School's
in for talented Nikki
The Sun Herald (around the 13th
April)
Nikki Webster is hardly your average
15 year old, but there are some things even a celebrity cannot avoid-such as school. Between working on her new album and
regular public appearances she's completing year 11. Nikki recently recorded a pop version of I Wan'na Be Like You for the
Australian soundtrack of Disney's animated film, The Jungle Book II.
Tell us about the song?
I'm not in the movie but Disney contacted me saying
they wanted me to record a version of the song I Wan'na Be Like You for the Australian soundtrack. We put together a really
fun video clip and cool dance that takes place in the jungle, which later changes into a disco.
What is The Jungle Book II about?
It's a great story about Mowgli, who is brought up
by Baloo, a bear. In The Jungle Book II they are reunited when Mowgli sneaks out into the jungle to see his friend. There's
also a big tiger who's a bit scary, so the local villagers get a bit scared when Mowgli goes back into the jungle. The animation
is amazing and I definately had a few happy tears in my eyes at the end and there are lots of songs to sing along and enjoy.
What sort of music do you listen to?
I try to listen to a range of music, a bit of pop,
jazz, classical and R&B. I often listen to the old favourites that my parents like, such as Shirley Bassey and Aretha
Franklin, and obviously people like Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears. Currently my favourite is Avril Lavigne.
What else have you been up to?
I'm Year 11 this year doing my HSC (the NSW equivalent
of th VCE) so I'm concentrating on school. I'm studying English, maths, business studies and music. When I was doing The Wizard
Of Oz in Melbourne and Brisbane I had a tutor and was unning in and out of school, but now I'm working on a few projects in
a few different areas. I've been travelling quite a bit so it's great to be back home with my family and I'm enjoying life
and I'm able to keep singing while doing my HSC.
What do you hope to do after you finish school?
Obviously doing what I'm doing now with music, and
being an inspiration for my fans and keep making music. Maybe I'll go overseas. Who knows?
What would you do if you didn't work in the
music industry?
Hopefully that never happens because I've been very
lucky and had great success, but I'd work with children with dissabilities and help them complete their dreams and put a smile
on their faces because they're amazing. Through my work and music I've been lucky enough to meet lots of children through
Make A Wish Foundation and all different charities and it bring joy to their eyes when they meet me and listen to my music.
It brings joy to my heart. They're amazing kids.
You design your own clothes don't you?
The clothes I wear I design, which is great fun and
I love to have that input because I know what people my age wear and I know what they don't wear. I get a lot of people who
love my clothes and enjoy what I'm doing.
You're only 15, how do you feel about the criticism
you sometimes attract?
I think it's from people who don't know me or are jealous
of me, but I know that if I can keep strong and reach my fans they will always know the truth. The fans always know the truth
and it doesn't matter as long as they're happy, which they are. I get so much positive feedback and it (the criticism) is
only from people who are jealous and think that by hurting me I won't be around, but I've got something to tell them.
I'm going to stick around.
You'll be 16 soon, what are you most looking
forward to?
Getting on the road. I think I'm a bit of a frustrated
driver and I can't wait to be able to drive myself places.
