About Nicole Russo: Nicole Russo's most recent project is a five song EP with producer/guitarist Brian Fechino and drummer Chris Williams (Both from the Pat McGee Band) that will be available soon. “Working with Brian and Chris was amazing, the way they took my sound and enhanced it. The ideas that popped into their heads and the excitement that came over them was so much fun to watch,” Russo shares. “I learned that I had so much more inside of me that needed to come out. From my mouth and from my heart, I learned to sing my songs with more emotion,” she explains. Being honest through her music is something that Russo prides herself on. “Nothing is off limits,” she explains. Her willingness to share her deepest feelings makes fans not only relate to her but also rally around her. “People always feel sympathetic for me 'cause they listen to the words and say to me, 'How could he have done that to you?' Russo says. “I wrote a lot of songs about personal relationships but also about everyday experiences. -- The message in my music is about strength - getting angry over the situation and getting over it. Each song depicts a lesson learned and I always come out of the end of the song a stronger person.” Part of being strong is knowing what you want, and Russo is clear on what she hopes her future holds. When asked about her long-term goals, she says simply, “I just want to perform music and be happy doing it.” Looking back, Russo's first love was the piano. At nine years old, she began taking lessons and writing songs, but it wasn't until she was a teenager that her love affair with another instrument - her voice - changed her life forever. “I was fifteen, and it was on a Caribbean Cruise,” Russo recalls. I sang 'I'm Your Baby Tonight' by Whitney Houston. The host actually made fun of me, saying I must have practiced too much in the shower.” Kidding turned to kudos later in the vacation, when a fellow guest complimented Russo on her voice and asked if she was a professional singer. She wasn't…yet. But all that changed just five years later, when Russo met vocal coach Danny Richard (The Holland Brothers, Nine Inch Nails), with whom she studied for six years. During that time, Russo focused her attention on writing and performing original tunes. Along with voice lessons, she continued to develop as a pianist and songwriter, inspired by her favorite female piano player, Tori Amos. Russo realized quickly that piano wasn't conducive to the local coffeehouse setting, and determined to perform her own material as a solo act, she learned how to play guitar and took pleasure in mastering another instrument. Russo credits her favorite female guitar players, Kaki King, known for her percussive, finger picking style, and Butterfly Boucher, a multi-instrument master, as inspiring her playing. Appearing live for the first time as a solo singer/songwriter, Russo was energized by performing her own music in front of a crowd. As a music fan, she already knew how powerful the concert experience could be for artist and audience alike. “I saw Natalie Merchant perform 'Thank You' at Lilith Fair,” Russo recalls, “and she actually broke down in tears during the song. I thought it was so touching.” That's not to say that Russo doesn't know the value of raising a little hell under the hot lights. “I saw the Foo Fighters rockin' it on stage, and I was like…that's what I want to do! Dave Grohl was spitting and cursing...we'll that may be too much...but it was cool!” Although her time on stage was satisfying, Russo's life away from the spotlight was not, and she decided to make a change. “I was not happy where I was living. I was not happy with my job, I just got out of a 5 year relationship and felt lost,” she remembers. “I met a Boston band in New York City at an open mic night, and they invited me to see a show in Boston. I went to visit, fell in love, and moved 5 months later.” In her new hometown, Russo met many wonderful musicians she credits with leading her on the path she's on now.