DARLING NIKKI

From her teen years hanging with the Arrogant Sons of Bitches (who coined her nickname) to her storied history as a booker/DJ/bartender at the now-legendary Wierd Records parties (R.I.P.) and its direct descendant Nothing Changes, Nikki Sneakers has been not only a fixture but an essential lynchpin in underground music. Through her photos and early involvement in bands as varied as Shame, Iceage, Youth Code, and more, “the Sneakers effect” can be felt far and wide in realms like punk, indie rock, goth, and experimental music of all kinds.

A photographer first, her love for music shines through in her striking images—awash in strong color and capturing some of the most crucial artists of our time. “I started by following my friends’ bands around when I was a teen because I liked being around them and wanted to document our silly times together,” Nikki recalls. “As I got older, I got into different scenes and communities. But it all comes back to this desire to preserve moments.”