1. How long have you been an artist? Technically, as I have been writing music since I was about eight years old and creating visual art even before that, as far as I can remember back. My family says I actually didn’t speak for a while and literally my first words were me singing Anita Baker at about two or three years old. I have been an independent artist officially for a bit over a year now based on my release 12/17/2021 of my debut album, “Venus in Detriment” and my single “WFH” released in 2020. 2. What kind of artist are you? I would consider myself an R&B and hip-hop artist. But I think genres are so limiting, because I have so much funk, blues, jazz, rock and pop culture rooted in my approach as well. 3. Who influences you in your music? My first influences were actually classical, due to my father being a classically-trained percussionist and me spending time with him at WFMT radio back when he worked their night shift. I was listening to Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms, Bach, Vivaldi, etc. Also Anita Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, Isley Brothers, Nat King Cole, Prince, Michael Jackson were always on the record player or radio. As a teen, I got into Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, No Doubt, LL Cool J, Notorious B.I.G., Twista. Later I gravitated to Betty Davis and Jenni Rivera. I’m really all over the place. 4. What other art do you do besides music? I paint, mostly digital art now just out of convenience. I write poems which usually become lyrics in my music. I produce my songs too. I’m also into fashion and photography, interior design. Life is art to me, so I’m always creating something to vibe to and stay balanced. 5. What was your favorite album you have done? Well, my debut project “Venus in Detriment” is the only album I’ve completed. I love it! I should have more music out soon, but I’m not rushing it. 6. Have you won any awards as of yet? No, not yet. I’m happy though knowing I took the steps to put out my music with nearly no outside help or support. I’ve always been a black sheep so anything I do, it’s never expecting support or public recognition. I know people are privately watching and taking notes though. 7.What are your favorite songs you've recorded? “WFH” was the favorite at first just because it all came together so supernaturally quick and effortlessly. My next favorite would be “NRG”. That song is a personal letter from my higher self to me. I feel like God oversaw that whole process. 8. Where can people find your music? My music is available anywhere music is streamed and I have CDs for sale via my website www.nicolecocopatrice.com. I’m planning on being out and about selling them at various events too this spring. 9. How often do your get into the Studio? I created a home studio in 2020 so I live there; but before that, I was in the studio all the time working on my craft and mixtapes. I used to record even as a child with my dad, so the studio is a way of life now 10, What artist do you look up to for inspiration? My main inspirations are Chaka Khan, Betty Davis, Prince, Doja Cat, Kali Uchis, Jhene Aiko, H.E.R. I get a little inspiration from everyone and everything I come into contact with, as a rule. But those artists to me most fit my approach to artistry. 11. What do you visualize and what are your thoughts about writing your songs? I try to be in the moment. Most songs start as a random melody on my voice recorder. I usually get inspired in the shower, the car or on a nature walk. I feel like God just uses me as a vessel to express moments in time that maybe someone else can relate to and feel heard or seen. 12. When did you learn to play the guitar? I first touched my late brother’s acoustic I found in a closet when I was like seven and broke the string and never saw it again. Every since I wanted to play, but I delayed it being a single mom and working my nine-to-five. So I just started teaching myself as a bucket list thing as of 2020 when the pandemic started.
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