Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Thomas
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. My fondest memories are riding in the car with my father and listening to the Oldies radio station while running errands. The sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s, in particular Motown, have always appealed to me. I love how simple the lyrics and melodies are. My dad was also a big lover of musicals, so we watched everything that aired on PBS or local television. He would record them with a VCR and we would watch them on repeat. I loved the songs from The Music Man and The Sound of Music. Many of the songs live rent-free in my mind today! The songs have a bit of nostalgia which really influences my musical identity of writing original lullabies.
I grew up singing in church and I played the flute from 4th grade until sophomore year in college. I took a long break from music after then to focus on my studies and career. I didn’t even start songwriting until about 2016 or so. I would only write here and there. That changed when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. There was lots of time to explore old hobbies.
During that time, a social media platform called Clubhouse was all the rage. It was a place emerging artists could be in the same virtual rooms as music executives. I decided to join and tell everyone I was songwriter. While I had written a few songs, I was a complete amateur! I happened to be in a “room” with a Grammy award nominated music producer who asked if I could send him something I’d written. All I had was a voice recording of a verse and chorus – no music – and he saw my potential. He began to show me the ropes of how to write and record from home and the rest is history.
I started taking songwriting seriously and began to attend songwriting retreats and workshops. As I grew in skill, I started working with other indie artists across genres. I am most fluent in Christian/gospel, but as an avid music listener, it’s not hard for me topline regardless of musical style.
As a singer-songwriter, I classify my personal sound as a new school lullaby-ist. Not sure that’s a real word but one listen to my songs and you’ll get it. They feel warm, slightly nostalgic, but also fresh.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not sure I’d say smooth! I would say it’s been a long, winding road.
I can write and release my own songs with some ease. I do it completely independently from home. I feel very comfortable singing from the safety of my house where I don’t pay studio time. However, creating high-quality demos for other artists is a different story! There are lots of steps involved.
First, I have to write slightly more complex and commercially appealing songs. I have to direct and pay for music production to ensure it meets industry expectations. That can require some back and forth. Then I have to pay singers to record the song. Next I have to pay a sound engineer to mix the music and vocals. And finally I have to find places to pitch or at least play the songs for artists. And after all that, you get told no a lot!
You need thick skin in this industry. Having indie-artist friends who you co-write with helps , but eventually I hope to write for a mainstream artist or publisher. That’s the dream. That’s the long road I’m on.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a songwriter, I think one of the biggest things that sets me apart from others is the amount of music I consume. Every year, I look forward to getting my Spotify Wrapped results because I’m always shocked at how much music I listen to. In 2020 it informed me that I listened to more than 350 genres! I didn’t even know there were so many music genres! In 2024, it said I was in the top 14% of listeners. That’s crazy to me! The funny thing is, I started collecting vinyl records a few years ago so I listen that way too. Then when I’m in my car, I listen to the actual radio. I feel like this gives me a competitive edge as a songwriter.
Each year, I try to find a conference, workshop, or some type of skill building activity to attend. I am constantly getting my songs critiqued. This helps me learn what’s working and what’s not. I’m a fast learner and try not to repeat mistakes.
In 2024 I was a finalist in the Great American Song Contest, which had more than 18,000 songwriters who submitted their songs in various categories. This was a tremendous honor for me. My song “Handing You the Reins” was in the Christian category.
I am known for creating catchy melodies. I secretly call myself the melody maven.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Patience, patience, patience! Becoming a great songwriter is a journey more than it is a destination. Even if you write the world’s best song, there are tons more songs to write. Keep writing!
I wish I knew that just because I had a knack for writing songs did not mean that I would ascend the ranks quickly. It’s been five years of writing and I’m just now starting to see some of my smaller goals unfold. It’s more work than one might think!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seenicwrite.com/
- Instagram: @seenicwrite
- Youtube: @nicolethomas_writes
- Other: TikTok @seenicwrite
