Nonbinary indie pop artist ONICKS (they/them) is reveling in the success of their last single, “Illuminati.” The haunting electronic pop track just surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify without label backing, and was featured by popular YouTuber Brandon Rogers in a video that garnered over 1 million views.
The music video for “No Problems” (out June 17) shows ONICKS and Marqui taking label executives hostage in an opulent L.A. mansion that invokes Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” music video. Directed by Zoey 101 star and Hawke Productions founder, Paul Butcher, ONICKS and Marqui are seen in vintage designer fashions and jewels, breaking out into iconic choreography and setting their plan to take over the world in motion.
1. What inspired the song?
ONICKS: As a queer, non-binary, musician of color, I have been told “no” my entire career and I used to let that control my entire mindset. When I wrote the hook for “No Problems” I imagined this new world that I now live in mentally. A world where I’ve let my imagination run wild and unhinged. I’ve finally surrounded myself with other brilliant artists such as Marqui. Everyone around me now facilitates my artistry instead of telling me “NO”…The only thing missing is my damn crown. My diamonds. All the Benjamins. And with “No Problems”, we’re here to take what’s ours.
Marqui: “No Problems” was inspired by the realization that in order to have the life we dream of, we have to be willing to take unyielding action. ONICKS and I wanted to create an anthem that embodied the feeling of manifesting our idea of a perfect life.
2. What’s the story behind ONICKS? How did you get to where you are now?
ONICKS: My life hasn’t always been so bright. For a few years, I was in and out of drugs, pain, and sorrow. I think a lot of people are afraid to talk about that but the reason why I created ONICKS–who I am today–is so that I could be strong enough to accept my past, take back what I want from the world, and to show as many humans who are going through some awful shit….that they have the power to take control and take their lives back! ONICKS was originally my escape but now, that’s just who I am as a human and as a rockstar.
How did I get to where I am? It’s quite simple. One day after I had just spent five terrifying nights in a DTLA jail cell for being too high to remember a court date, I thought to myself “ONICKS…we have two options here…Option 1: Continue on this path and ultimately die somewhere, forgotten and without purpose….or Option 2: Realize that I am not dead. I have a purpose that is larger than my current reality. I have my music. My mind is not lost and if I can harness all of this pain into fearlessness, I’ll be unstoppable.”…..Clearly I went with Option 2. From that moment on, I kicked my drug habit, left my fears behind me, and began creating new music that was REAL and authentic to what goes on in my mind. That’s the formula that has worked for me.
3. How was working with Marqui?
ONICKS: I had the pleasure of seeing Marqui perform at a festival in Palm Springs and I was immediately drawn to him. His style, voice, and aura were just exactly what I was looking for and so I had my manager Ash organize a meeting on the spot with him and his dancers! We embraced right away and instantly got to talking about making a record together and the rest is history. I have been longing to meet another queer artist of color that I could just be my strange self with and now I consider him family. One of my favorite moments from recording “No Problems” was when we completely pulled the bridge out of our asses on the spot in the studio. We both looked at each other like…”oops…did we not write a bridge?!”….So we used our voices and our connection to completely NAIL the climax of the song. I’m just so proud of what we have created together and I love Marqui to death.
4. How was working with ONICKS?
Working with ONICKS has been incredible! He came up to me after one of my performances and said “You’re phenomenal, we need to work together!” After that, we got straight to work and built a bond that runs so deep. He’s my right hand, he’s my sister.
5. What does the video for “No Problems” mean to you? How was it creating this incredible team?
ONICKS: For myself and Marqui, this music video is a cultural RESET. When have you last seen two queer artists of color on screen displayed in such a manner? NEVER! We wanted to send a very direct message…If the mainstream music industry doesn’t want to give us what we want, what we deserve….we’re gonna take it!
This team was the most inspiring, diverse, talented group of badasses I could have hoped for. Our director (Paul Butcher of Hawke Productions) and I have such a beautiful creative connection and on set, this exploded in the best ways. His team put everything they had into this project and I could feel the energy…And speaking of teams, I’m beyond blessed to have the most spectacular humans on team ONICKS. I think it is so very important for artists to surround themselves with people who feel like family and that is exactly what I have!
Marqui: The “No Problems” music video means a lot to me. Creating the concept with Onicks, we wanted to showcase the fantasy that lives in our minds and we actually brought it to life. After seeing the video, I think viewers will understand us better as artists. Also, this video gave us the chance to work with honestly one of the best production teams ever! Our director, Paul Butcher respected us as artists every step of the way. We couldn’t have done this without every person involved.
6. What’s the overall message behind your music?
ONICKS: My music has two main messages…First, ”Dulcius ex asperis” (Through difficulty, sweetness). You don’t have to hate the world if you’ve been hurt. You can turn that into power and success. And second, you don’t have to give the world an option in regards to accepting YOU. Show them what you’re made of and take what you want!
7. As we enter Pride month, what does queerness mean to you?
Marqui: Due to social stigmas, we LGBTQ people spend a great deal of our lives only showcasing a fragment of ourselves to others. So when we live out and proud, we’re granted an opportunity to no longer hide our true selves. That experience is deeply magical! Pride to me, means being 100 percent your authentic self… but not just for a month, but for 365 days a year
ONICKS: Queerness = FREEDOM for me. The identifier that is “queer” has given all of my personal evolutions a place to call home. This is completely irreplaceable. The deep love and passion I have for EVERYTHING queer only grows stronger with every passing day I have on Earth and I plan to stand by my greater queer family in every way I can!
