WXPN Artist To Watch - February 2008
Nicole Atkins

Born in Neptune City, New Jersey singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins has been one of XPN's Free At Noon Concert Series artists, featured on World Cafe with David Dye, and was one of Bruce Warren's picks for My Morning Download.

Nicole began playing solo gigs at college in North Carolina, followed by gigging around New York's East Village and her sound has been described as psychedelic/alternative/folk rock. In 2006, she released her stellar debut EP Bleeding Diamonds, which lead to Rolling Stone naming her an artist to watch. At the same time, Nicole Atkins joined forces with guitarist Dave Hollinghurst, bassist John Flaughter, drummer Dan Mintzer, and keyboardist Daniel "Cashmere" Chen to form her band Nicole Atkins & the Sea. Her major label debut Neptune City was released in October 2007. Notable tracks include the title song as well as "Brooklyn's on Fire!" and "Together We're Both Alone." There's a lot to enjoy from this laid-back rocking Jersey girl with dark songs, long hair and beautiful eyes!

My Morning Download track from Nicole Atkins EP:
Carousel

Song Clips from her new album Neptune City:
Maybe Tonight
The Way It Is

Hear her complete Live Friday Free At Noon Concert on NPR.org/music

Listen to an Interview on World Cafe with David Dye

Related Links:
Artists To Watch | NPR Song of the Day | My Morning Download
World Cafe | XPN Free At Noon Live Friday Concert