Roots artists Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson are now based in Burlington, Vermont, but they had a lifetime of music apart before finding each other a few years back.
Originally from New Jersey, Dwight had played in a variety of bands throughout the past decade, and found himself in New York and Boston; Nicole was originally from Brooklyn, New York, writing and performing for many years, before also gravitating to Boston.
The pair met and the rest, as they say, is history. Dwight & Nicole joined forces and with the help of crowdfunding released two albums, in a fresh mix of blues, garage rock, and American soul. They’ve recently brought in drummer Ezra Oklan, who brings with him a stabilising element, and allows the music to flow at a steady pace.
The first album from the now trio Dwight & Nicole was last year’s ‘Electric Lights’, and produced by Grammy nominated Joel Hamilton – known for his work with The Black Keys. The latest single from the record, ‘Hi-Lo’, is a showcase for the band, and features finger-picking blues from Dwight accompanied by his strong bluesy vocals, harmonising with Nicole’s sweet tones. It’s a raw and honest singalong tune held together by the constant and even beat of Ezra’s drums.
The video shows Dan entering their practice studio, where he’s getting away from it all to work on his lyrics. There’s a working class sentiment evident in the setting; muddy roads by the railroad tracks feature in the footage, as well as Dwight’s 1965 cream Chrysler 300, which he uses to pick up the rest of the crew, and they cut the track. Shot by young music video director Kayhl Cooper, who also edited the clip, we’re given an inside look into the recording process by the band.
‘Hi-Lo’ is available on iTunes. You can find out more about Dwight & Nicole from their official website, and Twitter.
