Last week, when Sunshine Coast-based artist Nicole Mckinney released her debut single Honey Be Good, we were immediately immersed in her rich, indie-folk sounds.
So fresh off the track’s release, we caught up with the artist herself to chat all about it, the evolution of her sound, and what the future holds.
With an incredible new single fresh under her belt, we caught up with Sunshine Coast-based singer-songwriter Nicole Mckinney for a chat.
HAPPY: Hey, how’s it going? What are you up to at the moment?
NICOLE: Things are so great at the moment. For the past week, I’ve been nostalgic of the single launch night and have just been enjoying the response from people. I’ve been really excited about getting #7 on the triple j unearthed roots charts in the first week of releasing the track!
HAPPY: We’re loving Honey Be Good! How does it feel having the track out there in the world?
NICOLE: Having the song out there is such a relief. I’ve had this song for so long and it’s meant so much to me over these past few years. To have it brought to life with this recording and to share it with everyone is incredibly rewarding.
HAPPY: Could you tell us a bit about the song?
NICOLE: I wrote Honey Be Good when I was 16/17 living on the Sunshine Coast, QLD. It came to me whilst walking through cane fields near my property. I had lost the tune in my head by the time I’d arrived home but after locking my self in my room for 10 minutes, I was lucky enough to catch it again and record it. Scary times! This song is about focusing on important things in life and not losing yourself amongst it all.
HAPPY: You’ve been writing songs for a while now, but this is your first official release. Why choose this song to officially arrive with?
NICOLE: I chose to release Honey Be Good as my official debut single release because it was one of the first songs I wrote that myself and others really resonated with. It’s an easy listen and I believe it’s one of my most catchy, meaningful yet lyrically simple songs. It just felt right to release this song first. Lastly, I think the song gives an accurate representation of my musical style.
HAPPY: How do you see this track as being different from past material? If at all…
NICOLE: This track accompanied by a band so, after years of performing this song acoustically, I’ve heard the song brought to life and be transformed into its optimal form. Honey Be Good is one of my more up-tempo songs but as I said before, Honey Be Good is a fit representation of my music and what I will be releasing in the future.
HAPPY: Are there any particular artists who are inspiring you at the moment?
NICOLE: I’m extremely inspired by Brisbane-based folk-duo McDermott and North. These guys are full-time musicians busking and/or gigging every day around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. They are the most talented songwriters I can name to this date having over 70 banging songs, most yet to be recorded and released. They’re working hard to work towards their next EP but do check out their debut EP from 2018 The Lemon Tapes. Warning: harmonies will kill.
HAPPY: What’s next for Nicole Mckinney? Any other exciting plans in the works?
NICOLE: I’m planning on releasing my next single in the next couple of months. I’m really hoping to bring more of my original songs to life and do as many gigs as possible. I will release a couple of singles this year and hope to release an EP sometime next year!
HAPPY: Cheers for the chat!
NICOLE: Cheers!
Honey Be Good is available now. Listen above.
