He’s made hits for Exo, NCT, Twice and Aespa: meet K-pop songwriter Kyler Niko, who nearly made it as a singer himself

After a record label chose not to work with Kyler Niko because they did not know how to market him as an Asian artist, he thought about giving up music entirely

A fateful encounter with the founder of music company InnerV8 Musiq set him on a different path: writing K-pop songs for the likes of Exo, NCT, Twice and Aespa

Reading Time:4 minutes

Kyler Niko nearly gave up on music after a record label passed him over. A chance encounter with the founder of music company InnerV8 Musiq led to a new career – now he is a hit K-pop songwriter. Photo: courtesy of InnerV8 Musiq

Published: 4:15pm, 14 Jul 2023

By Dong Sun-hwa

As a child, Kyler Niko dreamed of becoming a singer – and he nearly made it as one, too.

Niko – who wrote his first song when he was 14 – was approached by one of the world’s biggest labels at the time, who said he had the looks, voice and songs they had been searching for. There was just one problem – they were not sure how to market him as a Chinese/Asian artist.

Ultimately, they did not sign him. Although this frustrated Niko at first, his discontent did not last long, as he soon discovered a new career path as a songwriter.

Niko wrote his first song when he was 14. Photo: courtesy of InnerV8 Musiq

“In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise,” says the London-based Niko. “My new path as a songwriter has acquainted me with some of the greatest friends and colleagues one could ask for. Writing music for different artists is the most creatively gratifying experience as well.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x