"Nikkole" a Contender for 8 Grammy Noms

"Nikkole" is an independent singer, songwriter, producer and performer that has quickly evolved into one of the biggest and most celebrated stars in the music industry. Her 5-octave range voice, stunning good looks and strong work ethic are key reasons why many of her peers believe she is destined to become the next music legend. Her fierce determination and drive have allowed her to record and produce one critically-acclaimed CD after another, and there is no indication of a slow-down in production.

Nikkole's first effort was launched in 2001 with the release of ''Appearances'' on SE Entertainment Records. The tremendous amount of time and effort she put into her craft paid off, as she was awarded "Best Pop Album" honors from Radio Free Virgin and JPF. This marked a significant turning point for the artist because the CD was selected out of 7,800 other independent releases. "Lady Luck" smiled on her two years later when Radio Free Virgin and JPF named ''Over It'' one of the "Top 20 Best Pop Singles" out of more than 20,000 independent songs released that year. It wasn't enough to go two-for-two over a two year span! Thanks to the success of Appearances, she was eventually selected by mp3.com, the first major music Internet website, as the number one independent singer in the United States.

After receiving such a tremendous amount of praise and recognition for her musical contributions, Nikkole soon found herself working with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment: Babyface, The Emotions, The Commodores, Midnight Star, Norman Brown, Gregory Hines, Whoopi Goldberg, and Patrice Rushen, just to name a few. Hollywood soon took notice of her phenomenal talent, and she would go on to earn production credits for several soundtracks, most notably ''The Brothers'', ''Biker Boyz'' and ''Love and Action in Chicago''. In 2007, she sang, wrote and arranged vocals for ''You Keep Lifting Me Higher'', which was a collaborative effort with jazz great Norman Brown. The album, "Stay With Me", remained on Billboard's Top 10 for over 16 weeks! In October of 2008, Nikkole was chosen by Cosmopolitan Magazine as one of America's "Top 10 Fearless Female Rock Stars". While in the midst of fulfilling numerous concert and recording obligations, the multi-talented music visionary allowed me to conduct this exclusive interview to discuss her recent Grammy nominations, her music and aspects of her personal life.

G-Man: First and foremost, congratulations on your 8 Grammy nominations. Where were you when you received word that you'd been chosen? Describe what that moment was like.

Nikkole: Thank you, G-Man! I was at my studio when I found out the amazing news. I was over the moon. I felt like all of my hard work was really being recognized by my peers. The moment was like an out of body experience for me, and I was completely speechless.

G-Man: Was "Creolepatra" your initial choice for the CD? If not, what made you narrow it down to this?

Nikkole: Yes, it was always destined to be the name of my third studio CD. Indeed, this was the exact name that I knew would encompass everything I wanted to define this project. "Creolepatra" is symbolic in the sense that it represents me as a strong, independent, female singer/songwriter and producer. The music of this work tells a story of love, relationships and change. It also describes me a Creole-American.

G-Man: You've been recording since 2001. What do you believe is the major difference with "Creolepatra" that made the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences sit up and take notice of your talent this year?

Nikkole: Actually, I was a contender for three nominations last year at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. My song "Breathe", which is on my second studio CD "A Girl Like Me", was up for two nominations: Best Urban/Alternative Performance and Best R&B Song - in addition to me being up for Best New Artist. I feel that all of my projects have garnered recognition in their own right. "Creolepatra" is such a strong and personal CD to me, so having it honored in such a way is a dream come true, especially as an independent artist without a major label backing my product!

G-Man: I suspect that many artists, particularly those of independent status, will be rooting for you on Grammy night. You have truly accomplished something monumental, and I thank you for making me aware of your previous nominations. (Pause) For the song "It's Too Late" you teamed up with the legendary 70's soul group "The Emotions". How did that collaboration come about?

Nikkole: The music of The Emotions has always been a staple in my household. My mom would always play classics so that we would understand the soul of good music. I met the group through the legendary producer Lee Young, Sr., who worked with the trio on a few of their subsequent projects. The ladies welcomed my brother and I into their family like we were their own kids, and ever since then we have enjoyed them as family. One day, I told group member Wanda Vaughn that I had some songs I wanted them to listen to for their own CD project. She was very open to the idea and absolutely loved the songs. Given her reaction, there was no doubt in my mind that if I asked them to join me on "It's Too Late" I was going to get an emphatic, "Yes!" They came into my studio and were amazing. I will always remember that session as one of the best days in my recording history.

G-Man: Recording and history are the perfect choice of words to segue into my next question. Back in the day, white artists like Elvis Presley were viewed as revolutionaries for inventing rock and roll, but they were also viewed by many in the black community as thieves who did nothing more than replicate and profit from the early contributions of black musicians and composers. In recent years, hardcore rappers have made similar claims against "Eminem". Without question, Creolepatra is heavily rooted in soul and R&B. Are you concerned that those unfamiliar with your ethnic background will see you as just another white performer continuing this so-called trend?

Nikkole: I'm really glad you posed this question, G-Man. Firstly, I am not Caucasian. I am Creole, which is a mixture of French, Black and Indian. Having said that, I can certainly understand the angst that musicians felt back in the day after hearing someone singing the same song they may have written and performed. It was probably equally frustrating, if not worse, to have their sound stolen and then become a major hit for the artist who stole it. That must have been an extremely painful and heartbreaking situation.

G-Man: What was your most embarrassing or humorous moment as a singer?

Nikkole: (Smiling) I recall a time when I was performing at a concert and the heel broke on one of my shoes. I said "To hell with it!", laughed, pulled my shoes off and threw them aside. The crowd responded with a thunderous roar of applause. (Laughing) The show must ALWAYS go on!!!

G-Man: Every person has what is described as "their defining moment": the period in life where you're directed toward your destiny or placed in an extremely painful or difficult situation that tests your inner strength, faith and determination. Describe what that moment was for you.

Nikkole: (Pause)My most poignant and defining moment as a singer came when I was singing as a child in the choir. As we all sang in harmony, a voice with clear words and an authoritative tone spoke to me. It said, 'You must sing.' It was the voice of my grandmother. It seemed like an angel. Pursuing music as a career is not about egotism, escape from responsibility, or pursuit of your 'dreams'. It's hard and dedicated work; 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are many moments when I asked, "What are you doing? Why don't you find an easier, more financially rewarding career path?" Each time, angels were sent to guide me and yes, sometimes they even pushed me along the way. Who am I not to listen or respond?

G-Man: If God came to you and said, "I want you to perform a one-night only benefit concert to raise money to help African children afflicted with HIV. I will resurrect three of the greatest singers in history for you to perform with, but you must select them." Whom would you choose to share the stage with and why?

Nikkole: I would select Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross, and Phyllis Hyman. These artists have one thing in common for me, and that is they have some of the richest, silky-smooth vocal tones I've ever heard. I honed my style from these talented people. Their voices are full of emotion and splendor!

G-Man: It has often been said that success and fame come with a price. Looking back, what would you say has been the biggest sacrifice you've made while pursuing a career in music?

Nikkole: I have to say that I am so serious about my career that I don't believe I've made any enormous sacrifices for what I enjoy doing. I've wanted a music career since I was a young child and with all of the choices I've made, they somehow reflected how I felt about my career. In saying that, I believe that I've laid a path of goals for myself and all I want to do is attain them. Granted, I do spend a lot of time in my studio, on the road and writing - this does limit the time I have to spend with loved ones, but everyone understands and they're all very supportive.

G-Man: With regard to the music industry, what is one aspect that you would like to see change?

Nikkole: I would like to see all qualified musicians on an even playing field when it comes to the money required for marketing and promotions.

G-Man: Complete this sentence: People would be very surprised if they knew Nikkole __________________.

Nikkole: (Giggling) People would be very surprised if they knew how much food I could eat. I could probably eat twice my body weight in one sitting. (Laughing) Just kidding, but I do love to eat!

G-Man: Finally, has it actually hit you yet that you will be among music's elite, as both a nominee and spectator, at the 51^st Annual Grammy Awards?

Nikkole: Yes, it has and I am so proud to share this great time in my career with so many talented artists. It is a dream come true.

The Creole songbird has been nominated in the following categories:

Album of The Year

Nikkole - Creolepatra

Best New Artist

Nikkole

Best R&B Female Vocal Performance

Nikkole - Exotic - Creolepatra

Best R&B Female Vocal Performance

Nikkole - I Really Need You - Creolepatra

Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance

Nikkole feat. David T. Walker - Where I Was Meant To Be - Creolepatra

Best R&B Song

Nikkole - Love Was Made In Heaven - Creolepatra

Best Contemporary R&B Album

Nikkole - Creolepatra

Best Album Notes

Nikkole - Creolepatra

If you would like more information on this exceptional artist, or want to send emails of support and/or congratulations, you can log on to www.nikkole.com. The 51^st Annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS, February 8 at 8 P.M., from the Staple Center in Los Angeles. The G-Man and Associated Content wish this extraordinary artist the best of luck in her quest for Grammy gold!