Beyonce, Rihana Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj have all rocketed to fame by blending pop, R&B, dance and hip-hop into power songs and bluesy ballads. Nicole Nirvana could be the next to join that list with her own music style — “atmospheric” pop.
The Washington, DC native is about to burst onto the music scene with an atmospheric song called “You Just Don’t Know,” from her new album Life & Love.
Mixing vocal acrobatics with a propulsive production by David Masterz, the record has become the object of a bidding war of sorts among several record labels; always a good thing when you are trying to break into the always curious music business.
Check out Nicole’s songs; click to play.
Known formally as Nicole Yvonne Wilson, the 29-year-old singer-songwriter, record producer and actress says she writes and arranges every song with a versatile blend of pop, R&B, and glam rock.
We spoke to Nicole at her recording studio in Washington, with producer Masterz in the background.
Improper: You first job was at a record company, right? Record Label 60. I bet your were like a sponge soaking up all the intel you could?
Nirvana: Definitely. The more I listened, the more I understood how to navigate these treacherous waters. My favorite song is Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart” and ever since that, I knew I wanted to perform.
IM: What was the first concert you ever attended?
Nirvana: Immature in DC at the old Verizon Center. I loved it. I was bitten by the bug!
IM: On the new album, Life & Love, the production is almost as noteworthy as your voice. What’s the story behind that. And, we absolutely love the track “Groove to Your Groove.”
Nirvana: The production is Dave Masterz; his style fits my voice perfectly. When we’re in the studio, we’re two parts of the same instrument.
IM: I also see you’re a big Celine Dion fan. Her voice is an amazing instrument, right?
Nirvana: Celine Dion epitomizes everything as it should be for an empowering female artist. Her voice, her emotion is spot-on perfection. I couldn’t think of a better role model.
IM: What’s the game plan for you right now?
Nirvana: Once we determine the best way to distribute the album, I’m going out on tour. We’re doing a terrific show; believe me, it’ll be as atmospheric as the record. I want the audience to have as much fun as I do on stage.
IM: Who else in your playlist?
Nirvana: Sade, Cher, Bell Biv Devoe, Gaga, and Toni Braxton.
IM: I understand that at some point you’d like to run your own label?
Nirvana: Well, I worked at one once, so why not? Actually, it’d be great to do just that and plot my own career trajectory. I think I have a very well-adjusted attitude to the business. I actually have already identified two other acts I’d love to work with, and have Dave produce.
IM: Well, there certainly hasn’t been this wealth of female-talent out there for quite some time.
Nirvana: That’s why I think this record is coming at the perfect moment. Look at the artists who have come from the U.K. Just an amazing array of talent. In fact, I can’t wait myself to get there and perform.
IM: I know you’re motto is global not local; so you’re very aware of artists outside of the U.S.?
Nirvana: Definitely. I think the amount of talent out there is amazing, and I’d love to record with some of them.
Keith Girard four decades of experience as an award-winning reporter, editor-in-chief, and senior media executive. Keith’s career began in Washington, D.C., where he was a reporter for The Washington Post and a contributing editor for Regardie’s and Washingtonian magazines. He also worked as a writer/producer in CNN’s Washington Bureau and has written one book on the U.S. Marines in the Gulf War.
NICOLE NIRVANA!! NEW HOT MUSIC!! I LOVE IT!!