NK was born in New York, US, attending grade schools in New Jersey, and college in Boston, MA. She graduated from Berklee College of Music in August 2017 with a Bachelor of Music (Summa Cum Laude): a dual degree in Contemporary Writing & Production, and Music Production & Engineering—along with a minor in Acoustics & Electronics. During her studies, she was the percussionist/piano player in the Celtic band Donnelly (with whom she toured the Southwestern United States). Furthermore, she was the Production Chair and Principle Timpanist/Percussionist of the Neapolitan Orchestra, in which she also collaborated with resident artists to co-produce original pieces that highlight musical integration between European classical and modern contemporary styles.

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As someone who is biologically half-Chinese and half-Filipino, but grew up with a Costa Rican father, she has regularly ingested a wide assortment of techniques, harmonies, textures, and even histories that have shaped how she perceives music. Meanwhile, her musical training as a vocalist and percussionist have been under classical European teachings. Though she is keen on the differences that all these cultures have musically, she has also identified similarities and complementary elements that provide her a chance to compound them. By exercising fusion, she has developed an intrinsic desire to entertain complexity and to explore with others.

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On top of her own work, she has a wide selection of collaborations with other artists and organizations. As a recent example, NK composed, produced, performed, and recorded the main theme of Bai-Ka Production’s debut short film “Loi Ru,” which won the Special Jury Award for Best International Short Film at GONA Film Awards, as well as was officially selected as a feature in the 2021 Mixed Asian Media Festival. She also produced, arranged, performed, and recorded the 2022 annual theme for National World Singing Day, recruited by founder Scott Johnson. Additionally, as a Songs For World Peace ambassador (representing Costa Rica), she was a recording engineer and a choir member for SWP’s 2023 Finale Song, in collaboration with the city of Hiroshima, Japan.

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Lastly, below are a few words from Nicoh Kwan.

"I have had the privilege of growing up through diversity, absorbing cultures and customs I would otherwise have not encountered under my roof. Because of that, I love to explore rhythmic complexity and the vastness of the human voice, as well as creating melodies that are hummable and incorporating vibrant textures. I want to keep traversing, to keep learning what I didn't know I didn't know, and to keep forging new intersections where scattered paths may converge."

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Please have a look around my online spaces, and say hello at nicohkwan@gmail.com! I am grateful for the time you have given me, and I look forward to your good company in the near future." 

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Warmth & light ✿