Nora Collins

2013 Best of Milwaukee Music Winners
Acoustic Musician
Female Vocalist
Nora Collins
Some artists just seem more dedicated than others. Though she’s barely out of high school, Brookfield native Nora Collins has gigged relentlessly over the last three years, averaging about 200 performances a year, charming audiences in any venue that’ll have her with her personal songs and beguiling, honey-sweet voice. Her latest album, Only The Beginning, puts that voice front and center; it’s a mostly acoustic set modeled after her recent solo shows. (Evan Rytlewski)
- Shepherd Express

Nora Collins now plays nearly 200 shows yearly and has garnered WAMI kudos and regional and national attention. A nigh indefatigable work ethic, an approachably fresh-faced quality and a growing artistic maturity, abetted by several recent songwriting collaborations, hold Collins in good sway for her artistry to become more widely known. - Shepherd Express

Here are eight top State Fair concert picks, ranging from touring headliners to local favorites.

1. Nora Collins: Few people in the Milwaukee music scene hustle as hard to build a following as the always-gigging teen singer-songwriter from Brookfield. But a time will come when Collins' polished country tunes will do the heavy lifting. - Piet Levy - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“Nora Collins could be the future of country music. She is...the real deal. "Only The Beginning" is one of the best independent recordings that I've heard coume out of Wisconsin in a long time.” - John Schulze - Examiner.com

“Nora Collins could be the future of country music. She is...the real deal. "Only The Beginning" is one of the best independent recordings that I've heard coume out of Wisconsin in a long time.” - John Schulze - Examiner.com

Who are the hardest working folks at Summerfest? Someone in the ticket booth or one of those folks slinging beer for 12 hours a day, or maybe a soundman at a stage, you say? You’re right, they’re all kickin’ it hard for 11 days.

But don’t forget 19-year-old singer and songwriter Nora Collins, who calls Brookfield home. Collins, twice awarded Wisconsin Area Music Industry’s "Rising Star" distinction, has – count ‘em – 10 performance slots at the Big Gig this year.

When she took the Uline Warehouse Stage on the far north end of the grounds Tuesday at 3 p.m., she’d already played six gigs down at Summerfest already this year. So, her chops were about as practiced as they’re going to get, which is to say pretty darn good.

But, that kind of furious musical activity isn’t unusual for Collins, who is in her third straight year of more than 200 appearances. Later this summer, Collins will open for country music’s Josh Turner at the Washington County Fair.

At Tuesday’s performance, in front of a couple hundred, Collins knack for melody and subtle twang recalled Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert, with twinges of Jewel and Australia's Kasey Chambers.

Collins released her third CD, "Only the Beginning," as Summerfest opened, so she has a lode of new material at hand to feature. The stripped down disc, which features only vocals, guitar and fiddle, follows her successful disc, "Run Away With Me." (The video for "Dimpled Filled With Lies," from that record, is still airing nationally on ZUUS County, formerly The Country Network).

The record includes a quartet of covers, including "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through The Night," along with six original tunes, including the title track, penned with Willy Porter (who is also on the Summerfest bill on Tuesday, headlining the nearby Johnson Controls World Sound Stage at 9:30 p.m.)

Opening with a pair or dark covers – Pistol Annies' "I Feel A Sin Coming On" and Miranda Lambert's "Mama's Broken Heart" – Collins staked out a position of sass that was a counterpoint to her sweet as pie between-song banter and the original songs she performed from her three CDs.

In honor of the Eagles' upcoming Summerfest appearance, Collins learned and played a cover of "Take It Easy."

If you missed Collins on the Uline today, don’t worry, you can still see and hear at Summerfest at the Tiki Hut, along Lake Michigan behind Johnson Controls World Sound Stage today at 6 p.m. and Wednesday, July 3 at 3 and 6 p.m.
- OnMilwaukee.com - Bobby Tanzilo

"Mike Gleason, vice president of the Wisconsin Country Music Association said he believes Collins is a young star in the making with her unique delivery of music. “She has just a little something different than everybody else,” he said. “She can hit the high notes that some of the biggest stars can do and her pitch is always perfect.” Gleason said the fact that Collins has achieved the WAMI Award twice is a true testament to her talent and how her peers feel about her in the music industry. “Not only is she talented but she is very humble, which says a lot considering how much she’s achieved so far in her life,” he said." - Waukesha Freeman

Brookfield teen and country singer Nora Collins received the rising star award. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

To describe Nora’s performance in one word………AWESOME!!!!!
Singer/Songwriter Nora Collins, 18, of Brookfield delivered a performance just short of the likes of Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert! This girl has it goin’ on with an angel like voice similar to that of Allison Krauss. Nora is well on her way to becoming one of our newest country stars! Jim Braun – WoodSongs Milwaukee
- Jim Braun - WoodSongs Milwaukee

The honors keep pouring in for Brookfield's Nora Collins.

The 18-year-old singer/songwriter, who was named the Wisconsin Area Music Industry's Rising Star earlier this year, has been selected as the "Breaking Out Artist of the Week" by The Country Network. TCN will feature Collins' music video "Dimples Filled with Lies" in its "Top 20 Countdown" program on Sunday.

"I am so excited to be the 'Breaking Out Artist of the Week' on The Country Network," Collins told Patch. "I am an unsigned artist, so I am extremely honored that The Country Network is willing to play my video. It is so cool to see my music video being played along with some of the amazing artists I admire, like Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert."

“Dimples," a song from her second CD, "Run Away With Me," was recorded in Nashville, and features musicians who have toured with Keith Urban, Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum and Darius Rucker.

The video was filmed at Klode Park in Glendale, and was directed by David Busse of Milwaukee. It features two of Collins' friends — Matt Post of Brookfield and Becky Calhoun of Waukesha.

In Milwaukee, TCN is shown on Channel 24.2 or Channel 988 on Time Warner Cable. The "Top 20 Countdown" is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. Sunday, with “Dimples” scheduled to air at approximately 9:16 p.m. The rebroadcast is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, with “Dimples” scheduled for 10:16 a.m.

Collins, who graduated in June from Brookfield East High School, has performed more than 150 times in each of the last two years. On Saturday, she has three gigs: on WBKV AM Radio 1470 from noon to 12:30 p.m. at Brookfield Square from 2 to 4 p.m., and 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Bradley Center before the Milwaukee Bucks game.

She also will perform at Winterfest on Dec. 29, and will sing the National Anthem for the Milwaukee Wave on Jan. 12 and the Monster Truck Jam on Jan. 18.

In addition, she is scheduled to be the opening act for Sixpence None The Richer at Shank Hall on Jan. 24.

Collins has two CDs out on iTunes and has music videos posted on her website. - Brookfield Patch

18-year-old, Brookfield-based singer-songwriter Nora Collins has a radio-ready country tune in "Dimples Filled With Lies," a bitter love song featuring Nashville musicians who have played for the likes of Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Martina McBride. Now the track and its music video are getting some national exposure from The Country Network. The cable channel has slid the song into its rotation and selected Collins as its "Breaking Out Artist of the Week."

She's certainly been doing everything she can to break out here. In the next few weeks she has performances everywhere from Brookfield Square (12 p.m. Dec. 22) to the BMO Harris Bradley Center before a Bucks game (6:30 p.m. Dec. 22) to Winterfest (5 p.m. Dec. 29), to performing the national anthem at Monster Jam at Bradley (Jan. 18). She's also opening for Sixpence None the Richer at Shank Hall Jan. 24.

"Dimples" is slated to air at 9:16 p.m. Dec. 23 and 10:16 a.m. Dec. 24. The network is shown on Channel 24.2 or Channel 988 on Time Warner Cable in Milwaukee.

You can also see the video below. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Follow link - Waukesh Freeman

Go to link and enter page 34 - M Magazine August 2012 page 34

Nora Collins wasn’t going home empty handed this time.

One year after being a finalist for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Rising Star of the Year award, Collins took it a step further in 2012 and walked away with the top award at Sunday’s WAMI Awards Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton.

After hearing her name called as the Rising Star of the Year, Collins was emotional.

“This is such an honor, I’m going to cry,” said Collins, while fighting back tears of joy. “I really appreciate this; thank you WAMI, and of course, my parents. I couldn’t do this without you.”

The Brookfield East High School senior earned this honor with votes from her music industry peers.

The award capped off another successful year for the 17-year-old. In the last year, Collins put out her second CD, “Run Away With Me,” was the state winner of the Texaco Country Showdown, a singing competition, won the WAMI CD Roulette competition, earning the opportunity to play at this year’s Summerfest or Bastille Days.

This was after she played at Summerfest and State Fair in 2011.

She also appeared on Today’s TMJ4’s Morning Blend talk show, was a judge and performed at the “Milwaukee’s Got Talent” competition as part of Winterfest in downtown Milwaukee and continued to play at local venues in Brookfield in Waukesha, including weekly at two Potbelly Sandwich shops in Brookfield, as well as singing the national anthem at many local events.

- Brookfield Now

Nora Collins wasn’t going home empty handed this time.

One year after being a finalist for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Rising Star of the Year award, Collins took it a step further in 2012 and walked away with the top award at Sunday’s WAMI Awards Show at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton.

After hearing her name called as the Rising Star of the Year, Collins was emotional.

“This is such an honor, I’m going to cry,” said Collins, while fighting back tears of joy. “I really appreciate this; thank you WAMI, and of course, my parents. I couldn’t do this without you.”

The Brookfield East High School senior earned this honor with votes from her music industry peers.

The award capped off another successful year for the 17-year-old. In the last year, Collins put out her second CD, “Run Away With Me,” was the state winner of the Texaco Country Showdown, a singing competition, won the WAMI CD Roulette competition, earning the opportunity to play at this year’s Summerfest or Bastille Days.

This was after she played at Summerfest and State Fair in 2011.

She also appeared on Today’s TMJ4’s Morning Blend talk show, was a judge and performed at the “Milwaukee’s Got Talent” competition as part of Winterfest in downtown Milwaukee and continued to play at local venues in Brookfield in Waukesha, including weekly at two Potbelly Sandwich shops in Brookfield, as well as singing the national anthem at many local events.

- Brookfield Now

Nora Collins likes to set the bar high.

That's why when this publication featured this Brookfield teenager in the "Someone You Should Know" section in the fall of 2010, one could tell she was only beginning to scratch the surface.

At that time, she had put out one CD, was starting to perform at area venues and was just beginning to make public appearances.

Since then, the now-rapidly rising 17-year-old singer's popularity has skyrocketed.

"I have high standards for myself," said Collins, a senior at Brookfield East. "I'm going to keep working and see how far I can go."

She's already gotten pretty far, which is what happens when you put out a second CD before turning 18, when you travel the country to create your image and brand, when you increase your schedule to play at venues on a weekly basis and when you hit the morning TV talk shows.

"I love it," said the genuine, down-to-earth Collins. "I love to perform, and I like to share my music with others. It's pretty cool."

Collins said she's always been determined to succeed but has become more confident in herself in 2011.

She's recently displayed this confidence for all to see.

Collins was on The Morning Blend talk show on TMJ4 two weeks ago and then a day later, she was a judge for the "Milwaukee's Got Talent" competition as part of Winterfest at the Frontier Airlines Center. She also got to show off her award-winning singing voice at Winterfest on Dec. 29.

In the past year, Collins has used her music in ways that go beyond entertaining a crowd.

Her music, along with 14 other Wisconsin musicians' songs, are part of a CD, "There's A Drought," where all the proceeds go to help drought and famine victims in the Horn of Africa, which has been described as the worst drought in 60 years.

"It means a lot to me," she said about being affiliated with such good causes. "I'm just happy to help those in need."

Collins found time to take part in East's school musical "Grease" and played Sandy.

After the musical, she then traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to improve her singing abilities.

"This has been a very exciting and busy year," she said. "I've just been really blessed and am excited for 2012."

Just the facts
NAME: Nora Collins

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Put out two CDs, won the Texaco Country Showdown Wisconsin State title and is a Wisconsin Area Music Industry Rising Star nominee and won the WAMI CD Roulette competition, which means she will get a headlining gig at Summerfest or Bastille Days in 2012.

WEBSITE: NoraCollins.com
- Brookfield Now

At only 17 years of age, Nora Collins has already released two albums and participated in a variety of music showcases and competitions. Nora sat down with us to talk about her songwriting, her WAMI nomination, and playing SummerFest (the world’s largest music festival).

How did you start playing at Potbelly?

My family and I, we love musicals so we’ve gone to Chicago to see shows. We stopped in at a Potbelly for lunch and saw that musicians were playing there. Then a Potbelly came in on 124th and Capital and I thought it would be cool to see if they would have musicians play here in Milwaukee too.
What’s your favorite memory from playing at Potbelly?

There’s a family that comes almost every week with their two little girls, and their girls always sing along and dance to my songs.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood.

You received a nomination in the “Rising Star” category for a 2011 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Awards. Has that recognition led to new opportunities?

Because I was nominated, I got to play at SummerFest in the WAMI Youth Showcase. That was a really great experience. Then with WAMI, I won the CD roulette competition so I’ll also get the opportunity to play at a major festival this summer.

Tell us about recording some of your new album, “Run Away with Me” in Nashville.

I recorded two of the songs on my CD in Nashville. For one of the songs, “Dimples Filled with Lies,” I had the amazing opportunity to have Keith Urban’s guitar player and background vocalist, Lady Antebellum’s drummer, Martina McBride’s bass player, and Darius Rucker’s keyboard player play on my song. It’s awesome production, it sounds amazing, definitely one of the songs that I’m the most proud of.

And then “Red Chuck Taylors” was your first album. What was your process on that recording?

Red Chuck Taylors was my first CD that I recorded when I was 14. I wrote all the songs on both of my CDs. Red Chuck Taylors I did with my uncle at his home studio but it wasn’t ever to make a CD and sell it or anything. It was just to – you know, I wrote these songs and I wanted to see what I sounded like. So I went to my uncle’s house and we recorded them and he was like “Nora, these are actually pretty good.”

You said you wrote all of the songs for both albums. How has your songwriting changed over time?

There was a huge difference with my second album… it’s gotten a lot better. The main difference would be now I put a little more thought into it and it’s a little more mature. I still write about the same topic though, which is boys, because I’m 17 years old.

Your music also airs on the FM 106.1 program “Home Made Jams.”

Yes, FM 106.1 does an awesome radio show on Sunday nights called “Homemade Jams”. They play me almost every week so I really appreciate their support. They’ve played around nine different songs of mine but they have some favorites that they play, like the title tracks of both of my CDs, “Red Chuck Taylors” and “Run Away with Me.”

Having played so many cool places, which venue would you say is your favorite?

SummerFest is definitely my favorite! It was amazing – such an awesome experience to play there!

- Matt McErlean - Potbelly

Being a young musician that wants to do music professionally is a tough road to travel down.

Often, because of their age, they aren't taken seriously. Whether it's a negative belief about the youth's work ethic, or the idea that they can't really be that talented at such a young age, many kids are given a glazed-over look and polite encouragement instead of a chance to be heard.

High school-aged Nora Collins is a young woman that aims to prove the stereotypes about our youth completely wrong.

Collins, a budding country singer from the metro Milwaukee area, has already put together an impressive resume of releases, performances and press.

Her new album "Run Away With Me" follows the lines of most country hybrid albums today. There are numbers that tap all aspects found within the history of the genre, giving it enough twang and enough pop to fit in well with what you'd find on modern radio today.

Collin's voice is soft and still growing in complexity, similar to a younger Taylor Swift. The WAMIs thought enough of her maturing to nominate her for an award at this year's Wisconsin Area Music Industry awards.

With all that she's been able to accomplish in such a short time, when asking about the fortune she's received thus far, you quickly learn that she surrounded by a large loving family that lends their talents to Nora. Their support and abilities have given the young songstress a "staff" of dedicated people that truly care about her and her growth, which is something that can't be replaced.

I recently talked with Collins about her budding career.

OnMilwaukee.com: What led you to get into doing music?

Nora Collins: I grew up listening to music and started singing when I was 3. Music has become a creative outlet for me.

OMC: Why did you pick country music?

NC: I love how country music tells a story and I've always had a little country twang to my voice.

OMC: What are some of the opportunities music has opened you up to?

NC: My music has opened many opportunities for me. I've been on CMT (Country Music Television) when my home music video made the Top 16 nationally. My song "First Heartbreak" from my new CD placed in the Top 20 in a National Songwriting contest. I won the local Texaco Country Showdown and will compete at the State Fair. I also got to perform twice at Summerfest. I was on Wisconsin Public Radio's "Simply Folk" on July 17. Through these things I've been able to meet some great people and help make a difference by participating in charitable events.

OMC: How did you get the opportunity to work with Nashville session musicians?

NC: I am a member of NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International). My good friend, Lisa Medill, one of the coordinators for the Milwaukee chapter of NSAI, is a friend of Lee Turner, Darius Rucker's keyboardist. Lee is from Wisconsin and has a studio in Nashville. He hired some great musicians to play on my song "Dimples Filled With Lies." I was fortunate enough to get Brian Nutter, Keith Urban's guitar player/back-up vocalist; Matt Billingslea, Lady Antebellum's drummer; and Glenn Snow, Martina McBride's bass player; and Lee played Hammond B3. On the title track of my CD, "Run Away With Me," I worked with Steve Rutledge who played guitar for Steve Holy. It was truly the most amazing experience!

OMC: What did it mean to you to be nominated for a WAMI?

NC: To be nominated for a WAMI was incredible! It's great to be recognized by WAMI members for something I have so much fun doing. It was an honor to be nominated with four other talented musicians in the "Rising Star" category.

OMC: What was the process of your songwriting like?

NC: For me, words and a melody pop into my head and then I try and match it with a guitar part. I don't sit down and try to come up with a song, the song comes to me.

OMC: How would you describe your album?

NC: I wrote all the music and lyrics for my new CD. I'm really proud of that. Each song has a special story and memory. It's all country music but different styles: new country, classic country and country pop.

OMC: You're still in high school. Where do you see yourself after you graduate? Is college the path for you or are you going to try to do music full time first?

NC: I'd love to be a full-time musician where I can write and perform for a living. I am also looking into getting a Music Business degree.

OMC: Your family is obviously supportive of you and your music. How has having a supportive family helped you?

NC: Having a supportive family has helped me so much! Without their support I wouldn't be able to pursue my dream. Since I'm still in high school, it is sometimes hard to be taken seriously. My dad helps with that. My mom helps me manage my time so I can still have time to have fun with my friends. My sister Sara is supportive and has helped with my videos. My Uncle Doug has been my producer, engineer, musician, video director and advisor. Aunt Tracy has - OnMilwaukee.com

At just 17 years old, Nora Collins has already written and released two full-length CDs. A country singer and guitarist with an emotive voice, Collins has honed her skills through regular gigs, including an ongoing performing residency at the two Brookfield Potbelly Sandwich Works locations (see noracollins.com for upcoming shows).

Her most recent album, "Run Away With Me," available at amazon.com, cdbaby.com and iTunes, showcases her musical ability and highlights her personal songwriting talent.

Back story: I've been performing my own songs for about three years. I was in the church choir in third grade, and I'm a proud member of the Main Street Song and Dance Troupe. I've always done school musicals, too.

She says she sounds like: A young Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert.

We say she sounds like: A talented singer-songwriter with a knack for blending country and pop melodies with lyrics about her life experiences and observations.

Describe your look: I'm just an all-American girl.

Sell yourself in 20 words or less: I'm a 17-year-old songwriter. I'm young, fresh and all-original.

Day job: High school student.

First gig: In 2008 at the Donna Lexa Art Fair in Wales, Wis.

Song you've written that you're most proud of: From my first CD, "Red Chuck Taylors," the song I'm most proud of was "Don't Slow Down." It made the top 16 of Country Music Television's "Music City Madness" contest. The song I'm most proud of from my new CD, "Run Away With Me" is "First Heartbreak," because it made the top 20 in a national songwriting contest.

Favorite cover song in your live show: My favorite songs to cover are "Before You Cheat" by Carrie Underwood and "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele.

Biggest achievement: Being nominated for a WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) Award in the rising star category was very exciting.

Where do you want to be in five years? In five years, I'd love to be on the road, doing my music, being able to support myself doing something that I have such a strong passion for.

Why do you do this? "It's my passion and it allows me to be creative and express myself. I really enjoy doing it, and it's wonderful to see how my music can move some people.

Next gig: 3:30 p.m. Friday at the International Cycling Classic / Tour de Brookfield, Brookfield Civic Square, 2000 N. Calhoun Road; she'll sing the national anthem around 5:45 p.m. (free).

- Erik Ernst, Special to the Journal Sentinel


- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Nora Collins

Run Away With Me (self-released)

For a singer who still has a year to go in high school, Brookfield's Nora Collins displays impressive songwriting maturity on her second full-length album. While the songs' themes fit the expected life experiences of a 17-year-old (young love, first heartbreak), Collins explores them in playfully written lyrics and country melodies.

Recorded and produced at studios in Nashville and Wisconsin, "Run Away With Me" is a diverse package that reveals much promise for Collins' future. The title track is a layered, rolling pop tune that showcases her upper register. In "Dimples Filled With Lies," Collins confronts a lover who's done wrong, and in the soft acoustic guitar tones of "Sweeter," she sings through the seasons of devotion.

The album is available at iTunes, Amazon.com, and cdbaby.com.

- Erik Ernst,

Special to the Journal Sentinel

- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Nashville, Tennessee (August 5, 11) – Surpassing the competition at the 30th Annual
Texaco Country Showdown Wisconsin State Final, Nora Collins proved worthy of the
state title and $1,000. On August 4, the Wisconsin State Fair showcased acts which had
won a local contest sponsored by radio stations throughout the state enabling each to
perform at the state level competition of America’s largest country music talent search.
Nora Collins, representing radio station WMIL of Milwaukee, won the state level
event. This 17 year-old singer/songwriter performs well beyond her years. At the state
competition she won over the crowd and judges with her original lyrics and country
vocals. Learn more about this emerging artist by visiting, www.noracollins.com .
Other sponsoring radio stations were: WCUB Manitowoc; KIAI Mason City, IA; WQCC
Onalaska; and WSRG Sturgeon Bay.
On November 5, 2011 Nora Collins will compete in the Midwest Regional Final at the
Menominee Casino in Keshena, WI to determine if she will advance to the National
Final. Regional Winners will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Nashville to compete
for $100,000 and the coveted title, “Best New Act in Country Music.”
About the Showdown: Annually, over 450 radio stations across the country sponsor
local contests. Winners advance to their state events where prizes include $1,000 and
the opportunity to compete in one of five Regional events. The five Regional winners
receive an all-expense-paid trip to the National Final in Nashville to compete for
$100,000 and the coveted title, “Best New Act in Country Music.”
Each year, more than 50,000 artists compete throughout the U.S. Past local, state, and
Regional winners include: Martina McBride, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Neal
McCoy, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley and Billy Ray Cyrus. Visit
www.texacocountryshowdown.com for more information. - Texaco Country Showdown