There've been plenty of discussions, columns and commentaries about authenticity in country music, and whether a successful performer must adhere to a specific trend in order to reach a large audience. But vocalist Erica Nicole is not only carving out an impressive niche within the idiom, she's doing it via the indie route. That trip can be difficult, but it's a better guarantee of artistic freedom and independence.
Indeed, Nicole's enjoying a banner year. She's the first female vocalist on an independent label to land three straight Top 20 songs on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart. Her current single "I'm Making Mine" cracked the Top 10 on the Row charts, and spent more than 15 weeks on the Billboard Indicator Chart. Nicole has a bright, declarative and emphatic sound plus a strong voice with extensive range, and her songs reflect an optimistic, confident outlook.
"I'm not the kind of person who's afraid of a challenge," Nicole says. "I'm a believer that hard work and determination, along with perseverance and talent, will carry you."
While on the road almost non-stop the past couple of years, Nicole says she enjoys the radio station visits and litany of one-nighters in various sized arenas that are the lifeblood of many artists. These are especially important for acts who don't have commercial radio support or major-label promotional muscle behind them. Nicole's recent slate included a series of concerts in the Midwest and on the East Coast, a slot at CMA Fest, and appearances at a host of famous sports stadiums and arenas, among them Fenway Park in Boston and Citi Field in New York.
In the process, she's developed a steady and sizable fan base, one that's consistently propelled her singles, which are uniformly well sung and produced. Nicole cites Patsy Cline as a primary influence, as well as Reba McEntire and Willie Nelson. She's not really concerned or worried about either the "bro country" issue or the notion that it's tougher these days for women in country circles.
"From what I've seen out here on the road, people just want good music," Nicole says. "For instance, there's this myth about New York being hostile to country music. That's been one of my best markets. I don't believe that the country audience isn't interested in hearing from women singers, or that there's only one type of song that they want to hear. I think the audience always will support good, honest music, and artists who have something to say."
Nicole also has an asset that not every performer, major label or indie, can boast: a top-flight producer in Kent Wells. He's probably best known for his work with Dolly Parton, and Nicole credits his support in helping her polish and shape her music — though as a songwriter, it's ultimately her vision that's represented in the songs.
With her stirring voice and striking delivery, the messages in her tunes are resonating with audiences. Their directness is also a reflection of Nicole's straight-shooting personality. "Marking Pages" emphasizes the importance of appreciating the good things one experiences in life, while "I'm Making Mine" celebrates an unabashed desire for success.
Though she's constantly on the road or in demand for performances, Nicole has found time to work with ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities) to help raise funds and awareness for the organization, which promotes the use of dogs to help people battling physical ills and problems. During those rare moments when she has spare time, Nicole's an avid Georgia Tech football fan, though she's hoping that the hometown Tennessee Titans eventually become a contender again.
But for now, career goals are foremost on Erica Nicole's agenda. The artist, who drew up the floor plans for her own home in rural Leiper's Fork, wants to continue reaching new fans, and extending the success she's already enjoyed on the indie trail.
"I've always had faith in my ability, and I am very fortunate to have some of the best people in the business behind me," Nicole says. "The combination of good songs and great support are why I'm enjoying this success.
