Besides the language hurdle, the song needed some adjustments so the music would fit the new phrasing. “I adjusted the endings of the verses slightly, by changing the melodic rhythm up, in order to fit all of the words. The same goes for the bridge or “C” section. We also decided to make the backgrounds bigger and add harmonies. We put live drums on the 
track as well. I think the production of the Japanese version is a bit grander than the original version,” says Nikkole. Since her music is also being played in Germany, Italy and France, one wonders if other internationally flavoured songs are in the talented singer’s future.
When Nikkole decided to build a solo career, she surrounded herself with some industry heavyweights and trusted friends. She also decided to produce the CD Appearances on her own record label, SE Entertainment Records, jointly owned by herself and her brother Wallace. Her decision to self produce came about through what one could easily argue is an accurate reflection of the music industry, “It boils down to no matter how good you are, you really have to know someone (to get signed to a label). I decided to do my own CD because I am a good songwriter and I can produce. I had a lot of good friends who were willing to help me, such as producer Lloyd Tolbert, who worked with Lionel Ritchie. I also have a friend who is a sound engineer and he said he would help. Another friend who owned a very nice studio threw in his time and services to do the mixing. I bought some pro tools equipment and recorded my vocals at home. I collaborated with Lloyd Tolbert. Lloyd, Jon Clark (Vanessa Williams, Isaac Hayes, Coolio) and I did all the tracks for Appearances.
The decision to collaborate with Nikkole was an easy one for Tolbert, who says, “After working with Nikkole for a number of years, I have come to view her as my “go to person.” On any project that I am, developing Nikkole has the talent, skills and work ethic that is required to not only help complete the project, but to help take it to the ultimate level. Her angelic vocals, coupled with her amazing writing ability ensure that my projects turn out the way I envisioned them.”
Knowing that producing demos is costly, the 5’10” Nikkole accepted an offer to become a model. “I would say that modeling allowed me to get my chops together as a singer, because it gave me a lot of time to devote to practicing, rehearsing and just getting better at honing my craft, so that I had something that people wanted to listen to. I had more time to write, because I was making money from modeling, and it enabled me to put out my first CD Appearances.”
After hearing her CD Appearances on CD Baby in 2003, Radio Free Virgin, associated with Virgin Records, invited her to submit her CD Appearances for consideration. Out of the twenty-five thousand submissions that Virgin Radio received that year, Nikkole's album was selected as one of the top CDs.
Nikkole broke new ground once again, proving her business savvy by securing numerous sponsorships with a number of prestigious companies. In 2001, she struck a deal with the jewelry and clothing kingpin Sergio Valente. “I wrote to them, let them know what I was doing, and asked them if they were interested in supporting an independent artist who was going after her dreams,” explains Nikkole.
After hearing Nikkole’s music Sergio Valente was onboard. Today Nikkole has sponsorship agreements in place with Smashbox Cosmetics, Seychelles Footwear, Joe’s Jeans, the Washington Mutual Bank, Nine West, Fiji Water and LF Stores.
When you talk to Nikkole, you get the sense that you are in the presence of someone on the cusp of greatness. I can honestly say that I can think of very few artists to whom I have spoken over the years, who combine excellence in songwriting, possesses great vocal ability, fabulous business acumen and she is well spoken. What is particularly gratifying from my vantage point is that she is in control of her career and her destiny. I remember many years ago hearing how just a couple of years into his music career David Bowie purchased back the rights to his own music, long before he had become a household name. We all know his story let’s hope the future holds the same for Nikkole.
Interview by Joe Montague ©
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September 2007
