My Mission As: A Musical Storyteller

Hunched over a laptop in the corner of his bedroom, a middle schooler opened FL Studio for the first time, trying to familiarize himself with the foreign tools. Despite only being in seventh grade, Link Lee knew he had a passion for creating and producing music – but he would’ve never guessed that those hours experimenting with sound would grow into something more. Now known professionally as niko rain, he has built a career as a singer, songwriter, producer, and performer, garnering over 500k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Music was a passion for Lee long before it became a career. Since remixing his first track in middle school, he continued his hobby at MSJ, immersing himself in nearly every musical outlet available. Lee dedicated all four years of his high school career to band, singing at rallies as a member of the choir, and even appearing at assemblies as part of Perfect Noise, the former MSJ beatboxing club. “In my time at MSJ, I performed at every single Interact, Leo, Key Club, benefit show, charity show, air band, every possible show ever,” Lee said, laughing. “I feel like I didn’t really have [an] ego, I really just cared about the music.”

His drive to create fuels his dedication to write music as a professional artist. He draws inspiration from intimate moments and personal memories, influenced by the experiences of his friends and those closest to him. “A lot of my music is the voice and positioning from me to a friend that I care about deeply,” Lee said. “If they had a bad day, I’d be trying to comfort them, or if they’re going through something right now, I’m writing this song for them.” This ability to lift people up is one of his biggest accomplishments, highlighting how his music is deeply connected with empathy and human connection.

Even with all the success and fame as a popularly streamed performer, the recognition doesn’t come without a cost. Behind the performances and original tracks, Lee says the hardest part of being a music artist isn’t the technical skill of composing, but the constant mental strain that comes with being seen on stage and the pressure of not disappointing fans. “The fans aren’t going to know about all the mental struggles, the weight of everything, [and] the pressure that comes with being perceived.” Lee said. The fight to appear confident and composed while carrying personal burdens makes the profession deeply isolating. Despite this hardship, it is also what gives his lyrics depth and honesty, turning real battles he experiences into songs that help others feel less alone.

When Link Lee opened FL Studio for the first time, he had no idea his love for producing would blossom into a professional career. Now a developed professional artist and an inspiration to millions of fans, Lee hopes that his music can help people find comfort after a long day, or feel understood in moments when words fall short. His journey from a student with a passion to a professional music artist inspires the message that success does not come from perfection or material profit, but from persistence and a willingness to keep creating even when things feel impossible. “I believe that you yourself, the person you’ve become today… is often the biggest accomplishment that most people don’t realize.” Lee said.

Scarlett Huang