Suspense to Obvious
She may be born in Texas, but the lifetime Los Angeles based actress, singer and songwriter — Nikki Hahn — has amassed an impressive repertoire, working on many suspenseful television series such as CSI, Criminal Minds and American Horror Story — and it is clear that this queen of suspense is only just beginning her reign in this industry.
with Nikki Hahn
Photographer: Vince Trupsin
A black belt in martial arts and a regular in the art of on-screen suspense, Nikki Hahn has been a performer most her life. Hailing from San Antonio, Texas, Hahn first joined the industry appearing in top rated modeling campaigns and commercials with full-time television roles following close behind. Seen today in hit shows such as CSI: Miami, Criminal Minds, The Closer, NCIS: Los Angeles, and American Horror Story, the actress made her television debut as “Emily Cooper” in the Disney Channel 100th Original Movie Adventures in Babysitting, alongside Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson. Followed by Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s anthology series Genius: Einstein for National Geographic which earned 10 Emmy nominations. Hahn has also been seen portraying “Gina Tuscadero” in ABC’s American Housewife; although the actress hints at many new productions to be released down the pipeline.
Easily deemed a sovereign of suspense, the actress absolutely adored working on American Horror Story Asylum. “I love horror,” expresses Hahn, “so getting to walk around the asylum set and play the villain was an amazing experience for me. I also loved working on Genius: Einstein. I was flown to Prague, Czech Republic to film. It was also a period piece so I got to wear 19th century style wardrobe. I love traveling AND period pieces so I definitely had the best time. As for scary movies, they absolutely have the same effect for me if done right. For example, Texas Chainsaw Massacre is one of my favorite horror films, the acting is so amazing that I can't even imagine a production or crew being there.” Starting her career on-screen at the age of five, the seasoned actress has acquired quite the knowledge through her time on each set, an experience she will keep with her as she ventures from television to playlists. But first, “[the] advice I'd give to actors is to be persistent. I think something that goes for both actors and storytellers is that reading a lot will help expand your imagination and knowledge.”
Truly a rising star, the actress is expanding her artistic vein from the screen to the stage as she speaks up about her budding music career. On the heels of her debut single “In My Head,” the artist has released her sophomore single “Obvious” which is currently available on all streaming platforms. Inspired by 80’s and 90’s rock and pop music, Hahn’s chosen genre blends the decades together to create her own lane of experimental pop-rock. She tells BODE Magazine she is currently working on her debut EP infusing the sounds of her guitar, piano and bass.
“I didn't realize how much I knew about behind the scenes work until I had to do it myself.”
With her father classified as a classical guitarist with his own repertoire of rock bands and on-stage gigs — not to mention the musical instruments played around the house through her childhood— Hahn has been surrounded by music her entire life. The multi-talented artist, who happens to be in the process of learning Spanish, Korean, and French, is candid about her diverse heritage and the open mind it allowed her to cultivate through the years. “With my grandparents being from Mexico, I've gotten to hear a variety of music, from traditional mariachi to Latin pop, such as Luis Miguel,” begins the actress. “With my Spanish heritage, I've been exposed to Flamenco dancing and guitar. With my dad's German side, I've been exposed to a lot of German classical composers. So while my current music doesn't really incorporate these styles, it's really expanded my musical knowledge and inspires me to be original.” While Hahn’s inspiration to write her own lyrics comes from real life experiences and other audible compositions, the musician believes her songwriting has definitely evolved and is maturing to the point where people will soon be able to recognize her own concept and influences in the new material she is too release, promising it will be a departure from what we have heard before — and we couldn’t be more excited about it!
“It’s really expanded my musical knowledge and inspires me to be original.”
Not to be missed in the meantime, Hahn’s latest single, “Obvious,” is inspired by a missed connection in love and is seen to nuance elements of 90’s Britney Spears mixed with 80’s Madonna — an influence that emerged from the Covid-19 quarantined period while at home watching old MTV music videos. “You can definitely see those influences even in the lighting of my video,” begins the singer. “I loved getting to style myself for the video, some of my outfits were thrifted and even vintage from the 80s! I'm super into aesthetics and moodboards so getting to put together a moodboard and concept for the video was so much fun. The lyrics are just meant to be fun and not taken so seriously. Especially because we worked on this during Covid, I really just wanted to release something uplifting and exciting.” With prior experience in theatrical work, the transition into the music industry has been a natural process. “It really helped with the production of my music video, because I actually produced it myself,” continues Hahn. “Growing up on productions and sets really helped because I didn't realize how much I knew about behind the scenes work until I had to do it myself.”
Constantly seeking inspiration in iconic 80’s fashion trends and thrift shop finds, the actress always finds a way to modernize her curated ensembles, cultivating a wardrobe that basically consists of straight leg jeans, pairing crop tops and blazers, and of course, comfy shoes such as her favorite Adidas and Doc Martens. Never forgetting the accessories, “I wear my crystal rings everywhere I go,” acknowledges Hahn with a show of her hand. And for beauty, a natural makeup look goes a long way as she is known to highlight a sultry brown eyeliner and a ‘Pillow Talk’ lipstick. The brown eyed actress looks to iconic avenues like France and South Korea for her beauty regimen and “because of this, I’ve really learned that skincare is more important than makeup,” addresses Hahn. “I’ve started staying more consistent with my skincare routine and finding out what ingredients are in my products.” Whatever it is, it’s working!
Experienced in an industry that is motivated and thrives from constant creative inspiration, Hahn has learned a trick or two to handling those times of un-motivation by listening to her vinyls and watching a lot of movies. While a creative block can be difficult to avoid, the expectations of a career in the spotlight are not so difficult to sideswipe for Hahn. “I've always been grounded,” notes the actress. “I'm just doing what I love and I don't take it for granted. My parents have always taught me to treat everyone with respect. I think that helps me stay grounded.” This 18 year old artist is most unapologetic for being her authentic self, “no matter what,” and her words of wisdom don’t stop there. “The best advice I've been given was from Carrie Fisher,” reminisces the actress. “I met her in 2016 and she told me to ‘stay in school.’ [Knowing what I know now] I would tell myself not to compare myself to others and to stay on my own path, because everyone's paths are different.” And while her path currently consists of college classes, self-taping auditions and studio sessions, Hahn would like to leave us with these final words: “Thank you so much for your support, it means the world to me. Stay in school and be true to yourself!”
“I would tell myself not to compare myself to others and to stay on my own path, because everyone's paths are different.”