Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Nicole.
Christine, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started performing when I was six years old but started exploring songwriting around sixteen. I had an incredibly supportive family that encouraged me to pursue my passion to be a pop singer/songwriter. I ended up getting my degree in Vocal Commercial Music all while touring/performing. During this time, I was figuring out who I wanted to be as an artist. I grew up in Lubbock, Texas, the home of Buddy Holly, so needless to say, the place was and still is flooded with talent and it’s surprisingly competitive. I never really “fit” into the music scene there as it’s hyper-focused on certain genres. So, here I was, an experimental pop artist trying to set myself apart which had some major pluses and minuses. While I had some amazing support, I was often not well received. I really pride myself on sticking to my convictions when it comes to my music. I’m really passionate and emotional so my music reflects those aspects of my personality. It ranges from deep to cynical to what I like to call fun trash pop. I moved to Houston in 2015 and the music scene is so incredible. There’s a real sense of diversity and community. If you want a certain genre this city has it and it’s celebrated. I’ve met and worked with some great musicians in my short time here. I’m currently working on some new music and will be releasing a few more singles before this year ends. I’m hoping to link up with some of the talents to start showcasing myself through live performances.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anyone in the arts has ever had a smooth road. If they have, I’d love to meet them so they can tell me their secrets! But really, I am grateful for the obstacles I have faced in my career. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the music business in general. There are a lot of highs and lows being a musician. I think sometimes I feel like I take one step forward then two steps back. I could be upset about it but it gives me time to reevaluate. There can be a lot of promises in the music business, most of them empty and others come at a high cost. I’ve had to drop managers, band members quit, deals fall through, and even had to legally fight for my artist name, which is thankfully legally trademarked as of this year. Besides the usual struggles, I think the biggest obstacle I’ve faced personally as an artist is self-doubt. I know I am my own worst critic. I consistently have to remind myself that there will always be another artist doing better than me but at the end of the day I bring something so unique to the table and my fans connect with that realness. I love what I do and I will never stop doing it.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a musician? What sets you apart from others?
I think what sets me apart from other musicians is that I really try to focus on being my authentic self as an artist rather than building the “brand”. I used to get hung up on that word. The music business is constantly evolving which is a beautiful thing however there can be a lot of focus on the name, the look, the follower count. While all that is the reality that I as a pop singer/songwriter have accepted I really want people to fall in love with my music and connect with me, just me. I’m proud, even though it’s taken me years, to have accepted that not everyone is going to love me but the people that do are what make doing music worth it. I’m happy to make true lasting connections with fans.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Oh goodness, I don’t want to jinx it because I feel like if I have that “one” moment I might not have the next. I cherish every little moment in my career from the bar gig with 13 people to the one where I was privileged to sing in front of 3,000. That’s only happened one time but I’ll never forget it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.christinenicoleofficialmusic.com
- Email: christinenicolemusic@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinenicolemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinenicolemusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/christinenmusic
Image Credit:
Rachel Lynn Whittington Photography, Hair and Makeup by Jennifer Mills of The Fairest One
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