TRIPLE THREAT!! She sings...she writes...she performs spoken word and poetry. Who’s that lady??? One of Chi-town’s born and raised now residing in Maryland. A’rlester Nickole. A Scorpio born November 10th 19?? Why??
To teach, challenge, heal and inspire through her creative gifts of song and poetry with a touch of retro-soul flavor. She says, “My words spit truth to excavate your mind... can you dig it?â€
Naturally shy and reserved, A’rlester prefers her anonymity in the public domain. But once on stage, she transforms into an extroverted performer who commands respect and attention. Some of the places where she has performed include: the “historic†Bohemian Caverns, Bus Boys and Poets, formerly known as Mangos, Takoma Station, and other venues on the “U-Street Circle†such as the infamous Bar Nun where it all began, just to name a few venues in the DC metro area. A’rlester Nickole was also a featured spoken word artist on WHUR’s poetry show with host Joe Gorham called “Joe’s Place,†and a winner of several local poetry slam competitions. But not only is she known for her raw yet conscious poetry, A’rlester Nickole is also equally known and respected for her singing gift as well, and was a first place winner of a local singing competition at the well-known Jokes on Us comedy club in Laurel, Maryland a few years ago. On several occasions A’rlester Nickole has been approached by local “managers and agents†to get her poetry and singing gifts out there to the public. However, she turned them all down. “I’m in no hurry,†she says. “There’s a lot to learn about the industry before I sign any contracts. Everything [will happen] in divine order.â€
A’rlester Nickole is now resurrecting from her 4-year long “incognito status†due to performance burn-out and disillusionment of the music scene as a former new comer naive to the demands of the grind and the sometimes treachery and deception that is an unfortunate part of the business. She states, “I now understand that it’s not just about talent and desire. You need to come equipped with street sense and know the game, or else you will get played.†A’rlester Nickole is now ready to turn her valuable lessons into stepping stones and get back into the groove of things. No pun intended. One of her immediate singing career goals is to work as a freelance studio vocalist laying down background vocals or “hooks†in studios for local artists and musicians for their cd and demo projects as a way to earn additional income while learning about the music industry from the ground up. A’rlester Nickole’s taste in music is as eclectic and diverse as her talents and vocal range, which when warmed up and properly honed, ranges from second soprano to tenor. A diamond in the ruff indeed. They say that you can learn a lot about a person based on the music he or she listens to. Well, some of A’rlester Nickole’s favorite artists range from Jill Scott, Curtis Mayfield and George Benson, all the way to Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and Janis Joplin just to name a few. So what does that tell you about her? Interesting to say the least.
Some of A’rlester Nickole’s current artistic goals include promoting and selling her first & soon to be released spoken word cd entitled,“The Diary of an Obsessed Poet,†as well as a self-published poetry book, and becoming a well-known studio background vocalist who will one day work with the likes of Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, D’Angelo, Angie Stone, and India Arie just to name a few, which may possibly lead to a future demo as an independent neo-soul artist. Other future artistic goals include receiving opportunities to perform as a stage play actress/performer under the productions of Tyler Perry and Oprah. Interested in collabing? Contact A’rlester Nickole. Serious inquiries only please.!! MY POETRY CD IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE!!•
