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Click below to order the "Frondescence" EP on CDBaby.com:
Click to buy "Frondescence" on iTunes: 
Nicole has grown up with music all of her life. With two musicians as her parents, her love of music started at a very young age. “Nicole could never, ever get enough music. She would constantly burst into song anywhere and everywhere with an unparalleled enthusiasm,” says Nicole’s mom. Early on, she developed a love for all different kinds of music: whether it was Bonnie Raitt or Chick Corea, Aretha Franklin or Jimi Hendrix, Nicole wanted to hear it all. At seven years old, she began studying classical piano, which she took to instantly. “I would always choose the stormy, dark pieces that were too difficult for me because I was both intimidated and moved by them,” she remembers. “Even if it took me months to complete, I was always drawn to the challenge.” It wasn’t long before she paired her piano playing with her passion for singing: at the age of thirteen she began writing songs. Additionally, she began playing and singing the blues at sixteen and frequently attended a weekly blues jam at the Acton Jazz Café. There, she further developed her piano and vocal abilities and played with a number of talented musicians.
In the fall of 2005 she began attending UMass Amherst, where she met and teamed up with bassist Jesse Cafiero. Accompanied by Jesse's talent on acoustic bass, Nicole recorded and released a six-song demo, "Rise" in 2006, which put her out on the scene as "a musician to watch." In September of 2007, Nicole moved to Cambridge, MA to pursue music. She attended open mics regularly, played a number of shows, and quickly developed a loyal and supportive fan base. In the mean time, Nicole transferred to UMass Boston to study social psychology. “It is an interesting field which absolutely goes hand in hand with music. The more I learn about people, the more questions I have about culture, society and the mind. It brings up important thoughts about who I am, why I’m here and how I can connect with others.” Poetry has also been another dominant influence in Nicole’s songwriting. Syliva Plath, T.S. Eliot and Edna St. Vincent Millay have all made a big impact on her lyrics in terms of writing style and subject matter. “The openness of these poets and their ability to turn raw emotion and human interaction into art consistently amazes and inspires me. This is the goal I am always striving towards.”
In February of 2008, Nicole finished her debut studio recording, the self-released "Frondescence EP." Backed by Jesse Cafiero on upright bass and Rory O'Connor on drums, every song on the EP has it's own individuality, from the opening soul groove of 'C'mon' to the closing dynamic swells of the title track 'Frondescence.' Nicole spent 2008 and 2009 playing around the Northeast promoting the new album while continuing to attend school. “Balancing school and music has been difficult but essential. I have always known that music is what I want to do with my life, but the learning process and experiences I have had so far have been extremely worthwhile.”
Nicole moved to Portland, Oregon in September of 2009. There, she has been completing her last year of school and actively exploring the music scene on the West Coast.
*****
"Nicole Berke is a breath of fresh air. Writing songs with a level of virtuosity comparable to Ben Folds, Nicole Berke exudes a warmth and vulnerability to buoy her lyric and multi-timbered voice. [She] has a talent in offering up songs that touch on a familiar part of your consciousness and make you feel right at home."
~Wildy's World reviews
"We’re glad Nicole Berke didn’t wait to record a full length CD because her debut EP release is a fabulous enough sample to help us all fall in love with her straight away. Nicole’s soulfully strong vocal skills combined with her clever songwriting talent certainly makes her one Mass’ up & coming artists to watch out for."
~ TC Krentz, Boston Girl Guide
"Nicole Berke’s songs are the right length and offer a good mix of jazz-pop with a singer/songwriter filter; they will satisfy nearly anyone who listens. It’s enough to make one want more and to distinguish Berke as a musician to watch – a distinction she has had in the Boston area for some time, and with good reason."
~Benjamin Ray, The Daily Vault
""Spot-on, rich, soulful vocals... wonderful, creative piano playing... and such brilliant songs. [Nicole] blends different stylistic elements in such a unique brew - quite fearless."
~Jeff Gaynor, songwriter/musician
"Nicole Berke is a rising star on the international music scene with her unique blend of pop and jazz elements. Her sound is extremely polished and professional and a real credit to such a young artist."
~Karen Waters, Black Label Reviews
Contact: Denise Marsa, KeyMedia Public Relations
dmarsa@keymediapublicrelations.com
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