LA-based singer, songwriter, and sinister-pop performance artist, ONICKS (they/them), is paying homage to Britney Spears with their first release of 2023, “Toxic.” An iconic song that’s already very dark and sexy, ONICKS was determined to recreate it with their own vision. ONICKS elaborates; “I studied many iconic hits from the 80’s in order to get my accent as authentic as possible. My producer Jakaval (Jordie Arrieta) created the PERFECT ONICKS meets the 80’s track. We made sure to use some of Britney's signature musical accents throughout, while also recreating this song to be even darker than the original, in true ONICKS fashion.”
“Toxic” came to fruition when Streamy Award Winner Brandon Rogers asked ONICKS to create a cover for his new YouTube series, “Bryce.” In addition, for the first time in his career Brandon will be co-starring in the upcoming music video for “Toxic,” directed by Liam Krug. ONICKS; an artist who has emerged from the well of despair to bring hope to those that are on the same or parallel journeys. Being a strong voice for others to receive inspiration from has always been a shining light throughout any project ONICKS takes on. Merging the worlds of Electropop, Alternative R&B, Trap, and Pop to form their own genre coined: “Sinister-POP” - they are defining a new sound featuring raw and mesmerizing lyrics which appeal to all generations, sexualities, genders, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. “Blurring the lines between masculine and feminine is my entire DNA. I don’t make music for “he, she, straight, gay, etc”…I make music that any human can sing for themselves” ONICKS states.
Growing up in California and Colorado, ONICKS was influenced by many artists, each playing a transformative role in their development. The femininity of Prince, the hypnotizing writing style of Lana Del Rey, the bluntness of The Weeknd, and the visual chameleon that is Rihanna led ONICKS to where they are now. However, the narrative of their life took a tragic turn as ONICKS succumbed to the temptation of hard drugs at an early age. Rejected by the mainstream music scene at 19 because they were not yet a fully “recognized” artist, and struggling with their sexuality, femininity, and image; they were fuelled by the desire to escape their personal circumstance. Drugs offered a false reality of hope and survival, but it was music that saved their soul. It offered ONICKS the emotional strength to change their life as they were battling with anxiety, depression, and addiction. Now, after experimenting with countless genres, a true realized artist arises from the ashes of their own self-destruction.
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