In the middle of the Saturday afternoon sun, Nice Horse took to the Boots & Hearts Front Porch Stage to introduce themselves to some new fans, and play some music that we're all going to hear a lot more of soon.
Kaley Debra, Krista Lee, Brandi Caroline, and Katie Marie are energetic, effervescent, and exactly what we could have hoped for when we hung out later in the afternoon for a chat about their summer, what's next, and a bucket list item we all agree a social media campaign can help with... or at least not hurt.
The women of Nice Horse shoot from the lip, the idea of being contrived doesn't seem like it even appears on their radar, and we like it that way. As we chatted, sitting in the grass like a bunch of kids at camp, all four women took turns telling stories and leaving an impression that we won't soon forget. Online they describe themselves as "It's the Zac Brown Band in miniskirts; the Runaways at a hoedown; the Spice Girls on a whiskey bender.", and we can't find a good argument against that.
On stage they make the same impression. Songs like Pony Up and Jim, Jack, Johnnie & Jose are party starters, good times waiting to happen that country music fans can't help but tap their toes to, at the very least. They perform with the kind of harmony that comes from being friends for years, and not just bandmates. And that's exactly how it started.
Nice Horse started as an idea on a girls trip to Hawaii, with some songs that the quartet had written, the idea that they could play some local shows and the Calgary Stampede, and perhaps the persuasion of a few umbrella drinks. And boy has it all become bigger than that.
Since that decision to give it a go as a group, Nice Horse has seen their name on festival lineups, on tour with Canadian Music Hall of Famer, Tom Cochrane, on their 2017 EP A Little Unstable, and soon on a brand new album!
Note: That bucket list item... we asked the band who they would love to open for, and Shania Twain came into the conversation very quickly. And as we continued to talk about social media and such, the hashtag #ShaniaNeedsUs was born. So, if you see it online, share it!
They've also gone all in on social media, sharing their lives and adventures with fans as often as they get the chance. And they told us that they love it. To them, the idea of taking a quick photo or video of what they're up to is natural, it's something they would be doing if they were just hanging out and hadn't decided to put the band together. In fact, when we asked the ladies what they'd like us to pass on to the internet in this post, one of the things they mentioned was their social media channels. So, if you're looking for a good follow, check 'em out.
Nice Horse Facebook
Nice Horse Twitter
Nice Horse Instagram
Note: Our personal favourite interviews include a lot of laughing and sharing of stories that weren't planned going in. And our time with Nice Horse at Boots & Hearts was exactly that.
Listening to Nice Horse was a treat. As a band they've got it going on, their sound is full and tight, they compliment each other very well, and they have that thing that makes them performers that you want to watch. If we had to guess, we'd tell you we'll be seeing the Alberta foursome back in Ontario for B&H again.
Listen for Pony Up on your favourite country music radio station, and be ready for that debut full-length album on September 8, 2017!
