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About The Author
Allyson is a recent graduate of Eugene Lang College at the New School, with a B.A. in Literary Studies and Writing. She is an award-winning playwright with an interest in other genres, including journalism. She is originally from Leonardo, NJ, and remembers the Internet Cafe in Red Bank.
Deer Tick Coming To The Stone Pony With Some Help From Nicole Atkins
With her third album, the crowd-funded Slow Phaser, coming out in February, Nicole Atkins is going to have a busy 2014. But before this new journey, she will be concluding this year, and closing a chapter in her life, at the Stone Pony with a performance of her debut Neptune City in its entirety, with “strings attached”, on December 20.
Nicole Atkins & Wakah Chan Highlight Your Free Show Options In Asbury Park Tonight (7/12)
Nicole sat down with us on a crisp and chilly but sunny December afternoon in Asbury Park to talk about the new things coming her way: the new album, an upcoming national tour, and her first time producing, a debut by local outfit Glycerine Queens whose sound she describes as “The Shirelles meet Nirvana.” We also found time to reminisce about some memorable experiences from the past year and her bests of 2013.
Speak Into My Good Eye: Successful Crowdfunding and the Making of "Slow Phaser"
Our conversation began with the successful crowd-sourcing campaign for Slow Phaser, Atkins' realization of the true costs of producing an album independently, and her foray into running her own label. She expressed excitement and gratitude towards her fans and family for their overwhelming support, making the album and her new record label, Oh! Mercy a reality.
Self-Funding and Figuring Out the Music Business
Nicole described managing her label as "an all-day, all-night job" with a steep learning curve but also an exhilarating venture. Giving insight into her vision of the 'Nicole Atkins' tour of Asbury, she painted a dynamic picture of the beloved city through the eyes of a passionate local.
The Unique Giveaways and Personal Touch
The unique giveaways of her campaign included hand-painted ukuleles and a personal tour of Asbury, showcasing Atkins' deep connection with her fans and community. These personal touches epitomize the creativity and the heartfelt relationship between the artist and her audience.
Plans for Music Videos and National Tours
Diving deeper into the forthcoming plans for Slow Phaser, Nicole detailed the making of her music videos and an extensive national tour that would not only sweep across the US but potentially extend to Canada, Europe, and the UK.
Production Debut with Glycerine Queens
Teasing her role as a mentor and 'rock coach', Nicole spoke about producing the debut album for the Glycerine Queens, sharing her enthusiasm for the learning experience it has provided her and her ability to nurture new talent.
A Different Sound: The "Death of the Party Girl" Album
Atkins described Slow Phaser as an explosion of extroversion, calling it the "death of the party girl" album. Highlighting the themes of seeing life's normalities, wanting them, yet grappling with the reality of them, she captures the essence of a reflective life phase through her music. She also points to a shift in her musical style, aiming to make a dark yet danceable record.
Re-living the Classics: Neptune City's Farewell
The anticipation of revisiting the entirety of Neptune City becomes evident, as Nicole yearns to give her debut record a heartfelt and proper send-off before embracing her new musical direction with Slow Phaser.
The Rebirth and Ebb and Flow of Asbury Park
The discussion then shifted to Atkins' thoughts on the evolution of Asbury Park, her favorite pinball machine, and the palpable energy she feels in the ever-evolving city that never fails to offer new experiences and entertainment.
Reflecting on 2013: The Year's Bests and Notable Memories
Nicole generously shared highlights of her best shows played, accompanied by recollections of impactful moments from her tours – moments that transformed her as an artist and had her playing solo to a crowd of thousands, facing new challenges and achieving new heights.
2020 Vision: A Look Ahead
As for New Year's resolutions? Nicole's mantra for the coming year is simply to "stop worrying," an apt ambition for someone who's riding the waves of an independent music career while keeping an optimist's eye on the future.
Whether you're gearing up for an evening at the iconic Stone Pony, exploring the pinball museum, or simply basking in the ambiance of Asbury Park's renaissance, it's clear that visiting this coastal gem offers a kaleidoscope of experiences. And with artists like Nicole Atkins shaping the aural landscape, the city's cultural offerings are as vibrant as ever. For music aficionados and travel enthusiasts alike, a well-crafted itinerary can turn a day's visit into a multidimensional experience, blending entertainment with local flavors and staying in accommodations that capture the spirit of this New Jersey haven. As Nicole Atkins continues to influence Asbury Park's musical comeback, so does this locale remain an unmissable stop in the diary of any discerning traveler looking for soulful songs and seaside charm.