NICOLE ATKINS signs to Razor & Tie

Nicole Atkins is a name that will be very familiar to long term blog readers and podcast listeners. Besides twice featuring her music on the show, we gave her first ever Dutch gig a glowing review, and named her debut album (the sublime 'Neptune City') our favourite album of 2007. Recently Razor + Tie records made the following announcement:

Razor & Tie is excited to announce the signing of Nicole Atkins, a Brooklyn, New York based songstress. Nicole is bringing her unique voice and crooner core sound to Razor & Tie, who will release Atkins’ second album in early 2011.

Formerly signed to Columbia Records, Nicole Atkins and her edgy personality have found an exciting new home with New York City based independent label Razor & Tie. Nicole’s powerful, one of a kind voice transcends genres and allows her to feel at home touring with indie musicians to classic rockers.

“I’m so excited to be working with Nicole; I’ve followed her career for years. This is one of those moments when the fan inside of me gets to work with one of my favorite artists,” stated Beka Tischker, Razor & Tie’s Vice President of A&R and Music Publishing. Nicole echoed the sentiment, “I’m really happy to be working with a group of people that share my musical vision and who are so supportive.”

On the new album, Nicole reveals her growth as a singer and songwriter with a sophisticated batch of new songs. Be prepared for a darker, grittier album with a bluesy, psychedelic sound that still showcases the stunning range and richness of tone that Nicole’s voice is known for.

Nicole Atkins grew up in Neptune, New Jersey where she began playing the guitar and writing songs at age 13. She spent her younger years listening to classic artists such as Traffic and Pink Floyd instead of the bubblegum pop that was popular amongst her peers. Eclectic music taste helped shape the sounds on her previous releases, the full length album Neptune City, and two EP’s Bleeding Diamonds and Nicole Atkins Digs Other People’s Songs.

Nicole is currently recording in Brooklyn, New York with producer Phil Palazzolo. Once the album has been mixed, Nicole will be joining Regina Spektor for several UK shows, followed by a west coast US tour supporting The Black Keys. Nicole has previously toured with The Avett Brothers, AC Newman, Ray Davies, Aimee Mann, and Chris Isaak.

The signing of Nicole Atkins reflects Razor & Tie’s commitment to a growing and diverse artist roster which includes Dave Barnes, All That Remains, Dead Confederate, Norma Jean, and The Summer Set. The New York-based label is one of the fastest growing independent record companies in the United States, and has garnered both Platinum sales and Grammy awards in its 20 year history.

It has now been revealed that the new album's title will be 'Mondo Amore'.

Visit www.nicoleatkins.com

DAR WILLIAMS to release 'Many Great Companions', October 12th

Dar Williams is set to release her eighth studio album, Many Great Companions, via Razor & Tie on October 12th. Many Great Companions is a new album of Dar Williams classics recorded acoustically with special guests, with an additional disc of Williams' most significant songs. Songs span Dar's impressive career from 1993's The Honesty Room through 2008's Promised Land.

On Songs Revisited With Guitar and a Few Friends, Dar re-records 12 classic songs from her extensive catalogue, all performed acoustically. She's joined by several fellow musicians and friends on the new versions, including Sean and Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Larkin, Motherlode, and Gary Louris of the Jayhawks who also produced the album. The second disc, Best of Dar Williams, is not just a compilation, but rather a journey through Dar's career. Listeners are able to follow Dar as she transforms from a folk singer just starting out to the seasoned musician she is today.

Many Great Companions showcases classic Dar Williams in a remarkably unique way, different than anything the songstress has ever put out before. Dar's personal and artistic growth can be seen throughout her career, and this album is the perfect summation of her natural evolution. Songs Revisited With Guitar and a Few Friends and Best of Dar Williams complement each other flawlessly, creating the memorable Many Great Companions. The new album will not only engage and interest Dar's current fan base, but will surely intrigue those who may not be as familiar with her prior music.

Dar Williams is one of the most respected singer-songwriters of her generation, and continues to engage her loyal fans and growing audience throughout the country. Dar's personal and artistic growth have happened concurrently. After attending Wesleyan University, Dar spent 10 years performing at coffee houses in the artistic town of Northampton, Massachusetts before self-releasing her first album, The Honesty Room. She now spends her off time with husband Michael and their two children, Stephen and Taya. Dar will be touring from September through November, with residencies in a few select cities.

For more information, visit www.darwilliams.com.