Essential 8: Nickel & Rose

Credit: Amanda Mills

​The songs of Carl Nichols and Johanna Rose are the bridge upon which their influences meet. Just as their harmonies manage to entwine their distinctive voices, the duo’s music is also a melting-pot of unique styles. On the face of it they could be seen as a blend of folk and Americana, but that doesn’t come close to describing their sound.  

Growing up in segregated Milwaukee, Carl was raised in the city’s north side on a diet of gospel music and the sounds of Senegal, Mali and Guinea whereas Johanna was born in the east side, before spending her youth in punk basement shows in the Riverwest neighbourhood. A list of the artists that inspire them ranges from Taj Mahal to Django Reinhardt, from Ali Farka" Touré to Lucinda Williams. Throw in other ingredients such as the works of Aldous Huxley and the films of Alejandro Jodorowsky and you start to get a sense of Nickel & Rose.

Their new EP, Americana, features five courageous tracks that explore the duo’s fractious relationship with the genre; their inventive melodies and rustic charm pay homage to the Americana tradition but at the same time the themes look at what it means to be a diverse artist in the United States today. In advance of the album's release, the Carl and Johanna answered their Essential 8 and spoke about musical mentors, must have albums for the road, bucket list items, and more.

Carl:
Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
I’m a self taught guitarist but when I was younger, I spent hours learning from 2 friends who play Kora (West African Harp), Yaya and Keba. That gave me a musical foundation and a strong interest in roots music and folk music from around the world.

What are your “must have” albums for the road?
Margo Price's “Midwest Farmer's daughter” and Tom Waits' “Mule Variatons” were on repeat for 2 months on our last tour.

Favorite thing to do on a day off?
Laundry and a good museum is a great way to refresh on tour.

Who would you love to collaborate with?
One of my folk music heroes, Eric Bibb. I've been listening to his album of collaborations, "Friends", since I was a kid and I've dreamt of being a part of it.

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Johanna:
​Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
The Midwesterner in me would love to play Chris Thile’s show “Live From Here.” I'd also be thrilled to just open for some of my favorite artists like Hurray For The Riff Raff, Valerie June or Margo Price. 

What’s your favorite food on the road?
Thai food. Every time we roll into a new town I immediately read the yelp reviews for all the Thai restaurants in the area. 

Do you have any touring tips?
The worst thing ever is to get sick on tour, I think it’s important to try to take care of yourself physically and mentally because it’s easy to fall apart on the road.

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
I am mostly inspired by my own experiences and the experiences of people close to me.

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