At just 16, Seattle-based singer, songwriter, and guitarist Nikhil Bagga is already making waves on some of the world’s biggest stages. Born in Toronto, he picked up the guitar at nine, inspired by legends like AC/DC, Ed Sheeran, and Queen. By ten, he was busking on San Diego’s Pacific Beach and performing in Tokyo. At twelve, he sang the National Anthem for 17,000 fans at a Seattle Kraken game, and by fourteen, he was playing the NHL Winter Classic for more than 50,000 live—and millions watching worldwide.

In 2022, Bagga recorded his debut album Leap of Faith at Seattle’s iconic London Bridge Studio with producer Eric Lilavois (Ayron Jones, Saint Motel). Featuring Heart’s Ben Smith and Loaded’s Jeff Rouse, the record pays homage to “thick guitar tones and the ’90s punchy alt-rock of Teenage Fanclub and Matthew Sweet” (Glide).

His career milestones include Berklee College of Music’s Aspire program, a 2025 YoungArts Award, and being named one of 425 Magazine’s 30 Under 30. He has shared stages with legends like George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, while drawing inspiration from guitar greats including Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, and John Mayer. His sound fuses ’90s grunge with modern rock and blues—connecting with audiences of all ages.

Recently, Bagga honed his craft at an elite masterclass in Loch Lomond, Scotland, studying under icons such as Robben Ford, Larry Carlton, Robbie McIntosh, and Guthrie Trapp—earning praise from some of the world’s top players.

With electrifying performances, a growing catalog of original music, and an unmistakable passion for guitar-driven rock, Nikhil Bagga is cementing his place as one of the most exciting young artists to watch.

  • Two male musicians playing guitars on stage during a live performance with an audience watching.
  • A person with curly hair and glasses playing an acoustic guitar, smiling, in a music studio with guitars hanging on a brick wall behind them.
  • A young man playing an electric guitar with an older woman sitting on the floor, listening and wearing headphones. Music equipment and guitar pedals are visible around them.
  • Young boy playing electric guitar and singing on stage with a drummer in the background, stage lit with purple and orange lights.
  • Black and white portrait of a young man with curly hair, smiling, wearing a dark blazer and a black shirt, standing in front of a dark curtain.