Today we’d like to introduce you to Nico Ward. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Nico Ward born Tracey N Ward is an American singer/songwriter birthed in the musical hotbed of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. By the age of two, Nico was already on her first international flight to Europe, where she would begin her elementary education. Her musical roots stretch across the United States and Europe. As a child, Nico drew inspiration from her mother an American soldier and her stepfather, a DJ and American Soldier. Having grown up a portion of her life in Europe Nico was exposed very early to different cultures which influenced her eclectic taste for music. At the age of 5, Nico Ward began performing in front of live audiences. By the age of 15, Nico was adept at penning songs illuminating her life experiences. She drew inspiration from deep spiritual roots and a pool of acquired and lost love, teen angst, and the political uprisings in her immediate surroundings.
Nico‘s musical influences are vast and span decades and genres. Some of her favorite singers, songwriters and performers are Aretha Franklin, The Doors, Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Prince, Beyonce, Jayz Rhianna, Janet and Michael Jackson, Guns-N-Roses, Mary J Blige, Salt N Peppa, Shirley Ceasar, Jill Scott, Missy Elliot, Maxwell, Bob Marley, Bonnie Raitt, Deftones, Siri Dyal Band, Lauryn Hill, Maroon 5, Breaking Benjamin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rascal Flats, Florida Georgia Line, and many more.
In 2010 Nico enlisted into the military and served four years during the war in Afghanistan. Her military experience proved to be one of the most challenging feats of her life. Nico often uses her military experience to continue to catapult her life over the boundaries of gender, race and social inequalities.
Nico’s favorite quote from the military is “A warrior never quits.” Her favorite life quote is “She who dares wins!”
In 2013, one year before she was honorably retired out of the military Nico started JHGMG (JUPITER HOUSE GLOBAL MEDIA GROUP) Her vision of receiving global brand recognition and brings people together through the creative arts has never wavered. Nico continues to pen songs that tell the story of her life and where she’s going. Today she resides in Maricopa, Arizona with her family. Nico continues her mission to inspire others through her music, community activism, volunteerism and bring creatives together.
You can connect with Nico Ward @Nicowardmusic or Linktree.com/NicoWardMusic. For booking information email to: Nicowardmusic@gmail.com.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
If anyone ever tells you that being in the entertainment business is a smooth ride, they haven’t really been in the business. The personal growth journey alone of being a creative gets you in touch with your soul and the root of who you are. That process can bring so much pleasure and so much pain. While many parts of my life are beautiful, there are the parts that were very dark and challenging. I use those experiences to write songs that share my stories and our stories. I often say that I use music but the truth is, it uses me. My reward is being able to manifest my heart’s desires and answer the call of my soul. I remember being a struggling artist and musician separated from family, living in other states by myself, going where the music took me and eating ramen noodles or air sandwiches. Lol, somebody reading this article knows just what I’m talking about. I got used to being alone. It was literally other creatives that I begin to form circles of trust and family with. I’m thankful to have a few of those strong connections all these years later.
Before I learned how to connect with other people, I lived under headphones in my own little world listening to cassette tapes, Portable CD players, I pods and flipping through Rolling Stone and Forbes magazine.. Music, the pen and paper were my confidants and safe place. I was so determined to do what I love (no…to do what I’m in love with) that I didn’t let anything stand in my way. I still don’t let anything stand in my way. When I want to achieve something, it’s only a matter of time before I will. I keep an insane number of journals. That’s how I keep my sanity. I write. I write a lot. Obsessively even. It always feels like something bigger than me is driving me forward. Pain- In my single Trigga I used some of the pain I’ve experienced and turned it into a way to take back my personal feminine and sexual power. My second single which will be out in the fall makes it known that I’m coming for everything I deserve and if you’re not a part of that progress Get Out My Way because like a Poundcake I’ma eat it up! That’s the beauty in writing songs and telling stories. You can rewrite the narrative. It doesn’t change the experience but you can certainly show the triumph after a hard won lesson. I remember when I first moved to North Hollywood, CA. Talk about overcoming obstacles. I was a whopping size 12. I recall an Industry executive telling me to my face I could sing and I had a look but I was way too big for the industry. He told me especially in Hollywood that a size 4 in those days would barely get me a second look. I always thought there was something wrong with that.
At least now I knew why I was being rejected in the industry. I would go to audition after audition American Idol. Making the band, plays, you name it and I heard the same thing, you can sing and you can write but you’re not quite what we’re looking for. I had to overcome heavy feelings of rejection and betrayal from an industry that I believed focused on people with true talent and gifts of music. I was even told at different times that I wasn’t feminine enough. The only time I’ve ever been in a struggle with music is when I tried to suppress it. I remember feeling like what is the point if no one will believe in me because I’m too big and not feminine enough. I wondered who the hell was making the rules. I sought to change that but not after doing everything I could to fit into a box that just couldn’t hold me. I can honestly say at different points of my life, it felt impossible to be where I am right now but for some reason, I just couldn’t let myself quit. I’m my own drill sergeant. I stopped looking for anyone to open the door for me. I had to find the right doors and open them myself. I had to believe that I deserved to be among the best of the best. I push myself forward to finish the mission and keep being all that I can be but some days, it’s moment by moment. In the darkest moments of my life music was the only thing I could see. Sometimes it’s the only thing that made sense. My trust with music is a very strong covenant. It’s not just songs not just words and melodies. There is a sacredness to pouring out of one’s soul. I honor that sacredness in me.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I suppose I am most known for being a singer and songwriter and entertainment executive. I’ve been singing since I was five and songwriting and recording since I was 12 years old. I’ve been a professional in the entertainment industry over 18 years. I didn’t always know what I was doing but I kept my willingness to learn how to be an artist and how to excel in the business side of the entertainment industry. A lot of artists don’t invest enough time in understanding the business. They only focus on the art but not simple but extremely important things like having legal representation even above having a manager. I speak about this in my recent interview with Patchwerk Studios in Atlanta. https://youtu.be/aWkvdVAY7kk
How am I different – I think overall, I’m not that different from most any other human being. I believe everyone comes into the world with that special something that’s unique to them. Mines just happens to be the gift of music. I want to be able to always share my music with the world.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Sure. The sooner you discover your own value and worth the sooner the world will recognize it too. Learn as much as you can and then take a leap into the unknown. Don’t be afraid to make your own blueprint. You’re unique so why copy someone else blueprints for your life and your art. Find one person you can impart your knowledge to. Truly that is being the gift. A little direction can go a very long way. Do your dream. Be your biggest competitor and never quit on yourself.
Pricing:
- Features $2,000 USD
- Monthly Legal Protection $ 35.00
- Artist Business Consulting – $75.00 per
Contact Info:
- Email: Nicowardmusic@gmail.com
- Website: https://NicoWardMusic.onuniverse.com
Image Credits:
Cheri Ward Photographer Nico Ward LLC
