About Me
The power of music is stronger than many people think, Nicole Holness asserts.
These words ring resoundingly true for Nicole, whose own penchant for music was apparent by the time she was merely 6 years old. Admittedly, it was the power of music the music of X-Quisite which propelled the pop/urban recording artist to her standing as the nations hottest and most promising sensation. Now as a host of MTV, which broadcasts worldwide, Nicole has become one of Canada's most influential and relevant figures, especially to young females across the country.
A 22 year old Toronto native, Nicole took the principal conceptual and creative role in launching Canada's foremost female act, X-Quisite. With an eye to rising chart status, Nicole enlisted the help of a few friends to bring her musical ambitions to fruition. Nicole's determination and drive for success caught the attention of noted two-time Juno nominated Producer Trey Mills. The shared musical sensibilities quickly became the groundwork for what has become a prolific working relationship.
With the inspired direction of Nicole as its founding member, X-Quisite took the music world by storm with the 2002 hit "No Regrets". The collaboration of Nicole and Trey as songwriters produced fresh mesmerizing vocals and sweet melodies, all expertly laid in X-Quisite's trademark R&B and dance roots. The single burst onto Canadian radio airwaves and became that year's most played song in numerous Canadian categories, outdoing the likes of Shania Twain and Nelly Furtado. The debut single's video was enthusiastically received at MuchMusic and YTV, and "No Regrets" was also featured on BMG's Planet Pop 4 compilation alongside hits from Alicia Keys, Usher, and Britney Spears.
X-Quisite clearly had Canada at attention even before release of their much-anticipated album, and snagged nominations as Best New Artist at the 2002 Urban Music Awards of Canada and Best New Artist (CHR) at the 2002 Canadian Radio Awards. X-Quisite's second smash hit "Bad Girl" infiltrated Urban and CHR Radio and hit the top spot on many major countdowns.
Since the debut release, Nicole Holness has been recognized industry-wide not only for her skillful performances but also for her mature, insightful songwriting abilities. With many of its hit songs having been co-written by Nicole, the success of X-Quisite's debut album is much to this young diva's credit. Alongside CDs by Glenn Lewis and Tamia, X-Quisite's release went on to garner a 2003 Juno nomination for R&B/Soul Recording of the Year. Its singles have made an international name for the artist, and X-Quisite's nomination as Favorite Urban Artist at the 2004 Canadian Independent Music Awards made it unquestionable that this home-grown talent is here to stay. From performances at the Canadian Urban Music Awards, Calgary's Vibefest, to NBA superstar Alan Iverson's massive birthday celebration, audiences can't get enough of X-Quisite.
Emerging from the excitement spawned by previous releases, the 2004 "Sassy Thang" single and video (directed by Michael Douglas) after the 2004 Junos marked the introduction of Nicole as the solo artist of X-Quisite. With the track on high rotation at almost every hit and urban station across Canada, "Sassy Thang" leapt onto the charts at No.3 Canadian CHR and No.12 CHR-BDS, leaving listeners eager to hear more from this young star.
In the more immediate future, however, Canada will be glad to know that Nicole is channeling all her energy into the making of a follow-up album. Hailing from a Jamaican, British, Irish, Scottish, and East Indian background, Nicole draws from similarly diverse musical influences. Her eclectic music tastes, ranging from Prince to Incubus, and love of poetry are reflected in the depth and quality of the upcoming albums songwriting. Fans can rest assured that Nicole wont be straying far from X-Quisite's roots, but they can certainly expect to hear a bold evolution from the debut material.
Contributing to the upcoming untitled release are Grammy winning Platinum mix engineer Ken Lewis (Kanye West-Golddigger, Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Usher, Beastie Boys, Lenny Kravitz), Frankie Biggz (50 Cent, Eminem, Madonna), and Producer Trey Mills as Producer and Nicole's primary musical collaborator. Announcements on guest appearances are pending.
Incredibly mature for her years, Nicole's passion and discipline has kept her singing since the age of six. Her on-stage presentation is tempered with her background in dance, having studied both jazz and ballet. An accomplished saxophonist, Nicole is also a sought-after actor and model, a role that sees her featured as the fresh-faced beauty in several national print and television advertisements (e.g. HMV, Rogers), as well as a Donnell Jones music video. Always one to keep raising the bar for herself, the bilingual starlet who was named Best Dressed at the 2004 Junos by the Edmonton Sun aspires to add fashion designer to her credits.
Reflecting on X-Quisite's extensive list of endeavors, both those past and those sure to come, one can't help but wonder what keeps Nicole striving for more. "The drive for excellence. Determination and a passion for what you love shows in your work." X-Quisite fans can attest to this, and have no doubt that her aspirations will continue to take Nicole to great heights.
For all of us, it's great to hear Nicole say, "I'll never stop doing what I love," and we know we'll never stop loving what X-Quisite does.
