A Q&A with Nicole Shortland
Country Pop from London…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘Blow’ is my feel-good empowerment song! It reminds me of how far I’ve come from being such a pushover to now!
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Organisation! I’m the most mentally chaotic person going and I can create with no issue, but everything that comes after that is a struggle!
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do enjoy most about producing your own material?
It was produced by Bach Beats! He’s an awesome producer with loads of tracks available online.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I just want them to feel something. If they feel empowered or inspired, I’ve done my job.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Everything happens all at once! If I’m playing around with guitar chords, the process tends to be slower, as I’m thinking both musically and vocally. But if I’ve got an instrumental in front of me, the melody and lyrics sort of happen all at once in my head.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Lainey Wilson has been a huge inspiration. I love how she tells a story and the imagery she brings with her songs.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I’ve only ever played one show in the USA and getting another performance out there is high on my to-do list!
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Definitely has to be ‘Blow!’ I’ve released these songs in a particular order to give people an idea of who I am and what I’m doing, it’s the latest piece of that.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
I want to connect to as many people as possible, and I believe in my music and my vision, and I want to share it with the world. I also want to help grow and support the UK Country scene, we have so many awesome artists here. When people are asked for their idols and favourite country stars in the future, I’d love for there to be a bunch of UK names amongst the list!
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Just thank you! Thanks for reading and thanks for giving me the spotlight for just a minute, it’s appreciated.
For more information on Nicole Shortland, visit nicoleshortland.com
