Zack Nichols

Here's what I knew about Zack Nichols when I arrived at the New Soiled Dove Underground in Lowry: he's a singer/songwriter, has intense-looking eyes (see his website and MySpace profile), and was nominated for Best Singer/Songwriter in the Westword. I had no idea what I was in for.

Pumped up by the medium sized, enthusiastic crowd (many of whom were there to see Matthew Moon, the now L.A.-based singer/songwriter with Denver ties), Nichols invoked a rousing response with his first song, a beautiful and emotional account of love on the rocks. He followed that with the exceptional "Elizabeth Street," then moved to the keyboard for "8th And Wrong Way," which featured almost haunting electric guitar riffs, no drums, and lyrics that came directly from the heart. Trading off between the guitar and keyboard numerous times throughout his 45-minute set, Nichols displayed incredible talent both musically and lyrically. His voice really is something special; simply by singing his songs, he makes you feel as if you're along for the ride, a part of his plight.

In a time, when everything seems to sound the same, it's great to see a young player with the ability to make going to see a live show special just by connecting with the audience. Nichols rolled through the set pausing only between songs for a moment to say a bashful "thank you" and maybe a self-deprecating laugh from the approving visitors. I'm certain I wasn't the only one impressed by his panache.

Nichols, it should be noted, radiates the very essence of a quality singer/songwriter, with his easy smile, effortless hair, and carefree style. Very few people can pull off the t-shirt, sneakers, and teal sports coat, but he did it with aplomb. Unfortunately, he'll be gone for a few months, hopping the pond with his sights set on touring the U.K. and Europe. Until he reaturns visit the website if you'd like to have a listen.

By: Sam DeWitt; Colorado Music Buzz Magazine - By: Sam Dewitt

Zack Nichols Preps Debut EP 12.17.2008

Folk singer-songwriter Zack Nichols is slowly making his mark in the music scene leading up to his debut EP, Bright Eyes. Not to be confused with a well-known Saddle Creek moniker, this LA-via-Denver musician's powerful and soulful voice catapults him alongside some of his influences, including fellow folkie Ray Lamontagne.

Look out for the Bright Eyes EP slated for a physical and digital release on February 24.

- Filter Magazine

Zack Nichols (Los Angeles), Bright Eyes EP: "Combines Nichols' influences of folk, pop, rock, blues, jazz and soul, as he continues to hone his own craft as a songwriter and a performer." - Houston Press

Nichols may be a newcomer, but his six-song debut is expressive and impressive. His aching originals convey a lofty sort of yearning, while his sole cover, a take on Martin Sexton's "Can't Stop Thinking About You," reflects the confidence and conviction of a seasoned troubadour.

-- Performing Songwriter, Mar/Apr 2009

- Performing Songwriter Magazine

Bright Eyes, a six-song EP from Houston native Zack Nichols, is a tasty confection of southern-blues rock. It has stylish melodies, catchy hooks, and solid lyrics bound to melt a few hearts, soothe a few broken spirits, and cook a few brains. Pass the butter. Nichols was nominated for Denver's Best Singer/Songwriter by Westword in 2006 and 2007, and with Bright Eyes, he seems poised to break out into a wider audience. His smooth voice brings an intimate, jazzy-bluesy intonation to "Can't Stop Thinking About You" and it's hot enough to stop traffic. On "8th and Wrong Way," he almost sounds like The Black Crowes' Chris Robinson in an exuberant anthem to Los Angeles. "My Word" soars with an edgier mix of organ, piano, and guitar, while "Movin' Up," "Dust in June," and "Bright Eyes" are slower and mellower. Produced by Texas bluesman, John McVey, Bright Eyes is a tight, well-crafted and well-balanced introduction to a talented singer/songwriter.

--Lyn Dunagan

- Caught In The Carousel

In his info sheet for the 2007 Westword Music Showcase, Zack Nichols described his music as "vulnerable," "soulful" and "optimistically heartbroken" — and these terms can also be applied to his first release since relocating to Los Angeles. Naming a mildly twangy disc Bright Eyes may not be the best marketing approach for reasons Conor Oberst could explain. But the song of the same name provides a fine showcase for Nichols's skills, thanks to a scratchy-voiced delivery that even makes lines like "Sometimes your bedroom still reeks of me" sound sensitive. Elsewhere, the key is subtlety. The mildly overwrought "Can't Stop Thinking About You" is less effective than the gorgeously deliberate "Movin' Up," which finds Nichols handling his emotions like a cracked egg — or an optimistically broken heart.

--Michael Roberts; Westword - Westword Magazine

If Zack Nichols' Bright Eyes E/P is any indication of what the full length album will be like, Zack's headed for a bright future. A Denver native, Zach is a songwriter's musician. His focus is not on how he can showcase his playing and singing skills, but how he can write and produce the best song possible.
Zack has a mellow/acoustic feel to his music. It's somewhere between Jared Campbell and Gavin DeGraw or Teddy Geiger. In fact Geiger was lucky that Zack wasn't around when they were casting for Love Monkey, because Zack's songs are just as strong, but he's more camera friendly. Although there are drums, piano, clean electric guitar and other instruments for texture, the over all feel is that of a folk album.
"Movin' Up" and "Can't Stop Thinking About You" are probably the most radio friendly and could be compared to the Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" with regards to appeal.
Bright Eyes is a relaxing, tasteful group of songs. Zack Nichols' has a knack for writing good music and lyrics. If you're into a folksy pop style of music, Zack is another artist you'll want to track on your radar.

--Curt Hauff?Staff; HardRock Haven - HardRockHaven.net

The singer/songwriter genre is pound for pound one of the best genres of music to listen to for the very simple fact of it is the genre where the song is what matters most and the artists that fall within' the genre can be as creative as they choose without really worrying too much about mainstream appeal or over-production. Zack Nichols is one of those artists that keeps things stripped down to a minimum as he creates a blending of sound pulling from influences of pop, rock, blues, and more on his latest effort, "Bright Eyes EP." Songs like album opener "Dust In June," and the blues heavy "Can't Stop Thinking About You" find a trusty acoustic guitar accompanying Zack's incredible voice. While on tracks like "My Word" and "8th and Wrong Way" you'll find a piano based rhythm. However, no matter what instruments are the backbone of the songs it is Zack Nichols incredible voice that is always the main feature of the song. The instrumentation merely acts as a way of moving the lyrics and soulful sound of his voice to the forefront of the song. It comes as no surprise that he has earned comparisons to the likes of Gavin DeGraw as this easily will be an album for fans of artists like him. It's an educated guess that Zack Nichols sat down to write and record a group of songs that he thought were good, and what came out was a group of singer/songwriter gems that incorporate a pop based sound to them making these songs a candidate to break into the mainstream.

--GuestList Magazine - Guestlist Magazine