Meet Nicolette Durham | Music Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicolette Durham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicolette, how do you think about risk?
Risk requires strong love; When you decide to take one, and you do not dedicate your full energy towards it, it can feel just as bad as failing. Stepping through closed doors and breaking them down face first has played a major role in any of my success. Taking a “risk” is defined as “exposing something valued to danger.” That’s why there’s a comfort zone, and nothing worthwhile happens there.

When I moved across the country with a “dollar and a dream” I knew I had limited knowledge, experience, and understanding of things I truly wanted. But I never doubted my abilities to get to the end goal. I knew that I was willing to risk moving to where I needed to be, to get to where I wanted to go. Knowing there would be a lot to learn on this journey and trusting that I would figure it out.

When you crave growth, you take risks. You might Risk your sanity, your trust, and your comfort. And so I Take risks out of love for what I have, want, and do. I don’t wait for devastation to activate anymore. People might misinterpret what a risk requires and so they quit. No matter the outcome of your risk, you can at least say you tried, And at the end of the day, people on their deathbed say they regret the things they didn’t do. The Fear will eat your dreams. I step in confidence knowing + proving I’m more resilient than I would’ve ever imagined.

There are new risks to take everyday. Remember to celebrate the wins every time.

(So what kind of situations are you putting yourself through for your own greater good?)

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I released my first project “PLAYTOY”, a rap/R&B album with Damon Dash as executive producer under BluRoc Records. I’m a vocalist in Dame’s rock band “The Black Guns”. There’s a country/rock album we made too. And there’s a multitude of music that we’ve created outside of that. I’m about to put a single out called “Forget Your Man.”

I can maneuver in a vast array of genres. I rehearse my records with a live band every week to get my performance together. Dame always says, “It’s all about your live show.” Find out what distinguishes a professional from an amateur and be consistent.

You have to improve with time, you have to refuse to make the same mistakes again. And you go through it over and over until you learn that lesson. You have to know the joy in finishing things you started. You have to be open to the criticism. I signed on to the guidance I believe I needed to become a more well-rounded artist. In my artistry is the whole expression of my life. Getting to where I am today, with so much left to do, I had to make sacrifices. When you follow your passions, you may not feel like you have things under control, but at least you keep going in hopes that you’ll find something that works. There’s always a way and perspective is most important. Being self-sufficient is important. I suggest that any artist learn Photoshop, Illustrator, video editing, how to work a camera, and anything else you might need for when you don’t have the resources. If you have these skills, it’s easier to better direct and monitor others you pay to do these things. Learn the administrative side of your business, even if you don’t think you have to.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would invite them to what I’ve got going on! There’s always something interesting happening when you deal in music, movies, fashion, and entertainment. Plus I don’t leave my bubble too often. They would come to Cozy Corner that goes down every Friday night, a private live performance and discussion I’ve been doing on Dame’s page. I eat vegetarian, so we would have to grab my favorite meat alternative- a Beyond Meat burger. Italian food from Pura Vita. But I know I haven’t even scratched the surface of what LA has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shout out to Dame Dash & Raquel M. Horn for their guidance and support. To the OSG (“Off School Grounds”), a coalition of school leaders and professionals, and to the Commission- people taking action to make a difference.

Website: missneeks.com

Instagram: @MissNeeks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nicolette-100591668248631/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnkkTAu7ilrmJtExu6uADYQ/featured

Image Credits
Raquel M. Horn, Shea Flynn, Chino Contreras of 3rdSelf MVMNT