INTERVIEW: Nicole Huff releases debut EP

Coming out of Toronto’s creative scene, Nicole Huff is a truly prolific figure whose accomplished track record has seen her work across a range of different spheres. Known to many for her screen work, Nicole has built a successful career as an actress, dancer and model before making her mark in music. Audiences first encountered her on screen in roles such as Olivia Kaplan in Netflix’s Luckiest Girl Alive alongside Mila Kunis as well as Paige Aquino in the series Tiny Pretty Things while also featuring in Canada’s longest-running TV series Degrassi as Gloria Chin.

Nicole’s journey in the arts began at six years old with training in everything from ballet and pointe to tap, jazz, contemporary, hip hop and musical theatre. Alongside her dance, she pursued singing, acting, piano, violin and figure skating, even earning a black belt in karate. Her wide-ranging talents saw her take home a series of awards, including Miss All Canadian Overall Winner, Best in Talent and Best in Public Speaking. Early modelling work with Ford Kids Models opened further doors and today she’s represented by ICON Model Management, continuing to appear in beauty, fashion and commercial campaigns. Over the years she’s added more than thirty television and voice-over commercials to her name, as well as a series of notable screen roles, collecting awards in Toronto, Vancouver and LA along the way.

This year marks an exciting new chapter as Nicole steps out as a solo recording artist; August saw the arrival of her debut single “(I Got That) Boom Boom),” an impressive statement of intent that introduced her musical vision. Now, she builds on that momentum with the release of her debut EP titled Who We Are, a five-track outing produced by Roy Hamilton III which sees Nicole leap into the world of pop and dance, bringing with her both engaging songwriting and star presence.

The EP opens with lead single “Entice Me Baby,” a track wrapped in the playful confidence of 2000s pop by channeling influences such as Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande. Penned in less than an hour, the song shines with grooving beats and instantly catchy hooks to deliver a memorable and energising pop jam. Title track brings a hurried energy of muted guitar notes and vocalisations before slipping into a subtly moody pop track that flows with silky vocal leads and danceable rhythms.

With “Come to You,” the elegant flutter of strings changes the pace, setting up a stunning ballad that frames Nicole’s poignant songwriting in a delicate and truly alluring setting. “Dancing The Night Away” builds from a downtempo into of soft acoustic guitar plucks and mesmeric vocals towards an atmospheric slice of R&B-tinged alternative pop.

Closing the EP with her debut single “(I Got That) Boom Boom,” the lively patter of percussion and twang of plucked instrumental tones forms an immersive backdrop for Nicole’s commanding vocal performance to spin fiercely catchy melodic leads above, resulting in a gripping pop experience that’s equally original and unforgettable. With Who We Are, Nicole Huff presents the sound of a multi-talented artist bringing all of her experience to bear on a new form of expression that blends confidence, positivity and the sheer joy of performance into engaging musical moments.

We caught up with Nicole Huff to find out more about her musical journey so far, her debut EP Who We Are and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Nicole Huff below.

Hey Nicole, how’s things?

I’m doing well! Lots of exciting things happening so very excited. Thanks for the opportunity!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I always loved listening to music and was always dancing and singing to my favourite songs growing up. My earliest memory was actually recording one of the songs on my EP called “Dancing The Night Away”, I started finding my voice and sound and was in the recording booth and kept wanting to add more layers to the song. I wanted to add more adlibs and more harmonies and I realised that was such a fun part of making music. Getting to create what sounds interesting to you and having the freedom to do whatever it is you want in the studio.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I think Jlo, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Paula Abdul and Ariana Grande. I love pop, dance, r&b with spice, strength and elegance.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Sometimes I’ll be listening to music and that’ll inspire me. Other times I’ll go through experiences in my life that help me get new ideas. A lot of the time, ideas come to me as I’m writing and it’ll remind me of something I’ve went through or can relate to.

What’s been your highlight for the year so far?

I would say definitely releasing my music! I put my heart into this EP and hope you love it.

What do you love about the Toronto music scene?

It’s full of energy. The music is so diverse here and there’s a place for everyone no matter what kind of music you like or play. There’s a place here for emerging artists and large stadiums for international stars. I love that Drake and The Weeknd come from the Toronto area too.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

One day I’d love to perform an intimate concert somewhere. I think that would be a really cool experience. You get to see fans reactions and really get to engage with everyone in that kind of setting.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’m always growing as an artist and being inspired by new things and new music on the daily. As an actress and singer, my craft grows with me. As I’m making music, I get excited to work on the next song because I always want to try something new.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

I love Bea Miller. I think that would be super cool! I also would love to collaborate with Tate McRae, Justin Bieber or Ariana Grande.

How did you find making your debut EP ‘Who We Are’?

It was such a fun experience. It’s my first EP and although I’ve been involved in music my whole life doing musical theatre and singing pop music, I found making my first EP was a whole learning process. I also learned I’m a perfectionist when it comes to making music.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I want to let people know that it’s okay to own who you are, feel confident in who you are and be who you want to be. I think it’s important to express how you feel and do what makes you feel happy. I’m all about female empowerment. I wrote “Come to You” about my mom so I hope that song resonates with people and think of someone special when they listen to it, even if they develop their own interpretation of the song.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’m loving Tate McRae and Justin Bieber’s music!

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want them to feel something confident, unique, feel like they’re in the early 2000s while still in the modern day.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I loved performing my originals at Taste of Manila.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Jlo, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato. It would be anywhere they are. Somewhere in New York would be cool.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

I’d say go for it. Be open to the opinions and advice of professionals around you. They offer a different perspective that can be very valuable to your music career. Follow your instincts, trust yourself, enjoy the process and have fun! It’s an amazing journey.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

I’m hoping to get to announce a new acting project soon and possibly a new single! We shall see 🙂

Listen to Who We Are below