Nicole Garza
Schererville, Indiana, United States
Music
Press
BY TOM LOUNGES - Times Correspondent | Posted: Saturday, December 12, 2009 12:00 am | No Comments Posted
Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font sizeSince Nicole Garza dropped the stage alias “Nicki G” in favor of her real name, this little gal with a very big voice has been getting noticed throughout Greater Chicagoland and beyond.
The “G” thing made folks think she was a hip-hop artist. In truth, the 20something is a vocalist who defies genres and limitations. From R&B to rock to torchy crooners, the Northwest Indiana-bred Chicago talent covers considerable ground with her energetic live shows and recordings.
While the title of Garza’s 2005 debut album, “Versatility,” declared the broadness of her sound and musical stance, her soon-to-be completed sophomore CD will surely reflect the tremendous growth and maturity she has experienced in the last few years.
A growth period that has included -- among other things –– dueting with pop/rock icon Huey Lewis at The Venue in Hammond’s Horseshoe Casino; singing backup for Jose Feliciano; graduating from Columbia College with a music degree; belting National Anthem at a variety of Chicago sports events; playing the “after party” after a Janet Jackson-LL Cool J concert; and flying to New York to hobnob with record folks intrigued with what they heard from and about Garza.
That Big Apple trip last year and the contacts made could proved quite fruitful down the road for the young artist.
In the meantime, she continues to write songs and perform both as a solo artist and with her band, Oh Geez. Garza also frequently guests with groups such as The Chicago Catz, Maggie Speaks and Spoken Four.
Involvement in so many projects keeps Garza working. Equally important, it keeps exposing her tremendous talents to new people in all walks of life and in different environments.
As previously mentioned, this versatility makes Garza a standout performer and keeps her singing four to five nights a week.
Garza’s second album is expected to be completed soon and released during the first quarter of 2010.
Keep up with her musical adventures and advancements via her Web site, where her music can be heard, and where one can sign up for e-blast updates that keep this promotional-minded gal connected to her fan base. Find her online at Nicolegarza.com and catch her next Friday at the Push Lounge.
Opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. Reach him at beatboss@aol.com.
IFYOUGO
Nicole Garza, 10 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18
WHERE: The Push Lounge at Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond
COST: Free
FYI: (866)- 711-SHOE (7463)
- The Times
Discography
Nicki G "Versatility"- November 2005 Release~won several songwriting awards, as well as being voted by industry professionals and The Times as Top 10 in 2005 of the Chicagoland area!
World Class Noise featuring Nicole Garza and the Tough Love Horns "Many Different People" June 2006 Release
Nicole Garza "Nicki G Reinvented"- Coming Soon!
Photos
Bio
Since the tender age of four, Nicole Garza (also known as “Nicki G”) has transformed herself into a music machine. From Vegas to Chicago, she is on a path to rock the world only leaving behind the restless souls of fans begging for more. Whether she’s singing, songwriting, arranging, producing, or performing she captures the eyes and ears of those around her. In 2005 Nicole released her debut album “Nicki G. Versatility,” which quickly topped Broadjam charts. Singles such as “Wish I Knew” and “Caught You Looking” are only the beginning to a story that will continue to captivate the audiences of many generations to come. Her self-built band the “Oh Geez” takes the “v” in virtuoso and spins it like a top with their dexterous musicianship and outstanding stage presence.
Currently Nicole is working on her breakthrough EP, which is set to debut in early 2010. She is determined to destroy barriers, and will stop at nothing to change a generation of music one note at a time. When Nicole isn’t behind the mic she enjoys working with adolescent singers who aspire to make their impact through the gift of music. If you haven’t already done so Nicole encourages you to check out the rest of her site and attend a show.
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