CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 083: NICOLE QUIGLEY ON COMMUNICATING EXPERIENCES THROUGH MUSIC AND SIPS OF SUMMER
Interview by Patrick Staveley.
Eora/Sydney-based pop artist Nicole Quigley has just released her new single, Sip of Summer and it’s an absolute banger! FMM’s Pat Staveley caught up with Nicole to chat all things music!
FMM: Hey Nicole, it was a real joy to listen to your new track Sip of Summer How do you feel about getting this one out into the world?!
Nicole: It feels great! When you have had something for so long and you’re able to show other people it’s such a euphoric and satisfying feeling of accomplishment.
FMM: Based on the subject matter of the song and the general sound to it, it kind of gives off a bittersweet vibe in a way of reflecting on something great and memorable but accepting it may be over. How do you go about trying to convey your thought process with something like this into music?
Nicole: I think when you are feeling strong emotions and have had an experience like that you actually find it easier to communicate the experience through music. I try to take how I am feeling in the moment and just process those thoughts on the page and suddenly you are playing chords that represent that feeling too.
FMM: I read on your Triple J Unearthed profile that you had a fun TikTok account, so I went and checked it out for myself. What encouraged you to join this platform and frequently share your sense of humour and opinions with others?
Nicole: I have been a little obsessed with TikTok for a while and I noticed how the platform responds really well to individuality and vulnerability. I kept thinking about all the funny and interesting times I had experienced and thought people would like to hear. I love it because you are able to see tried and other people’s making it such a relatable and open platform. This encouraged me to keep making videos and share different parts of myself.
FMM: In one post I saw you refer to the Harry Styles song Little Freak as a tune that reminds you of a situationship that felt like true love but left you with a broken heart. Is this situationship what inspired your song Sip of Summer?
Nicole: Wow; brilliant observation on your end! Yes, it is – I love that song and it brings similar feelings of nostalgia that Sip of Summer portrays.
FMM: How was it like working with producer Xavier Dunn on the track?
Nicole: Working with Xavier was really enjoyable. I had the demo on my voice notes, and he was able to portray exactly how I was feeling through the production so easily. I remember walking into the session, and he had pretty much produced the whole track already. He’s a musical genius and creates a safe space for us to write and create.
FMM: Some people have described your music as comparative to Katy Perry. What do you make of this comparison - is she perhaps an inspiration of yours?
Nicole: I love this comparison. She always has been – I actually used to roller-skate in my parents’ garage to Teenage Dream and Firework, lip sinking her lyrics. So, the fact that people compare my music to hers is a huge compliment.
FMM: What’s your experience within the Australian music industry been like to date? How do you feel like you’re progressing as an artist in terms of reaching the general public with your music?
Nicole: The experience has been a roller-coaster so far. What I mean by that is, you learn something new and develop so many different skills when working with different people. When it comes to people reaching my music, I am only small and only just beginning this journey – I hope one day my music reaches the people who need to hear it and they are able to enjoy it.