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An introduction to the lovely Nicole Millar

Get to know the personality behind the voice.

You may not know the name Nicole Millar, but we’re pretty certain you’d be familiar with her vocals. The Sydney-based artist was the voice you heard on Peking Duk’s award winning track, ‘High’. She’s also sung with Rüfus and The Kite String Tangle, but this year she is making her own mark.

Just last week, Nicole’s single ‘Wait’ was released, and it has got us looking forward to her next drop. We sat down with Nicole to find out what’s to come.

You’ve just finished your debut EP ‘wait’, what was your favourite part of the music making process?
I took a year off to write and record, and funnily enough ‘Wait’ was one of the first songs I wrote. The best part of this process was that I got to meet so many talented producers and writers from around the world.

Where does your inspiration come from?
I normally get inspired at the most random times. It’s either when I’m driving (I drive a lot), or when I’m about to sleep. I also listen to a lot of hip hop music and read poetry.

When did you first start writing music?
It depends. I used to write some really bad songs when I was younger, but I think that over time I’ve improved a fair bit. So I guess professionally two years now.

What’s helped shape your sound?
When working with a lot of different producers and writers over time, you learn about your voice and what type of music it is you want to create. It’s really important. I’ve also found it a good thing to not compare yourself to what other artists are doing and to keep working and focusing on yourself.

You’re known for your successful collabs with Peking Duk, golden features, Cosmo’s midnight and more – is this solo release the end of a collab era for you? Why did you decide now was a good time to put out a solo release?
Well if you ask my manager, he would tell you that I’ve been wanting to put out my own music for a while. I think I had around 30 or more demos and then it was just a process of getting rid of the duds and developing the ones I liked. I think right now I want to work on my own music and share my voice, but who knows. Maybe a great opportunity will come along and I’ll just have to take it.

Tell us about moment in your career so far that’s really shaped the person you are today?
I’ve definitely got to thank Peking Duk as they have given me so many opportunities to get me where I am today.

Favourite musician when you were growing up? Any crazy obsessions?
Oh my, when I was growing up I was listening to Shania Twain, Nelly Furtado and Destiny’s Child. I was also weirdly obsessed with the Dixie Chicks. I knew all the words to their songs and would sing away in my room and hope no one could hear me.


What’s your fashion style like? Your favourite look?
I think Rihanna is a boss. I like to take notes from her style. I love wearing my docs and cute two-pieces.


Go-to piece in your wardrobe for summer?
I’m all about big reflective sunglasses and effortless playsuits.

How are you feeling in the lead up to your first live solo show at EMCPlay?
I’m actually really excited. For the last year I’ve just been performing with other people and for their sets and whenever I’m up there I get this adrenaline rush and just want to stay on stage for their whole set. My band is a three-piece and I’ve designed a custom stage riser which lights up so that should be really cool.

Nicole Millar’s single “Wait” is out now. 

facebook.com/NicoleMillar

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