Ahead of her forthcoming album release this summer, Nicollette Sullivan is taking her neo-soul sound to new heights. With recent releases “Broken” and “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore,” listeners can step into Nicollette’s experiences through dreamy songs with a vintage feel. Inspired by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and Nina Simone, Nicollette grounds us in 20th-century jazz and soul, infused with 21st-century feelings.
We talked to Nicollette about the work she’s been doing and how a lifelong love of music has led her to where she is today.
Showstopper Magazine Online: Hi Nicollette! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Nicollette: I am a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles, California. Both my parents were involved in music, so I was exposed to music at a very young age. I didn’t really get serious about music until after high school. I’d consider myself more of an “artist” than an “entertainer.” Although, I guess, visually, in my videos some of the “entertainer” in me comes out.
SMO: You grew up with music. What are some of your earliest memories of music’s impact on you?
Nicollette: I remember my dad playing the guitar as I played with my toys and singing along to all the music my parents played in the car. I remember always singing everywhere and kids in my school commenting on it. Watching my dad write music and watching him perform and eventually joining him as I got older.
SMO: Growing up in the music industry with so many influences, how did you find your own sound?
Nicollette: I liked period pieces and had a love of vintage growing up. That had an influence on my sound. I think a lot of the music I do has a nostalgic, authentic feel. I always try to make my music a reflection of myself at the time.
SMO: You released your first album in 2021, and you’re working toward your second release. How has your music grown over the last three years?
Nicollette: I think I have played with more neo-soul-driven sounds. I have also grown in confidence as a vocalist. I feel like I was a bit tentative in my vocal approach on the first album, sort of finding my voice. I feel like I am much more confident in my vocal approach on this new music.
SMO: Your most recent release is the single “Broken.” What inspired this song?
Nicollette: The song was inspired by a time in my life when I was feeling broken yet at the same time felt I deserved love. It’s about how all of us are “Broken” to some extent, yet in all of our brokenness, we are deserving of love and acceptance.
SMO: Do you have a favorite line from the song?
Nicollette: I think the chorus is great. It’s relatable and beautiful. “I had dreams, but I left them unspoken. Maybe you can take me as I am… a little bit broken.”
SMO: Why do you think it’s valuable to acknowledge any shortcomings a person might have?
Nicollette: No one is perfect. I think it is important for everyone to be accountable yet at the same time to have grace for yourself and everyone around you.
SMO: There’s a hopeful note to “Broken.” Can you tell us about that?
Nicollette: The song speaks on being hopeful for love.
SMO: How does “Broken” fit into what you’ve been working on lately?
Nicollette: The songs tell stories based on events in my life during the time I was working on them. It is a part of the emotional journey. I’ve been through a lot of changes in the past year or so, both personally and relationship-wise…It’s been emotional, difficult, and at the same time, liberating and an opportunity for growth and coming into my own power.
SMO: Is there anything else you want people to know about you or your music?
Nicollette: It’s important to support indie artists, particularly artists who use real musicians and instrumentation. It seems like almost a lost art in the new music landscape of popular music, that is real musicians and real instrumentation on the recordings. Please support me and other indie artists.
You can listen to “Broken” and “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” now! Nicollette’s new album is set to release on August 16.
