There’s something really special about a reimagined version of a song. It gets to the heart of it in a different, kind of more raw and intimate way. I envisioned it for “I Don’t Mind” and Oli Howe took it to another level.
Lina Nikol
When Lina asked me to reimagine her recent single ‘I Don’t Mind’, I knew exactly where I wanted to take it. I wanted to build on the original vibe with fresh sounds, new harmony and dramatic moments, bringing in some inspiration from gospel music alongside the energy and feel of a live arrangement.
Oli Howe
THE RELEASE
After the success of her single “I Don’t Mind”, produced by Baker Aaron, London-based singer Lina Nikol returns with a new version.
Her neo-soul/r&b track got reimagined by the Brighton-based keyboardist & producer Oli Howe – whom you might know from his viral reharmonisation videos on Instagram.
Oli’s version of “I Don’t Mind” takes the track in a jazz/gospel direction, with warm keys, live-sounding drums, and spacey synth touches.
THE ARTIST
Lina Nikol
Lina Nikol is а London-based singer and songwriter, blending smooth neo-soul and R&B influences. She opened live for PJ Morton in 2023, had a Mad Cool acoustic session, and performed at TEDx London in 2025. Lina Nikol has also worked with artists like GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Ashton Sellars, and producers like Misha, Baker Aaron, and more.
- Radio rotation on BBC 1 (Future Soul), BBC 1Xtra (Everything R&B), BBC Introducing (also interview), Soho Radio (El Train), JazzFM UK, RNB1 (France), Fukuoka FM, beachfm Japan & more
- Opened for PJ Morton at Bush Hall, London in 2023
- Performed at a Mad Cool acoustic session
- Featured on Spotify's editorials like New Music Friday UK/Japan, Groovin' R&B, Cafe Chillout, Sugar, and aloe
- Supported on Apple's R&B in Spatial Audio, New in Pop, Grown N Sexy, New Music Daily, Day One, etc.
- Featured on Amazon's Brand New Music
- Added to Deezer's Fresh Soul & Cheezzzy
- Part of the first Stereofox songwriting camp at Platoon Studios (Oct 2024) with edbl, Mom Tudie, Loie, James Berkeley, Raelle & more
- Lina's EP A Mood Called "You" got remixed by Moods, Misha, El Train & TromBobby, amassing 1M+ streams
- Performed at TEDx London in 2025
Oli Howe
Oli Howe is a Brighton-based keyboardist, producer and composer blending jazz, soul, funk, gospel, hip-hop and R&B. His distinctive approach to harmony and groove has established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary UK jazz. Alongside his own music, Howe has shared stages with artists such as YolanDa Brown, Omar Lyefook, Billy Cobham, and Taylor McFerrin, and performed at venues and festivals including Ronnie Scott’s, Brighton Jazz Festival and Love Supreme. He has also built a large online following through his innovative keyboard and reharmonisation videos and regularly shares his expertise through workshops and masterclasses.
- 270k on IG; his reharmonisation videos were praised by Justin Timberlake, Yuna, Questlove, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Lalah Hathaway, etc.
- Featured on Spotify's State of Jazz, Jazztronica, Jazz UK, and more
- Headlined shows at Brighton Jazz Festival, Love Supreme Festival, Ronnie Scott's, etc.
- Airplay on Jazz FM UK, Worldwide FM, Soho Radio, J-Wave & more
