year. Listen to her exclusive guest mix and read on for the full conversation!

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 494 || Niki Keys on SoundCloud:

Hi Niki, thanks so much for chatting with us today. Before we get too far, let’s dive into your roots and artistic journey! Turning back the clock, when did you first fall in love with electronic music? Was there a specific artist who drew you into the scene?

I fell in love with electronic music through feeling before I even understood the culture around it. There was something about the repetition and the build of emotion over time that felt different from other genres. It wasn’t just a song; it was an experience. The artists who really sprung me into the scene were Kaskade, deadmau5, and Skrillex. They truly were our generation’s heroes.

What was your transition like from being a dance music lover to starting to DJ and produce your own music?

It was very natural, honestly. I’ve always been musical, so once I started spending more time in nightlife spaces, I became curious about how everything worked behind the scenes and how DJs controlled energy, how tracks were structured, and how tension was built. How to navigate the business. DJing came first, and that really taught me how to read a room and understand pacing. Producing came after, when I felt ready to create something that reflected my own emotional perspective. It wasn’t rushed; it was something I grew into.

While you previously performed under the Nicolette alias, you made the transition to Niki Keys last year and haven’t looked back since. What prompted your decision to switch your alias up?

The shift to Niki Keys felt like stepping fully into myself and my brand. Nicolette was a chapter where I was learning, exploring, and finding my sound. It’s a bit more serious in my opinion. But Niki Keys feels more grounded and intentional, it’s closer to who I am personally and artistically. It also connects to my roots and identity in a way that feels authentic. It wasn’t about reinvention but more about alignment!

Your first single as Niki Keys, “You Tonight,” just dropped. Can you tell us a bit about how this track came to life and why you wanted it to be your first tune released to the world?

“You Tonight” is about the feeling of locking eyes with someone on a dancefloor, and everything else fades into the background. Could be someone you know, could be someone new. The feeling that they are literally the one you need tonight. [Laughs] We’ve all been there. Production-wise, I wanted it to reflect steady energy. It builds and evolves without rushing. That felt important for a first release. I didn’t want to come out loud; I wanted to come out intentionally and be digestible for listeners.

As someone who has been involved in the nightlife space at different levels over the years, what’s something you’d like to see change to make it a better place?

I’d love to see nightlife become more intentional and inclusive, less about hype and more about experience. I’m loving the no-phone parties. The best nights I’ve had weren’t about the biggest names or the loudest moments. They were about connection, sound quality, and people being present. I think as the scene grows, protecting that authenticity is really important!

Miami is a hotbed for dance music right now. What’s your favorite thing about living there, and where are your top spots to go when you’re up for a night out on the town?

Miami has this energy that’s hard to explain. It’s vibrant, layered, and constantly moving. The mix of cultures really shapes the music and culinary scene in a unique way. I’m a big foodie here. We indeed have something for everyone. Some of my favorite spots are, of course, Space, which is Miami’s GOAT, as well as Mode, Jolene, and 1-800-Lucky. I also love a good night at M2 and Daer! I look for spaces where the music can really breathe. Whether it’s a curated event or something more underground, I’m drawn to environments where the focus is on the sound and the connection.

What’s your biggest tip for everyone flocking to Miami Music Week this year?

I definitely feel like I have a good grip on MMW, considering this will be my 12th year attending! Starting off strong with pacing yourself. It’s far too chaotic to try to do everything, and the best moments usually come when you slow down and choose intentionally. Pick the events that align with your taste before coming. Have a solid plan, so you’re not overwhelmed and scrambling at the last minute. This will also help your pockets $$$! Protect your energy, and don’t underestimate the power of rest and nourishment. Hydration is also a non-negotiable! You’re literally prepping for a marathon, so think comfort for your paws. Nothing ruins the rave faster than a fat blister!

Finally, much of the year is still ahead of us – what do you hope to achieve throughout 2026? Can we expect more releases or some shows on the horizon?

2026 is about consistency and growth. I ripped the band-aid with my first release, and now the floodgates have opened. You can definitely expect more releases! I’ve been focused on building a cohesive body of work through WEST RECS, and my catalog is lengthy and ready to be shared with the world! I’m also excited to expand my live presence and connect with new audiences in different cities. My next show is at DAER in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, the 13th of March, so I’ll see you there.