A tragic year of health woes led Nicole Nixon to rethink a few things about her life. Rightfully so, as those incidents often lead us towards thoughts of, “If not now, when?” It was then she decided to follow her heart and voice. This was just in the last year or so and since then Nicole Nixon has dropped her first two singles, including “A Country Song,” and set her eyes on being a country singer. We talked about those initial steps towards doing what she wants in life, being a country artist in the UK, and more like female friendship as an adult. All that and more awaits below!

Kendra: You’ve noted that fear and intrusive thoughts kept you from pursuing your dreams for some time. I can relate to that 1000%, but for you – did anything major transpire that made you finally throw caution to the wind when you released your debut single, “A Country Song?”

Nicole Nixon: 2023 was such a big year for me but in the worst way! I had a relationship of eight years fall apart, and my health took a turn for the worse at the same time. I developed a lot of ear and throat problems that caused me to constantly have a sore throat and blocked ears. While these symptoms are getting better now, they caused my lymph nodes to swell in the spring/ summer of 2023 and after chasing doctors for weeks, they suddenly put me on what they call the ‘cancer pathway’. 

This is basically a fast-track system for anyone with an unexplained lump to have tests done quickly. Many doctors looked at my age and just either didn’t listen to me or just didn’t take me seriously. I was frustrated, and my anxiety was through the roof. Luckily it turned out to be something far less sinister, but I was scared as hell in those couple of weeks. 

And either way, I was struggling to sing at all, I just kept thinking of all the things I said I was going to do one day, but never did. All of a sudden, I didn’t care what people thought or worry about failing, I just wanted to sing. I definitely need to work on putting myself out there more, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to make music. It provides me with so much joy and comfort and I think it would make younger me incredibly proud to just know we’re giving it ago. “A Country Song” is a product of life reminding me that time won’t wait for you to be brave enough to chase your dreams.

Kendra: Now country artists come from around the world. Keith Urban is one of the biggest from Australia. However, how did you find your way to country music across the Atlantic in the UK? 

Nicole Nixon: Growing up, I was, and still am, the biggest Hannah Montana fan! I remember in 2009 when the movie came out, there was a scene on the front porch where Rascal Flatts sang a beautiful version of “Bless the Broken Road” and I just fell in love with it. 

From there, I discovered more music by Rascal Flatts, and they just opened the door into country music for me. I think Rascal Flatts are a perfect hybrid band between that old-time traditional country sound, and the hints of the pop and rock genres sneaking in. My favourite Rascal Flatts song is “Yours if You Want It!” I just love how fun and catchy the music is, but if you really listen to the lyrics there’s a beautiful story, or message, to be told. 

Kendra: Back to “A Country Song.” It felt as if you took the music from a Kelly Clarkson album and teamed it with a bonafide country vocal. Was this the first song you penned or just the first one you felt was right for the world to hear? 

Nicole Nixon: I’ve actually been writing songs since I was a young child. I remember this big pink ring-binder folder I used to have full of songs. For me, songwriting is like my diary and it always has been. My songs know every heartbreak, bad day, or loss I have ever had. Whilst to some, I come across as confident because I’m quite loud. I struggle to express how I’m feeling and writing songs helps me to do that for all emotions. 

So my songs also know when I fall in love or I realize how grateful I am in life. I chose “A Country Song” as my first single because I felt that the song accurately represented the type of artist I want to be. I’m definitely no belter, and I love music that you can just turn up loud in the car and sing along to.  Although an acoustic track has slipped into the album, the feel-good vibe of “A Country Song” is hard to beat and definitely something that will be mirrored in my upcoming releases. 

“A Country Song” introduces me as an artist and the type of music listeners can expect from me. My future releases will give you more of an insight into my heart – with a catchy beat and an electric guitar to bring you along the journey of course!

Kendra: You followed that up with the country banger, “Got My Girls.” It made me think of a lot of people I come across online though; adults yearning for connection in real life. For some reason finding friends after 30 seems to be getting harder for some. When it comes to your girls, are you longtime friends, or did you connect in recent years? 

Nicole Nixon: “Got My Girls” is a reminder to myself that I’m not alone and I’m incredibly lucky to have such good friends, but it’s also a thank you to those girls. I met my best friend when I was 11 years old in French class, and although we haven’t lived near each other in 10 years, we’re still as close as ever.  And along the way, through life, I’ve met my other closest friends, through dance class, university, work, and through different social groups.  

I like to think of myself as a loyal person and definitely a girl’s girl, but last year, I just felt like everything was going wrong and most days I couldn’t work out what I was upset about. I felt like I couldn’t turn to anyone because I was a burden: crying over my health, or some guy who decided to break my heart, or the fact that I was having to move towns. I just shut everyone out. 

But then, two of my closest friends helped me move and I realised how much better it was with them just being there. We laughed, we cried, and I knew that I’m not the only one who goes through this and it’s ok to ask for help. My best friend spent my birthday with me at a spa, and we just reminisced, laughed a whole lot, ate pizza and even had a bit of fizz! 

I didn’t know how to pick myself back up last year, the break up knocked me for six, and honestly, I watched everyone else get married and have babies and just felt left behind. But, most of the time I didn’t even need to ask. My girls reminded me that love is more than being in a relationship, it’s about showing up for each other and cheering each other on in life. 

Kendra: Time for a side note – What song would you say you’re more thankful for as a fan of music? 

Nicole Nixon: Ooo this is a good question! There are so many songs that ignite a fire in me and inspire me to write but I’d have to say “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain is a song I’m thankful for.  

This is my absolute favourite song and I just love how beautiful and smooth it is. This song really opened my eyes to what can be done with songwriting, it’s like he’s making a promise to a partner, but when you hear those lyrics I’ll be your crying shoulder, I’ll be love’s suicide” you instantly think of someone close to you. 

It amazes me how music can make people think of their own life and their loved ones and it’s like the song was written just for you!  

Just to sneakily throw in a second song- “You Found Yours’ by Luke Combs definitely gets me up and moving when I’m having a lazy day. It’s uplifting, but reminds us that happiness and purpose in life look different for everyone and I just love it!

Kendra: Lastly, with a couple of singles out now, what are your plans as we head into the winter months and soon, 2025? 

Nicole Nixon: The plan is to release an album! Every song is written and I’m currently just working on the music for a couple of them. Every song on the album will be released as a single and there are five more to go. I think that this is a really exciting adventure because the album will tell a story- from broken-hearted, to healing, to hope, to ultimately falling in love again. 

Hopefully, listeners will also be able to hear how I’ve improved and grown in music, as the songs come out. With every recording process and release I try to take a step back and look out what went well and what I need to learn from. Not only that, but what my fans want to hear too!

My favourite thing about country music is the storytelling aspect, and I want to be honest with people about where I’m at and my feelings because I’m definitely not the only one going through it. This has been such an exciting process so far and I can’t wait for more!  My focus in 2025 is definitely going to be live performances, if I could do a festival then that would be amazing and just help me grow even more as an artist!