Nicole Rayy has a brand new album out, Dig, her first full-length album. It's ten tracks and it wouldn't be country music without a story. It's about relationships, taking chances and believing in love's offerings.
We also heard that 100% of the proceeds from the album will be going to support the Manitoba Neurofibromatosis Support Group. If you're wondering why, Nicole's manager has a nephew with the condition. She's heard how tough it can be. Great music and a great cause, do you need any more reasons to buy it?
We had the chance to chat with Nicole about the album, Shanghai and lots more. Check out the shot from the stage in Shanghai, you'll see a few familiar faces. Thanks to Nicole for taking the time to talk to us. Here we go!
Q. Burlington or Oakville we've seen both places listed as your hometown, tell us, Nicole, what's the story?
A. Well I was born in Mississauga, I grew up in Oakville, lived in Toronto and Burlington, moved back to Oakville and now I am living in Alliston. I've called a lot of places home, but Oakville has always been my hometown.
Q. How did you end up in Shanghai at the World Music Festival?
A. My parents actually moved to Shanghai for two years for work and I discovered the festival while on a trip to visit them. I did some research into the festival and sent them some of my music to see if they would be interested in having me play. To my delight, they invited me to come play the festival in 2015. The crowd response was incredible and I was honoured that they wanted me to return to play the festival again this year!
A. It's hard to pick just one thing as there were so many incredible moments. The entire experience was incredible, from the festival volunteers who helped us find our way and have now become our new friends, to the packed crowds singing along and the CD signings after the show! I've never felt like such a star in my life. Being escorted to the signing table by a whole group of security guards and the cutest fans expressing their love for my music. I'm so truly touched by their excitement and love for my music in Shanghai. This is why I make music to move people and touch their lives and this experience and truly touched mine.
Q. Do you have any Pre-show rituals?
A. I don't have any super specific rituals. Usually, before a show, I go through some vocal warm-ups and jump around a little. I like to get my blood pumping and my excitement going before I get on the stage.
Q. There are lots of artists releasing EPs, but you went with a 10 song full album can you tell us why you went album over EP?
A. It was a decision I went back and forth on a few times. When I started writing for the album I had in my mind that I really wanted to do a full-length album this time around. I put an EP out back in 2013. After the writing was done I thought perhaps I should split up the songs and make 2 EP's since it seems EP's are more popular than full albums right now. I decided against this decision though because I really had a lot to say with these new songs. They all belonged together as one piece of work. These songs all tell the story of my life over the last few years and I felt the story didn't make sense unless the songs were all on one album.
Q. Could you talk to us about the writing and recording process for Dig?
A. It has been quite the process! The writing for this album began back in 2014. I had the pleasure of going down to Nashville and co-writing with some extremely talented writers: Patricia Conroy, Brian White, Benita Hill and Brian Donkers to name a few. The recording of the album took place in 2015 at Noble Street Studios in Toronto. I worked with Doug Romanow (Justin Bieber, Chantal Kreviazuk, Johnny Reid) on the album and enjoyed every minute of it. He is a very talented producer and I had a really great time working with him. He understood my vision for the album and I feel like he brought out the best in me. This year I worked on completing the design for the album with the great team at MediaVandals and Dig was finally ready to press. It's been a long time coming and I'm excited that the album is finally out there for fans to enjoy.
A. Yes! We are putting a new single out in January and a music video for it is in the works right now.
Q. Tell us something about you that people aren't easily going to find with a Google search.
A. It's hard to say I am pretty open about myself on my social media so you might be able to dig (pun intended) these things up if you tried. However, the first things that come to mind are that I love elephants and Hello Kitty! I can quote pretty much every line from the TV show Friends. I'm an only child, I can speak French and when I was little I used to Irish dance.
Q. How do you relax when you're not on tour?
A. Well other than music, my other passion in life is fitness. Although I do like to get my workouts in while I am on the road, I like being able to try new workouts and fitness practices when I'm at home. I actually went back to school online earlier this year to study fitness and nutrition. When I am not working out I love to be lazy and relax on the couch. Pjs and Netflix are the best!
Q. I don't see any tour dates on your website, will you be touring to support the album?
A. Yes, I will be spending a lot of time in Winnipeg in the near future. I've been spending a lot of time there as I am working with a manager, Janice Starodub, out of Winnipeg and I have been working closely with many Winnipeg musicians. I will be doing lots of performing while in Winnipeg as well as a radio tour of Manitoba to support the new album. I will also be heading down to Nashville this winter and am planning to do some performing and radio touring in Ontario with the release of the new single in the new year. Plans for touring this upcoming spring and summer are already in the works too! I have a few festivals I look forward to announcing that I will be performing at in 2017.
You can find Nicole Rayy at these fine internet locations:
Web: nicolerayy.com
Music Stream: nicolerayy.com/website/music/ and Spotify: NicoleRayyDigFacebook: NicoleRayyMusic
Twitter: iTunes: Nicole Rayy - Dig
