On the Rise


Nicole Willard




Nicole Willard is of a fresh new breed of singer songwriter who chronicles heartfelt emotions of love, longing, romance and awakening, in a package of spiritual innocence…delivered with a soulful voice with a rocking edge. She is a versatile talent whose sophisticated lyrics are reminiscent of the poets of earlier rock success. Her musical structure focuses melodies and sounds to create a unique vocal texture that acts as a visceral delivery system for her heartfelt lyrics. At 23, she has the artistic chops to be around for a long time.


This California native embarked on her musical journey through the influence of her grandmother who soloed in her local congregation every Sunday. As a little girl, Nicole began singing with her grandmother and her vocal range and honesty of tone made her a local favorite. Her rock edge started with her brother, Ronnie Borchert, who was a heavy metal idol in the 1990’s Bay Area music scene with his bands Trixie and Amsterdam. He introduced his little sister to Motley Crue, Def Leppard and AC/DC.


After those introductions at such a young age her musical odyssey was launched. She became enchanted with the Cure, the Beatles and Led Zeppelin and as many a young girl, Alanis Morsiette. Her influences broadened and she now adds to the list Coldplay, Linkin Park, Trapt,Dredg,Fiona Apple, Mariah Carey, Foo Fighters, The Killers…….




In the studio, she has worked with Chris Brown of Trapt whose first Warner Brothers release sold over two million copies and their second record, just released, and is outpacing the first. Nicole and Chris co-wrote “Finally” and “My Innocence,” both of which Chris produced. She has also worked with Jamie Foxx [Kanye West], Greg Curtis [Keyshia Cole, Yolanda Adams, Eric Clapton], Randy Bugnitz [ Mya], Rob Caggiano [Anthrax, Cradle of Filth], Ronnie Borchert [Amsterdam, Trixie, Miss Crazy].


Nicole has woven together this platter of influences, mixed in the purity of her unique vocal gifts and added a touch of complex feminine poignancy to define her style. Whether it be the insightful rocker “Call My Name”, the female anthem “Curse of a Woman”, the rocking introspection of “Finally”, or the hauntingly melodic “Fantasy”, the tone of her remarkably soulful voice, her melodic embrace resonating through her rocking edge, are Nicole’s unique trademark. She is a fresh new singer/songwriter who is able to tap into the heartfelt yearning of young women everywhere.