Issue 4, Article 5
Nicole Renee is a writer, producer, arranger, and self-contained visionary who can do it all. Her self-titled album on Atlantic Records is a dynamic debut -- from the opening notes of "Telephone," the first track on the album, it is clear that a major new talent is on the line. Her virtuosic vocal talent is quickly revealed in all of its stunning diversity: she moans and writhes, her voice a chameleon shifting from blue notes to spine-tingling falsetto with deceptive ease. As a person, Nicole Renee exudes a combination of boundless warmth and voracious intelligence; as a singer, she displays the same mix: in turn, she rocks out like a furious head-banger, screams bloody murder in a way that reminds us that passion is one of nature's most powerful elements, and coos delicately enough to hold all of these disparate ingredients together in one, organic whole. And this is all within the first minute.
Of course, this type of talent does not just appear out of thin air. In fact, Nicole has been in the public eye since her early adolescence, when she first began appearing on Black Entertainment Television as an original member of the posse from "Teen Summit," a talk show hosted by teens. During her four-year stint on the program, Nicole interviewed many up-and-coming rap artists. Nevertheless, it was her own singing that caught the ears of some music company executives visiting the show.
JW: Why did you choose to executive produce your debut album, unlike most new artists?
NR: I wanted control over all my albums. The day you give up control is the day you become a puppet or a pawn. Atlantic Records never had an artist like me, so I knew I would have to show them their way. I'm the type who is going to be pleased with what I put out.
JW: Did your experience on "Teen Summit" influence your style? Maybe you saw the same types of R&B singers and wanted to be different?
NR: Actually, the guests on the show were mostly rap acts. I learn 'a work in progress'' or experience. It came down to interacting with those in the real world. However, I did not personally identify with rap music. They were from the ghetto and then they would be millionaires talking about how they are suffering. I just could not relate to that.
JW: Would you ever record a classical album for Atlantic Records?
NR: Definitely, I would do one.
JW: What inspired you to write 'Sounds of Love'?
NR: We [Lamont Dozier and I] sat down and wrote: [Nicole starts singing in her signature vocal pyrotechnics] "The sound of music makes me feel in love." I said it sounded kinda old. "Sounds of love" reminds me of something real. I write lyrics that are believable.
JW: Where does your performance energy come from?
NR: The root of my style is in classical music, which is naturally dramatic. It is not mellow. It takes your emotions from the pits to the highest moment. Rock influence I have, Janis Joplin. It is only this generation that bobs their heads. Is that what music is about? It due to a lack of education -- people must learn 'bout new things.
JW: What is the most recent CD you purchased?
NR: I bought the Mother's Finest collection.
JW: In lieu of Brandy and Monica's success and the soon to be released Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey track, who would you like to do a duet with? Would it be a remake, remix, or a new track?
NR: I would do a new track with Sly or Prince or even Keith of the Rolling Stones.
JW: Why do you think black teenagers and college students haven't accepted your music yet?
NR: A lack of knowledge of different kinds of music. Music that allows them to get outside of the confides of you are their life. If you have not listened to Janis Joplin or Jimi Hendrix you cannot get cultured; rock music is not white music. It all about the cultural environment.