Growing up with two musicians as parents, her father a drummer for Motown and a mother who was a classically trained pianist, she has music in her blood. Nikki describes her music as Country Rock.
After her parents saw her passion for music, they helped her, introducing her to the right people, taking her to NYC, getting her piano lessons, and guitar lessons from her uncle. She was introduced to country music when she first heard of Leanne Rimes and Shania Twain. One of her first songs on guitar at the age of 12 included Garth Brook’s ” If Tomorrow Never Comes.” With a love of all different genres, Nikki told us that “Music is Music.” She takes the influence of different musicians and genres, and puts into her music.
Nikki’s husband, Angelo is in the Military and she has experience performing at several Military events. At one of these events, another soldier spoke to her about her music and put her in touch with songwriter in Nashville. This led her on a new path with her music. She sent him her song “A Soldier’s Princess” and that became the name of her first album. “Dancing In The Headlights came out a year and a half after that.”
“I found musicians here in Jersey and we formed a band and decided to perform the originals that I wrote and covers.” The SweetBriar Band began making a name for themselves through their music and gigs. The band has opened for many great musicians, and even earned a spot opening for Tim McGraw at the Taste of Country Music Festival.
“Country Music is universal now. We want to get out there.” Nikki tells us of the band’s goal to reach people across the country and even further. Not only has the band opened up for more of a mainstream style, but also bands with a style of southern rock. “Other people have helped us evolve into who we are.”
The band has new album is called “Ain’t Just For The Boys”. Nikki explains to us that this album shows the strong independence of women in a highly male driven genre of music. Their new single, “Free From The Demon,” from this album will be released on September 11th.
Nikki Briar has a special Jersey Girl – Country – Music Spark! With a powerful voice and a strong stage presence, Nikki Briar and The SweetBriar Band have some amazing things to come!
Head here to learn more about Nikki Briar and The SweetBriar Band!
Follow her on twitter: @NikkiBriar
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