Q&A with Raleigh based Pop/Rock band Nikol
Nikol is a six-piece EDGY Pop/Rock band out of Raleigh, NC - similar to the sounds of Paramore, Flyleaf and Evanescence. The band's first...
Nikol is a six-piece EDGY Pop/Rock band out of Raleigh, NC - similar to the sounds of Paramore, Flyleaf and Evanescence. The band's first full-length album, "Bittersweet", is available now on iTunes, Amazon, etc. Nikol has been back in the studio recording a 5 song EP, "White Lies", with Drew Fulk (Upon A Burning Body, Motionless in White, For All Those Sleeping, etc.) and Kile O'Dell (Failure Anthem, Motionless in White, Cursed Sails, etc.). There is a music video, filmed by Aaron Marsh, set to release with the EP in the Summer of 2016 and Nikol was named the winner for Female Rock at the 2015 Carolina Music Awards. On top of that amazing accolade, Nikol is also one of the winners of the DOPECAUSEWESAID campaign on ReverbNation to find the DOPEST emerging artists in the world. Out of more than 4,500 Pop, RnB, Soul, Rock, Hip-Hop and Electronic songs reviewed, we selected Nikol and the explanation for why is rather self-explanatory if you listen to their music. We connected with lead singer Nikol to find out how the band came together, to find out more about their recently released album "Bittersweet" and much more.
Carlton Boyd
How did you and your bandmates come together to form Nikol?
Through the local music scene and relationships from other bands - it's been a long road trying to find each other (for myself especially), but I think we are all really excited to be in this together.
Tell me about your first full length album "Bittersweet" which was recently released. Out of the eight songs on the album, do you have a favorite? And where can people find it?
My first full length record, "Bittersweet", got it's title from the songs themselves, it ultimately brings them all together - life lessons are hard to learn sometimes, but you come out stronger as you grow through it all.
My favorite song has always been "Denial".
The record is on iTunes, Pandora, Spotify, Amazon...kind of all over (:
Updates are always posted on our official website: www.nikolmusik.com (like our first music video and new single, "Outside The Lines", releasing on April 8!!)
Do comparisons to Paramore and Evanescence annoy you or do you look at it as a compliment?
Oh. my. goodness. HUGE compliment!!!! I love BOTH of those bands - Paramore has been my favorite for years now (I doubt any band will ever top them on my "list").
How gratifying was it to be winner for Female Rock at the 2015 Carolina Music Awards? Did you have a speech prepared?
When they were announcing the winner I was actually clapping for the "winner" before I realized it was us, hahaha
I had thought about what I would say if we were to win, but I really just wanted to thank everyone involved in making the record and to those who took the time to vote - each and every supporter we come across means SO MUCH - we can't do it without support.
What are your thoughts about the music scene for emerging artists in Raleigh? Do you think that this area could become the next Atlanta or Austin?
Raleigh is definitely growing and I'd like to see it get as big as Atlanta, Austin, or any other large city with a killer music scene!!
Check out this teaser for Nikol's upcoming video "Outside The Lines, dropping on April 8th:
Q&A with Ian and The Dream
Ian and The Dream is a Pop/Rock band from Milwaukee which began in 2008, when two high school best friends began embarking on their dream...
Ian and The Dream is a Pop/Rock band from Milwaukee which began in 2008, when two high school best friends began embarking on their dream. Sure, they already had been active in Milwaukee’s music scene: front man Ian Ash won the Summerfest Pepsi Talent Search performing an original song at age 13 and bassist Chivo had already cut his teeth playing hard rock in several projects but after seeing an opportunity to compete for a major label record deal, Ian & The Dream were formed.
We connected with the guys as part of DOPECAUSEWESAID's campaign on ReverbNation searching for the DOPEST Rock, Pop, Soul, Hip-Hop, and Electronic music artists in the world. After reviewing more than 4,500 songs on ReverbNation, we selected Ian and The Dream and the rest is history. Below is our interview with the guys about their musical goals for 2016, the music scene in their hometown Milwaukee, and much more.
Carlton Boyd
If you had to describe your band/music in three words, what would they be?
Uplifting, positive, melodic
What are your goals musically this year for the band?
Releasing our new album "New Dreams" and touring behind it, plus making lots of fun radio and TV appearances along the way!
What's the music scene like in Milwaukee, especially for emerging artists? Is there a music scene in the city that supports local acts?
The music scene in Milwaukee is vibrant and busy. It's a good scene for emerging artists to be noticed by festival talent buyers and build a good local fanbase if you know which venues to play. There's lots of friendly musicians and organizations that are willing to help too.
Explain your band's name; how did it come about?
Ian & The Dream- the name could mean a lot of things, like the fact that music is my dream, but really for us the name is about "taking time to dream"- or doing what makes you truly happy and loyal to your authentic self.
Tell us about your tour. Do you have a favorite song to perform or one that gets the greatest reaction out of the audience?
Playing live is a blast for us- we've had some interesting adventures throughout the midwest. Last year, we opened for "Nashville" stars Lennon & Maisy at the Mall of America in Minnesota. This year we'll be doing 2 appearances at Navy Pier in Chicago! I'm excited for where the road takes us.
I think our favorite live song to perform would be "Steppin' On My Shoes." - We like interacting with the crowd and having everyone sing along, and I get to have a fun jam with the guys on the outro.
Connect with Ian and The Dream: Website Instagram Facebook Twitter YouTube
Q&A with Laci Kay aka The Italian Dutchess
Laci Kay, The Italian Dutchess, as she likes to call herself, is a 17 year old Recording Artist, Songwriter, Actress, and Model who has performed at many venues in the LA area. She is...
Laci Kay, The Italian Dutchess, as she likes to call herself, is a 17 year old Recording Artist, Songwriter, Actress, and Model who has performed at many venues in the LA area. After receiving over 5,000 submissions and an insanely tough selection process by the DOPECAUSEWESAID founders, Laci Kay is also one of the selected winners of the DOPECAUSEWESAID campaign using the ReverbNation platform to find the DOPEST RnB, Hip-Hop, EDM, Soul, and Pop artists in the world. Congratulations again to Laci Kay for her selection! We connected with her to find out how she juggles so many roles at such a young age, her charity work, her new music and much more.
Carlton Boyd
Why is it important for you to devote your time to charities such as Kids Against Animal Cruelty, Britticares, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and P.A.C.E.?
It it very important for me to take time to give back. Giving back might possibly be one he very avorite parts of my job. There's a beauty about it that can make my dry eyes teary. I love each charity so much individually, and they all mean a lot to me, each for different reasons. My family always instilled in me to care about others, and to never forget where I've come from.
Is seems that you juggle a lot between recording, songwriting, acting, and charity work; how do you juggle it all?
Haha, I do juggle a lot. It can be a little hectic sometimes. Matter of fact, it's hectic most of the time. But, I'm not mad about the insanity. Actually, the insanity comforts me. I am thoroughly enjoying every moment, and learning to never take any second for granted. I feel like I'm a sponge, just soaking up everything around me, and retaining all of the information. When I was little and was getting overwhelmed by having a lot on my plate, my dad would say, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." I never forgot that saying, and that's how I handle having a lot to do, just one day at a time.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP? Are you excited to work with the OC Hit Factory and music producer Thomas Barsoe?
I don't have an upcoming EP right now, but I do have some singles coming out very soon. One song is called "On My Own," and the other is called, "Rejected." They are both songs that I wrote, and they are both personal songs. "On My Own" is more of a girl-power anthem. "Rejected" is honestly just a song about rejection, and how we all feel it. I've actually been working with Thomas for over a month now. He's such a talented guy. But, also such a kind person. We work very well together. It's always positive vibes. e do hope to be doing an EP soon together. I may do some fundraising gigs to pay for production.
When did you know that you wanted to have a career in the music/entertainment industry?
I'm not sure that there was an exact moment where I wanted to enter this crazy industry. Matter of fact, this industry can suck most of the time. What got me involved was, music. I love music. I've always loved music, that's the only reason I stay in this industry. If I could go without the backstabbing people, and scams, trust me, I would. Music was a huge part of my childhood. It was always being played around my house. My parents encouraged creativity round me and my siblings. The moment that I realized I had somewhat of a talent for it, was when I was 11 or 12. I had booked a TV part and they asked who could sing. After we all auditioned, I was chosen as the soloist without any training beating others out who were going to training regularly! hen I was 10 years old, my brother suffered a severe heart attack, and passed away. The night he passed, I wrote my very first song. From there, I never stopped writing, and then I began singing my songs.
Tell me about the name 'The Italian Dutchess'; how did that title come about?
Well, it's no secret that I'm extremely proud to be an Italiana! I don't think there are very many American-Italians who are representing their heritage. I think that's crazy. So, I would like to be that person who can be a voice for other American-Italians. And, when I was little, my sister, Heather, told me that we're all royal people, because we are God's children. I just loved that, so, I called myself a Dutchess. Therefore, the whole name came about.
Connect with Laci Kay: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Tumblr