Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Mariee.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a family where music was played all the time. My parents played so much soul music. Artists like; Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, The Chi-Lites, and so much more! That’s where my love of music came from. I started playing the piano by ear at my great aunt’s house whenever we’d go visit her. My love of singing came from getting my start in church. I used to use my hairbrush as a microphone, while pretending I was singing in front of a big crowd. The creative mind of a child lol.
I wrote my first song when I was 11, and by the time I left high school, I was in recording studios around Dallas recording my demo so that I could send to record labels. I ended up going to Cedar Valley College for music performance and music business. After my time there, I transferred to Dallas Baptist University where I majored in Vocal Performance with a concentration in Recording Technology.
After several years of writing, and singing, I landed a record deal at an independent label based in New York City. Shortly thereafter, I came to the realization that being a signed artist just wasn’t the route that I should be taking because it wasn’t what I thought it would be. I came to the realization that if no one wanted to give me an opportunity – a legit opportunity, I’ll go create my own opportunity. That’s when I decided to start my own record label. Underground Lyfe Records. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to be able to release music the way I want to, create my own sound, be in control of my own image, and walk in my full purpose as an artist. I’ve been able to book my own shows, invest in my home recording studio, create a score to a film, and so much more. At the end of the day, I’m still the same girl that everyone around me knows. To that young girl who used to sing in her bedroom using her hairbrush as a microphone, I hope I’m making you proud. We’re still gonna keep pushing to win that Grammy! Despite the roadblocks and set backs, I never gave up. My mom knows me so well, she knows that “giving up” is not in my vocabulary.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Nothing comes easy. Being in the music industry, it’s vital to have thick skin. People aren’t going to like you, your image, or your music for whatever reason. My recording professor once told us during a lecture, and I quote; “this is an opinion based industry” Those words sunk into me from that day forward. I once had a manager when I was 25, who wanted me to do some things that I still believe to this day, were disingenuous. I had another manager a few years later that wanted me to do some things that were completely out of line because not only did it not coincide with my image, sound, and message, but it went against my faith in God, and my morals. My struggle has always been me not fitting it with the norm as a black female artist. I get it. I dress modest. I don’t sing about sex, or toxic relationships. My music is uplifting. I love singing about love, I write about things that goes on in the world, it’s very inspiring. With all that being said, I get it. It’s hard to put an artist like myself in a box. Artistically, I take the unorthodox route. I love breaking the rues. I would like to have a manager. I have done everything myself up to this point, with God on my side. So I really don’t think that would be necessary, unless a manager can do things for me that I haven’t already been doing myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m most proud of just breaking out of my shyness and putting my work out there into the world. As artists, we’re sensitive about our work lol. I still can’t believe I have my own record label. My hope is to one day being other artists on as well. I started out doing Pop, but the more I began writing at the piano, all these neo soul/r&b chords started coming out of nowhere, and I am a strong believer in not fighting the music – let whatever comes out, comes out. What sets me apart from others, is that I’m me. No one else can be me, just like I can’t be anyone else. Growing up, I was classically trained at the piano, which is an advantage I believe I have. It helps when it’s time to create a score for a film that’s for sure! But that’s what should set anyone as an artist apart – being you is your power and your gift.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
My most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is 3 little words; protect your gift. You don’t have to say yes to every opportunity that comes your way. There’s so many sharks, and snakes out there in this industry. Don’t let anyone taint the gift that God purposefully blessed you with. Use it wisely.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/nicolemarieemusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/NicoleMarieeMusic
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/@nicolemarieemusic
