1.     Hi Nicole, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became a musician?

Well even before I pursued being a singer full time I was always very musical. My mom told me I used to make up songs as a baby before I could talk. In school, I was that girl that was involved in all the school musicals and choirs. Even when I went off to University I spent my time singing in the dorm for my friends instead of writing essays. Music has always been my happy place.

2.     How did you get into country music and how did you know you wanted a career in it?

I always knew I wanted a career in music but I grew up listening to all genres of music not just country. I always admired the story telling aspect of country music. I liked that country songs were always honest and told real stories about people’s lives. That’s what I try to do with my songs too. My songs are always stories about real life and experiences I am going through. I think that’s why I got into country music. That being said, I love being able to pull elements from pop and rock to put into my music too.

3.     What is the story behind your latest single “Fireproof?

Fireproof is such an important song to me. It’s a song with what I think is a really great message. It talks about being hurt by someone but rising above it. I think that’s a message we all need more of, something we can all relate to. We all go through hard times in our lives and it can be so easy to get down on ourselves. With this song I am trying to spread the message that we can all make it through anything life throws at us. We are all strong, we are all capable, we are all worthy and we are all Fireproof.

4.     Who are some of your musical icons?
The list is so long! I could take up a whole page talking about artists I love, look up to and admire. I grew up listening to everything from country to rap. In country, I love artists from Shania Twain to Miranda Lambert, from Jonny Cash to Taylor Swift. I also love artists like Kelly Clarkson, Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaelson. I’m a huge Linkin Park fan and I’ve always loved Eminem. The list really go could on forever 🙂

5.     Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music?

Making even better music! This career path isn’t always an easy one, there will always be setbacks or creative slumps, or plenty of people that don’t like what you’re doing. I hope in 5 to 10 years to be making even better music then I am now. I always want to grow as an artist and continue to reach people with my music. If in 5 years from now I am making great music that truly resonates with people’s lives and I can support myself, then I will be happy.

6.     If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who it would be and why?

Another tough one because there a ton of artists and bands I’d love the get the opportunity to perform with. I was just talking with my mom recently on how cool it would be to perform with Linkin Park. They have been one of my favourite bands ever since I was a kid. They have some amazing lyrics! I think it would be pretty amazing to have a crossover in genres and perform together!

7.     Is there anything else coming up with your music for 2017?

It’s looking like a great summer! I am heading out to Calgary for a performance during Stampede week and I am really looking forward to performing at Manitoulin Country Fest in August. I am also heading back to Shanghai, China to perform at the World Music Festival for the third time this October!

8.     What is one accomplishment that you are most proud of so far that happened in your music career?

Well speaking of China, that has got to be one of the coolest highlights of my career so far. I’ve had the opportunity now to perform at The World Music Festival in Shanghai and I am heading back for a third time this year. I think I am most proud though when my music really touches someone’s life. Anytime I get a message from someone or someone comes up to me after a show to tell me that a certain song I wrote has really moved them or helped them get through something in their life, those are truly the best moments! That’s always been my goal with my music is to reach people. Anytime I accomplish that I am pretty proud.

9. What is one of your favorite quotes?

“We accept the love we think we deserve”

I’ve always loved this one too… “Music is life. That’s why our hearts have beats.”