Nicole Tranquillo

“She has an amazing energy about her- youth, passion, style- and something I find to be the hardest thing to find in some artists- respect for their craft”. –Khari ‘Ferrari’ Mateen (Producer/Writer/Engineer: The Roots, Jill Scott, Dice Raw).

When Nicole Grace Tranquillo entered the world, she was already exercising her vocal chords. Born in Reading, PA, the R&B/Pop singer fell in love with music, poetry and dance at a young age. Nicole began her musical studies as a classically trained pianist. A natural entertainer, she went on to study voice and guitar, and ultimately songwriting. Before she knew it, she was regularly performing original material.
Fast forward to her senior year of high school.

Tranquillo knew the music industry was where she belonged. She was accepted into the Voice program at The University of the Arts, where she attended in the fall of 2004. It was during her time there that she was given the opportunity to explore different types of music and perform in various styles. She sang with salsa, world, jazz and a capella ensembles, and was also featured in UArts bands like Transfusion Ensemble and The University of the Arts Big Band. Moreover, she was given the chance to perform in such venues as The Kimmel Center, The Merriam Theatre, the TLA, World Café Live, and many other popular Philadelphia clubs. Nicole graduated in 2008 with a BM in Vocal Performance.

Nicole’s influences reflect her ability to perform in so many different styles. Among some of her favorites are: Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Amy Winehouse, Billie Holiday, Lauryn Hill, Fiona Apple, TLC and Sarah Vaughn. At a young age she was also heavily influenced by artists like Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson and Madonna. Nicole states, “Not only were these artists great singers, but also they were great dancers”. She credits them for turning her on to dance and inspiring her to create and to choreograph. Nicole is also a total hip hop junkie, and definitely credits artists like Blackalicious among others who have impacted her lyrics and vocal style.

Nicole has performed and collaborated with numerous established artists and producers in the business. Most recently she has been singing with Dice Raw of The Roots Crew, and opened up for The Roots on their tour stop in Pittsburgh, as well as during The Roots Picnic held at the TLA in June 2008. She has also been in the studio with Grammy Award winning producer Devo Springsteen (Kanye West, John Legend, Common, Aretha Franklin), as well as production teams Noizetrip (Fergie, Pink, Good Charlotte) and Phatboi (composed of players from John Legend’s band).

These days Nicole is splitting her time between Philly, New York and LA, writing and recording for her as well as other established artists. While currently unsigned, she has interest from numerous major and independent labels and is taking her time to pick the one that best suits her musical creativity. Nicole was recently appointed Head of Voice Department at the newly founded Philadelphia-area music school, Limelight Arts. She also teaches Hip-Hop dance and piano at the school, as well as throughout the Center City area.

Check out Nicole at www.myspace.com/nicoletranquillo for new music, upcoming shows and much more.