by Nicki Kris
HEARTBEAT is the album I’ve always dreamed of releasing and It’s the result of several years of hard work after putting my creative life on hold for many years.
My return to music began in 2011, after a conversation with my oldest son about following his dreams. I realized at that moment that I hadn’t been true to my own dream of pursuing a music career. I don’t know if it was an epiphany or a mid-life crisis, but I decided then to fully dedicate myself to music.
Listen to the album while reading the text.
Early Years
Music has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Even at a very young age, I had the urge to sing and perform, and I spent most of my youth doing just that. In high school, songwriting became an escape for me — an escape from low self-esteem and not-so-great family life – the songs became my family and with each one I finished, it became clearer that I wanted to pursue a career in music.
Then, towards the end of my senior year of high school, my life completely changed when my older brother was killed in a car accident. His death had a profound impact on me, and unfortunately, I put music on the back burner. I could feel my dreams slowly slipping away as I did the dutiful thing—I earned my degree, found a job, started dating my future husband, eventually got married, and had kids.
A Rebirth
Fast forward to that moment in 2011… when I heard myself saying to my son, “You can do anything if you set your mind and heart to it, and you should always follow your dreams.” It was like a slap in the face, knowing that I was giving him advice that I hadn’t followed! At that moment, the floodgates opened, and music came pouring back out of me… I could no longer contain it!
Within two years, I released my debut album, and later an EP. Between both projects, I managed to get some songs recognized nationally, I got music on several TV shows (including Dance Moms, where you might have heard my song “Together We Stand”), and I even made the first round of the Grammys several times! I then released a series of singles, which included a song called “Captain America” and “Heartbeat,” which became the catalyst for releasing this new project.
Coming Together
HEARTBEAT is a culmination of years of blood, sweat, and tears and comes from a place of finally being true to myself and my dreams. And, as a mom, I want my kids to know that you’re never too old to follow your dreams… and they can do anything if they work hard at it. I never want them to give up on what they believe in; I never want them to let go of what drives their heartbeat.
This album really digs deep into who I am as an artist and songwriter. It was about me finding my voice and my assertion of how music is truly my heartbeat. I’m no longer that shy singer/songwriter releasing my first album in 2013. I’m now much more confident, assertive, and sure of my voice. I feel like I’ve finally put together a sound that truly captures the essence of me. For me, this album is a rebirth or new debut in many instances. This is who I am, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed making it.
All songs written and arranged by Nicki Kris and Kevin McNoldy
Produced by Kevin McNoldy
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered at Cphonic Mastering Studios, Raleigh, NC.
All songs © 2019 Nicki Kris Music, LLC/Cphonic Records (BMI)
All rights reserved. © 2019 N.K.M Records
Nicki Kris
Nicki Kris, Category: Artist, Albums: Heartbeat, I Come Alive, Singles: Captain America, My Christmas Wish, Picture Yourself (Unplugged), Falling to Pieces, You’ve Got a Hold On Me, Top Tracks: Lost in L.A., Stay, Can’t Let You Go, Defenseless, Everything I Do, I Do for You, Biography: Nicki Kris is an award-winning singer/songwriter based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
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