Tamika Nicole profile picture

Tamika Nicole

About Me

Life is about the journey. In her sophomore release, The Art of Letting Go, independent artist Tamika Nicole opens her journal and takes us on a funky, blues-style exploration of life-lessons learned and wisdom put to work. “This CD is about taking my experiences and delivering them in the most appropriate way,” says Tamika Nicole. “I took more risks with my music this time. You’ll hear everything from blues, funk, rock, and jazz. I’m an in-your-face girl and the production on this album reflects that.”Tamika Nicole released her debut project seven years ago when she sashayed on the scene with My Message. The album’s rich, soulful, smooth jazz sounds introduced Tamika to an international audience. “When I did my first project it only had five songs, I was testing to see if anyone was feeling what I had to say,” says Tamika. “The response was overwhelming to me, but I still didn’t feel I had reached where I wanted to be yet.” Tamika Nicole, known in the Bay Area for her raw, gritty sound and high-octane performances shows her versatility on her new release. “After seven years, I’ve grown more and I feel more empowered—on this project I not only wrote all of the songs, but I produced as well. The Art of Letting Go is more of me as an artist.” On her new project, Tamika has joined forces with producers Jimi Fischer and Jamie Hawkins. “I was looking for a sound that included blues, jazz and rock,” says Tamika. “Collaborating with these two versatile producers, we were able to draw on our various musical backgrounds to bring out the sound I’ve been searching for. It was a very rewarding experience to work with both of these great producers.”Born and raised in Oakland, CA, it wasn't until after Tamika Nicole finished college that she began to develop her gift as a vocalist. The long-time educator, who holds a Master’s in Education Administration, Tamika spent days working in corporations and classrooms and her nights performing, preparing for auditions or recording sessions. “There is a realness I get to draw from— like the frustrations of trying to balance career with a social life, community issues, dating, and all those things that concern GenXers like me as we work to achieve our dreams,” says Tamika. “As I was writing this album I wanted to connect with not just love and relationships, but those things we think about but seldom put words to—those things we only talk about with our close friends.”While working on her latest project, Tamika Nicole has been setting the stage to broaden her music career. Her theatre credits in San Francisco include the 2007 productions of Hair and The Wizard of Oz. She has been a featured performer at San Francisco Grammy events, fundraisers for Terri Vaughn’s foundation, and Pete Escovedo’s Latin Jazz Club.With all the work behind it, Tamika Nicole won’t play the expectations games regarding her sophomore effort. “I set out to make the best record I could,” she says. “I wanted to push the envelope musically on this one, and make the best music possible. I think we did that. I still have so much to learn about recording, about life, and myself. I guess the great thing about this project for me is that the content feels so natural. To be able to write songs that will hopefully touch people, make them think, and help them in their journey is why I wake up in the middle of the night and write in my journal. It’s a realization of a dream for me.”Plain MySpace Layouts by Iron Spider
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My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 8/1/2005
Band Website: http://www.tamikanicole.com/home.html
Band Members: Tamika (Lead Vocals) I have worked with a fine group of musicians not limited to: Keys: Jamie Hawkins, Mike Blakenship, Kevin Choice, Ben Flint, Dee Spencer, Bass:Marcus Phillips, Troy Lampkins,Chris Beacham (RIP) Drums: Dante McClinton, Saxophone: Stabe Wilson Guitar: Rob Norris
Influences: Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Alannis Morrisette, Will Downing, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Nancy Wilson, Anita Baker, Prince, Frank McComb, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Nnenna Freelon, Rachelle Ferrell, Teena Marie, The Clark Sisters, The Gap Band, The Police, Rick James, Syleena Johnson. Erykah Badu, Karen Clark-Sheard, (I like everybody who makes good music)
Sounds Like: Me!
Record Label: Tamika Williams-Clark
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

Free Music, Performances, and Return of Dream Makers, Oh My!

What's up everyone? I feel so blessed to be able to provide you with such positive updates about my music.  I just wanted to send you a quick update about what is going on in my world. Don't forget "T...
Posted by on Tue, 19 May 2009 16:04:00 GMT

Happenings and Such

I know that it has been a minute since I posted a blog. To tell you the truth, I was busy on the grind trying to get the release of "The Art of Letting" ready. I will try to write more to keep you inf...
Posted by on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:38:00 GMT

Check out this event: Tamika Nicole Live at La Pena

Hosted By:Tamika NicoleWhen:Thursday, January 15, 2009Where:La Pena Cultural Center3105 Shattuck Ave.Berkeley, CA 94705Description:Tamika Nicole Live!www.tamikanicole.comwww.myspace.com/tamikasletting...
Posted by on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:24:00 GMT

Remembering My Friend: Sonya Johnson-Jackson 1971-2004

Today is the anniversary of one of my best friend's, Sonya Johnson-Jackson's death. She was a vibrant, energetic, fun, intelligent, and God-fearing woman. We met in college when she pledged my sororit...
Posted by on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 20:08:00 GMT

New Blog http://tamikanicole.wordpress.com/

Check out my new blog at:http://tamikanicole.wordpress.com/
Posted by on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 11:14:00 GMT

My Favorite Things....

With Christmas coming up, I figured it was time to highlight a few of "My Favorite Things" &.   I went to the gas station yesterday and filled up my entire tank for $17.86&.God is so good!  ...
Posted by on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:30:00 GMT

America the Beautiful!!!!

I couldn't wait for Election Day to come. I woke up early so that I could cast my vote for change before I headed off to my day job. Instead of driving to my polling place, I decided to walk so that I...
Posted by on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:30:00 GMT

Ain’t that about a ?@%$?

Somebody phished me...whatever that means....is nothing sacred anymore....I friggin hate technology sometimes!
Posted by on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 21:59:00 GMT

My Favorite Blog-Mark Anthony Neal

Besides God, there are two things in the world that I love a whole lot....music and the historical context in which it is created. I read autobiographies, novels, newspapers, CD liner notes, sheet mus...
Posted by on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:01:00 GMT

Tina Fey Does Palin Again!!! Hi-Larious!!!!

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/couric-pa lin-open/704042/
Posted by on Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:38:00 GMT