Explosive stage presence hardly describes how Nik West moves, wows, and shocks crowds everywhere. “She’s a real-life Gumby on stage, singing, dancing, and slapping the hell out of her bass guitar!” With credits including Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Prince, John Mayer, and Glee, bassist, singer, and songwriter Nik West is far more than a pretty face. Music journalist Alex Henderson (Billboard) writes, “Nik West is one 21st-century artist who isn’t lacking in chops. She knows her way around her instrument and plays like she’s been inspired by Larry Graham, Louis Johnson, and Marcus Miller. She’s also a highly expressive singer.”

Known for her impressive cover of AC/DC’s “Back In Black,” she caught the attention of legends Steven Tyler and Lenny Kravitz. West’s journey began in Phoenix, AZ, where her guitarist father taught her rhythm guitar at 13. Surrounded by her musically gifted siblings, she later discovered her true calling — the bass — after hearing Michael Jackson’s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” From then, there was no stopping her.

A former runway and print model, West was also a straight-A student, state track record holder, and calculus lover with a dedicated math blog. Despite scholarship offers, she chose music. While recording her debut Just In The Nik Of Time, Dave Stewart discovered her, quickly bringing her to perform with him and work alongside Grammy-winning producer Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette, George Strait, Michael Jackson).

Nik became the first Black woman to compose music for Disney’s ESPN network and has worked with Prince, Quincy Jones, Santana, Larry Graham, Macy Gray, Esperanza Spalding, Orianthi, and Bootsy Collins—who declared, “Nik West is bringing back the funk groovement and I love everything about what she stands for!”

Fender noticed her early, offering an endorsement that led to partnerships with Rockstar Energy, Audemars Piguet, James Allen Diamonds, Vanderhall, and Roland. She’s also the creator of Bass Domination, a course inspiring and training beginner bassists in confidence and discipline.