Peruvian singer-songwriter Nic (formerly known as Nicole Zignago) is experiencing one of her brightest periods and makes it clear with the release of “favorito.” Four times nominated for the Latin Grammy Awards, the artist is committed to an idea that melts hearts: “you are not my first love, you are my favorite.” With that intimate and powerful phrase, nic celebrates conscious love, that which is chosen every day and that does not need fireworks to shine.
After the emotional boost of “(happy for you)” and her nomination in 2025 for “Te Quiero”, nic continues to build a new era that is more honest, playful and self-confident. Their next album promises a more live sound, lyrics with mischief and a vulnerability that connects directly with those who feel everything intensely. If February is the month of love, nic already has the perfect soundtrack.
The central phrase of your new single is “you are not my first love, you are my favorite.” What inspired you to build the entire song around that idea?
I am in a very beautiful moment in my life, very in love with myself, with the people around me, with what I have in general. When I started writing this song, I remember that I went to Mexico and I had that phrase in my head: “you are not my first love, you are my favorite.”
I started to think about all the times we have jumped into love, that we have fallen in love and fallen out of love later. And when you find that person who feels like home, who is a conscious love, who doesn’t feel like fireworks… I feel that the songs talk a lot about butterflies and unbridled love, but not so much about finding that love in calm. That conscious love.
I felt like I found it, like I was living that not only with another person, but also with myself. I found that home in me. And it’s nice to realize that that person is not your first love, it’s not the first time you’ve fallen in love, but suddenly it’s your favorite time to throw yourself into love.
“Favorite” reframes love as a conscious choice. How do you define “conscious love” and how do you apply it in your life and in your music?
I think that over the years you learn what conscious love means to you. As you grow and make decisions, you realize what you want, what you don’t want in your life, and what works for you.
Since having made those decisions consciously, I feel that you choose better the people who accompany you, not only in romantic love, but also in your friendships and the people you surround yourself with. And yes, I think that will also be reflected in my songs.
You have been nominated four times for the Latin GRAMMY®. How have these nominations influenced your growth as an artist and songwriter?
The truth is that nominations are always a giant honor. Having recognition from the Academy, my colleagues and the industry is very exciting. Since I was little I have dreamed of getting there and, at some point, getting to the Grammy when I have to get there.
I have prepared my speeches in front of the mirror since I was very young and I dream of being on that stage. The nominations are a nice pat on the back to fill the gas tank and continue doing things the way we are doing them.
Your stage name changed from Nicole Zignago to nic. What does this change represent for you and your artistic identity?
When I started releasing music, a few years ago, I didn’t have a profile on Spotify; I only uploaded covers to YouTube. I used my ID name, my official name, on my social networks.
In 2020, a great friend, the Mexican singer-songwriter Marco Mares, invited me to sing a song on his album La Ola. Since I didn’t have a profile on Spotify, the first thing I did was create it. I asked friends how it worked because I had no idea, and I opened the profile with the name I used on social networks. At that time I was still in university and, although I wanted to release my music, I had not consciously sat down to think about how I wanted to chart my career.
Over time I realized that it was a name that I did not feel comfortable with in my professional life. In my personal life I have always been called nic: my family, my team, my friends and my fans. My music is so autobiographical that calling myself Nicole Zignago sounded very serious to me. nic is shorter, easier to pronounce and felt closer. It’s been like coming home.
Your music reflects a lot of emotional honesty. How do you balance the personal with the universal so that it connects with your audience?
The truth is that I don’t think about it that much. Being vulnerable comes very naturally to me and I think that’s why people connect. I am very sentimental and emotional, and that vulnerability comes effortlessly to me.
I always say that my songs are for people who feel a lot, and I still believe that.
You have collaborated with artists such as Camilo, Sofía Reyes and Lagos. What has been the most valuable lesson that these collaborations have taught you?
Everyone has a very unique way of exercising their creativity. Sofi is a free and beautiful soul, whom I admire very much. Being in the studio with her has been super enriching; She is not rigid in her way of creating and I admire that a lot.
Luis and Agustín, from Lagos, are tremendous musicians, very talented, and Camilo is super meticulous in the way he works; I greatly admire your attention to detail.
Every time I share a studio with artists like this, I learn something, not only about their professional life, but also about their personal side. Happily, music has given me dear friends, and I consider the people you mentioned friends. I admire them not only for what they do in their profession, but for the people they are.
“favorite” is a preview of your next album. What can your fans expect from this new musical stage?
As for the sound world, this new album is very live. We tried to use real instruments as much as possible because I am very excited to bring this show to the stage and I wanted it to be replicated in the best way.
It’s fun, has sarcasm and a lot of play. My lyrics are always going to be very nic, very personal, but on this new album there is more irony, more freshness. That will be felt both in the production and in the lyrics.
