Interview with Christine Nicole

Interview with Christine Nicole

Interview with Christine Nicole

Christine Nicole is a commanding pop singer songwriter that has slowly been making waves in the independent music sector. She often dabbles in multiple different genres as she draws from her favorite musical influences but she has been able to uniquely weave her pop roots throughout all of her music. As of this year Christine has begun to branch out with new collaborations and projects.

Where are you from?

I was born in the small town of Edgewood, New Mexico but we moved to Lubbock, Texas when I was very young so I consider Lubbock my hometown. I’m currently living in the vibrant city of Houston now!

How long have you been making music?

Whew, since I could talk? I’m kidding, but I started performing as “Christine Nicole” at the age of six. My parents really encouraged me in my love for music. I would say though I’ve been writing and making music since I was 16 or 17. I think that’s when the true world of music opened up for me. It was realizing that I myself could create works of art that were mine. That is a beautiful and amazing feeling!

How many songs /albums have you released to date?

I have released four singles to this date. I released two singles back in 2012 and released two more this year. I will secretly, but not so secretly say, that I have a lot in the works right now which I can’t wait to share!

Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?

My latest release “Hush” is an interesting one. It’s actually written about the same person as “Run Away”. It wasn’t on purpose but that was a really interesting relationship and dynamic that was perfect for songwriting. “Hush” is definitely self explanatory in the sense of it being a forbidden relationship if you will. It’s one of those relationships where we both wanted to be together but the stars never quite aligned. We kept missing the mark. We just settled for best friends both knowing it wasn’t enough. The song is essentially about the night that the line was crossed. The after feelings of knowing that we cared for each other and the feelings of guilt as we both held a secret. On a side note, my parents both feel extremely uncomfortable when I perform the song but it is what it is I guess. I love how it turned out. It’s simple and it’s haunting.

How have you ended up in the music industry?

I don’t feel like I just “ended up” in it per say i feel like it all is on purpose. It’s taken a lot of hard work and I’m still learning! I’ve been doing music since I was a kid but I would say really started to pursue the industry when I was in music school. I did a lot of research and met with a lot of mentors so that the moment I walked away with my music degree I was meeting with management teams and in the studio.

What do you think of the music industry in 2018?

It’s constantly evolving and changing as it should. I think now it’s harder to stand out if you’re in the pursuit of the celebrity aspect of music. I mean honestly who wouldn’t want to be singing to 10,000 to 65,000 people on a regular basis. That’s a true musicians paradise however I think for me it’s important to find your crowd and connect with them on an intimate level. Music in 2018 isn’t just music it’s the look the brand the blah. I honestly just want to write music and play music for people that hopefully connect with it.

Who do you think the most influential artist?

Oh gosh, this is a tough one for me! The most of all time? Or now? I can’t truly choose or I’m going to trip myself up but I will say an influential for my is Lady Gaga. I mean the theatrics really brought her to the spotlight but strip that all away and you’ve got one hell of a songwriter with an insane voice. She has truly mastered the art of evolving herself correctly through the industry while remaining true to herself. That is a hard balance.

Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?

I have had the pleasure of collaborating with so many amazing musicians over the years. There are too many to list! I mean I think for the majority of my earlier songs I worked with Teel Merrick, Steven Shedd, & Jordon McClain. They were the core of crafting and perfecting my early works. I’m currently working with Will Boreing of Speak Easy Studio and his beautiful wife Lindsay. They both are extremely talented musicians and I’ve known them for years. They have worked in LA with the best of the best so I know that when it comes time for collaborations with other musicians they know who to call to get it done right. I trust them and sometimes in this industry it’s hard to do so I feel blessed.

How do you think you differ from other artists?

Ugh, I don’t want to pop off a cliche answer but I feel like no matter how I say it it will sound that way. I’m just me and that makes me different. No one else is me. See? Cliche! It’s true though. I really feel like I’m quite the quirky and unique person. I love connecting with my fans. You better believe if I continuously see you at my shows I will give you a hug. If you are sharing my music on social media I’m going to give you a shout out. I’m different in the sense that I believe in the connection of music and that will propel me where I need to be rather than the pure pursuit of “the fame”.

Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?

This one might sound cliche too but…Buddy Holly. I mean not just because he’s from my hometown but the spirit of what he started and created in the industry is unfathomable. He was a true rebel and I love that about him. I mean I’ve seen his story a million times in the movie as well as theatre adaptation and I cry like a baby. I would’ve loved to perform with him. Man, a duet with Buddy Holly would be a true dream. I would’ve loved to see him sit in that little studio and just do his thing! Oh and so far as songwriting I would have to say John Mayer. He’s brilliant when it comes to lyrics. I mean his lyrics could cut through your soul in the most terrible but beautiful way. I mean really now. I have to choose carefully when I listen to his music because I will literally start pulling up all these buried memories. I’m not going to lie…He intimidates me. I’d love to write a song with him but I’d never feel worthy. His talent is unparalleled when it comes to crafting songs and the playing guitar, of course. I mean can someone be that good? He proves someone can indeed.

What was the first album you bought?

I can’t even remember my first album bought. Sad, I know. The only reason I can’t remember is because instead of money for an allowance my parents bought me three albums a month. It was glorious!

What’s your favourite song at the moment?

I’m absolutely in love with “Slow Burn” by Kacey Musgraves. I really say the whole album is worth a good long listen. It’s really fantastic.

If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?

Easy, “Rush of Blood to the Head” by Coldplay. If I could only listen to one album for the rest of time that would be it!

What is your favourite saying?

Hmm, of course my mind would go completely blank! I’m sure I say the same things a lot. I say the word “literally” often I do know this thanks to many friends letting telling me.

What other hobbies or interests do you have?

I’m kind of a fashion snob and a foodie. Those two definitely don’t go hand in hand but I love fashion (style) and I love food. I think one of my biggest hobbies outside of music that I took up a year ago is F45.

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

Oh of course! I have double pierced ears as well as my nose. I have eight tattoos, possibly nine, I don’t remember. I mean I know I have quite a few, all smaller, but I just have to remember where I placed them on my body. Each of them however have a meaning behind them! I’m planning to get more in the future.

Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?

I mean this really for me isn’t a new project but more releasing a lot of music I’ve been working on or in some cases sitting on. I was afraid to release some of my singles because I was apprehensive at the thought they weren’t “good enough”. I’m quite hard on myself but I decided to just do it and to my surprise I’ve had an amazing reception to the two singles, “Just a Trend” and “Hush”, that I’ve released this year. I’m not done!

What’s in the pipeline after this project?

I’m slowly getting back into the studio in hopes of releasing a bigger project next year. New project, new me? Not really a new me but a more refined in tune with myself me. I took a mini break between 2014 and 2017 and even though I still performed shows here and there it was a break for me considering I wasn’t working on anything new. I’ve got a lot going on the rest of this year and next year I know will be even bigger for me! I’ve got some stuff up my sleeve.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.

Thank you for having me and indulging my ramblings! I really appreciate the opportunity to connect in such an open way. I truly hope everyone enjoys my music. It’s a journey and I’m happy to have so many on this wonderful ride with me.

 

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