Hanging out With Rising Country Star
Nicole Johnson

by Holly Marie Tong

As the music business competition seems to be on the increase, so does the need to be a wellrounded, musician with individual characteristics. Sixteen year old Nicole Johnson may be young in years, but her understanding of the music business and strong work ethic positively places her as a frontrunner for a prosperous career of longevity. Aside from the fact that it takes a special talent to excel in Nashville, personality and ability to connect with listeners plays an equally important role. Always sporting a smile, she maintains a genuine candid youthful image while possessing the maturity and insight necessary for her endeavors. As beautiful as she is talented, once youve met her, you will not forget her.

While she of course has to work towards her goals every day like every other aspiring artist, I found something rather unusual in Nicole's journey. We so often hear the terms “chasing your dreams” and “looking to gain new fans.” However, upon hearing her story I couldnt help but think that she couldnt run from her dreams if she tried, because her dreams actually appear to be chasing her and the fans appear to be finding her. What I mean by this is that while she officially made the big move to Nashville, the doors of opportunity continually seem to opening and any outside observer can see how well things are falling into place for her career. Nashville music listeners and professionals have taken quick notice of her and she has earned an impressive following and support network in a short amount of time. Whenever this type of situation is taking place, it is certain that this is a special artist and something just feels meant to be about this particular scenario.

Nicole's unusually fast rising career began back home in Louisiana. Music has always been a part of Nicole's life and singing is what she has always wanted to do. She can recall getting her first guitar and writing her first song at just age 7. In October 2008, doors of opportunity began to open as Nicole got a call from a Baton Rouge disc jockey who had heard her singing at a studio. He was wondering if she would be interested in singing a Christmas song that he had written with local songwriters. Nicole went for it, and the song “If Jesus Came Back” became a regional radio hit being played in 22 different states. She was also making a splash on You Tube, and Myspace receiving messages and requests. An understandably significant moment for Nicole was her first big crowd when she was the opening act for country band Lonestar.

Beginning in January of 2009, she began making continuous trips to Nashville. In just a year and a half, she had experienced the tiring 8 ½ hour drive 40 times. She began meeting with music business executives, producers and started recording. By that spring, she was already co-writing with some of Nashville's top songwriters including Keith Follese, Victoria Shaw, Richard Fagan and others. Young Nicole has unusually written with at least twelve #1 writers to date. Although, she acknowledges Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood as some of her biggest influences, Nicole would describe her music as her own. She is country yet contemporary, writes about her life, always finding it important to write music that people can relate to. It is very important that her songwriting speaks to people and she loves to see the crowd reactions. As a high school student who maintains a balance of school during the day and writing music, going to events or the studio by night, you can expect Nicole to write about anything from guys/relationships or maybe even girls she used to be friends with.

Nicole's utmost respect and support for the songwriting community is one of the many qualities that sets her apart. It is certain that she has not only has powerhouse vocals and the very characteristics of a successful entertainer, but she is also an avid member and supporter of this crucial community that is needed in order for great songs to continue to be delivered to music listeners everywhere. I also admire the fact that Nicole has such a strong passion for performing for benefits whether big or small and she truly has a heart for good causes. She and her family undoubtedly find it important to give back and get involved.

Recently, Nicole completed her first EP project. She is currently working on an acoustic one that her fans have been greatly anticipating and are anxious to hear. On the horizon for 2011 are continued goals in which she plans to play out more, do more shows and work on her tour schedule.

Get to know the name Nicole Johnson…if for some reason you havent heard of her yet, you soon will.

Twitter by going to: twitter.com/MusicByNicole

Join her Facebook by going to:
www.facebook.com/nicolejohnsonofficial

You can also find her on You Tube by going to: www.youtube.com/user/MusicByNicoleJohnson