Tell us a little about yourself?
Iām a New Orleans born singer-songwriter. Iām the second child of 5 to the proud parent of Philip Slack Sr. and Mother Judy Slack. My Father was a great Gospel saxophonist and Mother a gospel singer and choir director. Most of my musical skilled were mastered in the Pentecostal church. (Church Of God In Christ) this is where I got my start. Although I wasnāt allowed to listen to secular music growing up. I eventually found my place when I decided to remove myself from otherās boxes. I realized music was my real passion at an early age. So as I continued to grow leading up to where I am now creating my original music after singing cover songs for years and traveling Europe performing an headlining over 700 concerts. Now I get to tell my story. This is why I started with original titles āI Am Freeā and my newest single āI Can Only Be Meā.
How did you come up with your artist name?
I decided I want to use my biological name instead of creating an āartists nameā My feeling is that I want people to know me for who I am and I didnāt want to create a name that had no meaning. I come from a family who is rooted in music and I want to represent my family name as well as myself and be proud of it.
How long have you been in the music industry?
I have been in the music Industry since I came into this world. Doctors told my mom from the day I came out screaming, I had already developed my lungs for the stage š
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
I actually got my start singing gospel music in the Pentecostal church (C.O.G.I.C.) from the age of 5. Gospel music was all I knew and was allowed to sing which I love. At the same time I felt my voice was not being exposed enough. My dream was to share it with the world. So I would sneak and listen to Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey because I felt Connected to their music. they were huge inspirations for me. After graduating high school, I took it on professionally because I was always excited about my passion for music . I wanted to get out the box of only being a āchurch singerā so I started learning pop songs and other Motown classics to do shows at the Casino in New Orleans and several other private venues. Then I took on singing as special guest for the New Orleans Jazz Fest with a local band. In 2008 is when I got my start in France and Europe. After recording a gospel cover album, I began headlining major festivals and churches.
How would you describe your latest single?
My latest single āI Can Only Be Meā is a song that tells the story of my life lyrically. Itās A mid-tempo ballad with epic arrangements! After singing cover songs for years I felt it was time for people to know me and begin a new chapter.
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
The visual of my single is out and can be found on YouTubeās platform here.
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
My Inspiration are the icons who came before my time. Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Deborah Cox and many moreā¦
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
I usually go about writing a song on what Iām feeling at the present moment or something memorable. I can be walking down the street or watching a movie and I get creative. Many of my songs are also revealed in my dreams. Itās like an orchestra. So for me I can start with creating music in my head or lyrics. Itās no one way for me.
What is the concept behind your forthcoming project ifĀ working on one?Ā
The concept is to share more of my world and artistic creativity about my music and allow my fans to experience a closer relationship with who I am through my art.
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
At this time Iām promoting a lot on the new single. But im definitely looking forward to touring when my full EP and album is out.
What did you buy with your first check off music?
My first check off music was a mini studio box. I Wanted to create and record so muchā¦
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
When working in the studio I must have slippers and a lot of water. My slippers help me to feel connected to the earth and comfortable. Itās like being that little girl waking up in the mirror singing in her pajamas. Iām that girl. And when Iām not all fixed up the best can come from me at times.
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
The best piece of advice Iāve followed in this business is that āWhen your ego becomes bigger than you, youāre nobodyā.
Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?
I hope to collaborate with great artists in the the near future. I love talented singers, songwriters and also great rappers with meaningful messages.
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
Iāve had the pleasure of working with several artists. Letās start with the legendary Percy Sledge whoās known for his hit āWhen a man loves a womanā It was a dream for me to stand beside him and learning a lot. Also Iāve worked with Aloe Blacc and Zucchero. They to were great inspirations.
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
I would love to work with Mary J. Blige, Adele and Deborah Cox. These queens are amazing!
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
I feel my music is enjoyed for both. Lyrically I love telling stories . When the beats are added that just enhances what I want people to feel in their souls.
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)
I feel that I can improve my social Content and visuals. Nowadays itās more than about great singing. But Iām determined to go all the way and give it my all.
What’s your all-time favourite song?
My all- time favorite song is āThe Greatest Love Of Allā By Whitney Houston. It doesnāt matter how many times I listen to that song. I get a different feeling each time. It really makes me Happy š
What was the last album you listened to?
The last album I listened to was Adele. I admire her so much because sheās an amazing songwriter and singer.
Your favourite artist of all time and why?
My Favorite Artist of all time is definitely Whitney Houston. Her voice was a masterpiece. Her music will forever live in my heart ā¤ļø
Whose your favourite five artists right now?
Lady Gaga, Adele, Kendrick Lamar, Justin Bieber and The weekend.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artistĀ in your genre today and why?
I feel the most influential and successful artist Iām my genre today is Adele. The reason why is because I feel she really takes time to craft her art. She alway very chic and elegant and does not follow the crowd when it comes to her image. Sheās a natural and brilliant artist.
Who have been some of your favourite artists that youāve beenĀ able to work with?Ā
Some of my favourite artists Iāve worked with are: Percy Sledge, Aloe Blacc and Zucchero.
How do you feel about the current state of music?
I feel the current state of music has changed so much. Some bad and good. Today I feel like many artist want a āquick fixā not so much creativity. Itās all about the image over the art. Yes imagine is important of course. But I have to ask my self where have we gone. A lot of music sounds the same. Unlike in the past many great artists were putting more into the creative process and creating major hits ! These are a lot of the samples we hear today because the songs never died.
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
I would love to play at the Academy Awards (Oscars) Iāve always loved cinema and great films with awesome music. Hopefully Iāll have my own music inside of movies.
What is your main goal as far as music?
My main goal for as music is to leave a legacy. I want people to feel the passion of my art. I want that my music is remembered forever.
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
I think my music relates to the 70ās and 90ās era when the icons of Motown were ceaselessly reinventing themselves and always with talent, to this era when great singers were enthroned at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and electrified gay clubs with remixes. From power-ballads to tracks dedicated to dancefloors, in a contemporary way, to this time.
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes youĀ different?)
I feel my authenticity makes me different. Being myself and not following the crowd. Being able to be myself without regrets. Not feeling like I have to transform to who Iām not.
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
When Iām not in the studio I love cooking and reading. Most of all I love spending time with family.
If you could work with any producer who would it be?
Iāve always wanted to work with Kenny Edmonds (Baby Face) his productions have always been massive and great.
Whatās the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
I feel the biggest highlight of my career was singing for the legendary Lionel Richie. He actually cried as I was singing his song āHelloā I didnāt expect that. But what I know for sure is that sometimes even great artist want to sit back and enjoy other great artists. Iām forever touched by his music.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
My dream venue to perform at would be The New Orleans Superdome. Itās a huge stadium from my hometown. I would love to give my city a sold out concert.
Whatās the name of the last book you read and by whom?
The last book one read was by my dear friend Carmen Harris. The book is titled ā Shit Happens Magic followsā. Such a great book that many can learn from.
Whatās your favourite sports team and why?
Iām really not into sports. But if I had to choose I would definitely say my hometown NBA team the New Orleans Pelicans. I love supporting my city.
Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?
My favorite Actress is Viola Davis. I love her in the movie (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) The fact that she plays a blues singer and I love the blues. This makes me feel my southern roots of the jazz blues and soul. She takes the role and make it her own. Sheās an icon!
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
Iām always inspired by Academie nominated actress Naomie Harris. Sheās a great light and inspiration for many women. Iāve gotten to know her personally throughout the years. Sheās authentic and down to earth. Most of all she stands out from the crowd with elegance and dignity.
What can we expect from you in the future?
In the future you can expect a lot of great music to come. I have so much to give and share with the world. I was born to touch change the lives of people with my music for the better. This is my goal.
Where can the fans check out for your music?
Fans can check out my music on their favorite social media platforms. Also they can subscribe to my newsletter on my website to stay updated on current activity. http://www.nicoleslackjones.com
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