Check out our interview with former Miss Tennessee and R&B artist Tucker Nichol who recently released her debut album “Too Close To Home” and her new single “This Is Why.”
Tucker Nichol aims to change the stigma around emotional and mental health with her debut album “Too Close To Home.” The project was written alongside Mary Weitz (FLETCHER, Alina Baraz, Normani) and Adam Korbesmeyer and Jerry Lang II of cut&dry (Remi Wolf, PRETTYMUCH).
Follow Tucker @tuckernicholw
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Hi Tucker, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a Nashville based R&B/Pop singer-songwriter and am blessed to be the mother of 3 amazing little girls. I’m a Disney fanatic and am probably at Disney World with my husband and kids if I’m not home in Nashville or working in LA. I was in a few music videos in while I was in college at Belmont University, including Taylor Swift’s “Teardrops On My Guitar” music video.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Mother. Empathetic. Introverted-extrovert.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Soulful. Vibey. Conversational.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Musically, Ive been influenced heavily by Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Prince, Babyface, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Bon Iver, Coldplay, Sara Bareilles, TLC, Paul McCartney, Kanye West, and Drake. To name a few! It sounds cliche, but I don’t think I ever chose to make music. There never seemed like a world in which I wouldn’t be doing this!
Do you play any instrument?
A little guitar and piano..but I wish I’d started learning to play both when I was much younger
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time! There’s always a lot of mixed emotions before performing or releasing a new project out into the world. I’m always equally very excited and very nervous about how it may be received.
Tell us about your debut album “Too Close To Home?”
I have dreamt of releasing an album for my entire life and I can’t believe I finally did it. I’m incredibly proud of this whole project. I like to say that I wrote this for the younger version of me who never would’ve dreamt of being bold enough to stick up for herself. This collection of 10 songs is a major chapter in my healing process. I spent so much time in silence, that I had to counteract that silence with speaking up. I hope that the songs can be as healing for others as they have been for me!
And about your singles “This Is Why,” and ”Away From Me?”
“This Is Why” was born from a combination of situations where someone I walked away from was constantly calling literally everyone in their phone book crying about how they couldn’t understand “why” I was choosing to no longer engage with them. Countless conversations occurred prior to my decision to go no-contact. I cried and begged for things to change until I was blue in the face, so the fact that this person was continuing to play dumb about why I made the choice to walk away was equally laughable, disrespectful, and baffling. They had countless opportunities to call me and make things right (before they were ultimately blocked) but instead of making things right, they called everyone we shared in common and spewed insane lies to try to gain sympathy from everyone. You don’t get to be violent and unstable with someone repeatedly and then play the victim when they walk away from you!! “Away From Me” is an ah-ha moment where a little bit of time goes by and you think “I like it better when you’re far away”. It’s the realization that you made the right choice in walking away from a highly toxic dynamic and how you shouldn’t have to feel guilty about prioritizing your health and safety to appease toxic people. Walking away from that situation was, hands down, the most difficult choice I’ve ever had to make in my life. It was not done impulsively. It was a choice made with years of experiences that left me with no other choice but to leave. I felt SO guilty at first. I knew a lot of people wouldn’t understand my choice to go no-contact. But, one day, I looked around at how peaceful life had started to finally become (due to their absence) and was so proud of myself and the healthy/happy life I was building for myself with my inner circle.
What’s the story behind the songs?
Letters I’ll never send
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Being able to heal from things that I thought would break me & hearing from people that the songs have been able to help them.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Letting go of what I think others want me to be. I used to be so concerned about people liking me. Of course I still want people to like me, but I’m not laser focused on it to the point where I lose my identity in the process. True character always shines through, so I’ll let my actions speak for themselves. I’ve learned that I don’t need to be constantly over explaining myself. Learning to trust myself and my own instincts has been a huge factor in my artistry.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t ignore red flags simply because you think you see potential.
How would your best friend describe you?
I asked my husband to answer this one for me since he’s my very best friend!! His answer was “Elegant, caring, passionate, and beautiful!” Some of the greatest, and most meaningful compliments, I’ve received from other friends are that they’re proud of me for staying strong and not giving up. They’d probably also describe my chocolate chip cookies and chocolate chip banana bread recipes.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
You’re Ok. That’s something I say to myself a lot for reassurance when self doubt and anxiety start creeping in. It’s such a simple phrase, but it brings me so much comfort.
What’s next for Tucker Nichol in the last months of 2022?
A new music video, working on my next album, more sessions, more photoshoots. Lots of fun things to close out the year!!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Smoothies
And your favorite cheat food?
Nachos, pizza, and fries
How would you explain your fashion style?
Comfortable; laid back but upscale. I also have an extensive collection of Disney wardrobe
What is your own definition of happiness?
The feeling of being completely content in-the-moment. For me, those moments happen most when I’m with my kids and my husband! Also when I’m with my family at Disney World!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I really want to meet Drake, because I want to collaborate with him so badly. I would also love to meet Larry David because I think he’s hilarious…I’m a big fan.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I want to go on a very long European holiday with my husband and our kids. I’ve never been and I’m dying to go. I’d want to spend a good month or so over there just traveling around and seeing everything.
Best advice ever given?
Let go of things you have no control over.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
I hope to have released another 2 to 3 albums and also be a Grammy contender by then.
Favorite song? Why?
I have a lot of favorites. “The Beautiful Ones” by Prince is in my top 5 all time favorites. The writing, the production, his voice…perfect.
What do you think of Social Media?
Depends on the day…but I love when I’m able to take breaks from it
Where we can follow you?
IG: @tuckernicholw
Twitter: @tuckernicholw
TikTok: @tuckernichol
Book: Daisy Jones and The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Quote: “Rule Number 76: No excuses, play like a champion”
Movie: Coming to America, Pride and Prejudice
Tv Series: Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ted Lasso, Fresh Prince, Seinfeld, The OC, Dawson Creek
Favorite Food: Tacos, crispy rice spicy tuna, nachos, fries, pizza
Travel Destination: Disney World and Las Ventanas in Cabo
Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks
