Interview - Nikki Bigalbal

Nikki Bigalbal comes from a musical family, and it is consequently no surprise that she became interested in music at a young age, albeit in a musical genre (punk) that differs from the tastes of the rest of her family. Her interest in heavier music (i.e. punk music) was further fostered by her idolization of Joan Jett at the age of 12-13, and she eventually got her first guitar on her 13th birthday. She has been writing music since around that age, and she joined her first band at the age of 15.

She has had various experiences, as a guitarist, with Houston-based bands such as Roots of Exile and No Resistance. Most recently, she has ventured into the realm of fronting a band; she is the lead singer, lyricist, and rhythm guitarist for Houston-based punk rock/rock and roll band Gone Rogue. In this interview, Nikki Bigalbal describes her early musical/family experiences, musical journey, band experiences, identity in the context of her musical (punk rock) experience, and perspectives on various contemporary topics/issues.

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