[Cover photo credit to Shots by Morrison]
Nikki O’Neill is an Americana singer/songwriter and guitar player, who is most influenced by Soul music, Rhythm & Blues, and Gospel. Having released her album World is Waiting in 2020, she’s currently working on her third solo album.
Today, we’re delighted to premier the new track “Candy Apple Morning” from her upcoming album here on Wildfire Music + News. “Candy Apple Morning” releases on Friday, April 19th, 2024 via Blackbird Record Label.
“Candy Apple Morning” is a song that revels in the small details of a new day and the promising signs of the return of life and light, along with all the possibilities they hold. It’s also a referential song that suggests the life of a creative person looking for those glimmers and hints of inspiration that arrive “never know when” and contribute a “glowing” quality to life. The phrase “candy apple morning” itself has an interesting feeling that’s both sweet and bright, something attractive and potentially enticing.
The song’s sound is never heavy or overly layered, but rather has a modest but lively quality that seems particularly appropriate to a morning setting. While there’s no doubt a touch of Soul to the song, there’s also a hint of Jazz that audiences might appreciate as a sort of rhythm set for the day ahead. Overall, there’s a feeling of appreciation and gratefulness that makes sure the song has a grounded feeling that makes it very approachable.
Nikki O’Neill shares:
After making a cross-country move from LA to Chicago during the height of the pandemic lockdown, it took a while to settle into and get to know my new hometown….I can’t believe it’s been four years. ‘Candy Apple Morning’ is about my favorite time to create, and so I’m glad I didn’t lose that ability. This is what my Chicago band and I sound like, and what you’re hearing is almost completely live. It’s a celebrational feel-good song about small things.
“Candy Apple Morning” marks Nikki O’Neill’s first release since her full length album World Is Waiting (2020). The song was written by Nikki O’Neill, co-produced by Nikki and her husband Rich Lackowski, mixed by Ethan Allen, and mastered by Gavin Lurssen.
O’Neill is also the author of a Rock guitar instruction book called Women’s Road to Rock Guitar and has a guitar lesson channel on TrueFire.com called ”Twang, Soul & Rock ‘n’ Roll“. You might also find her writing for Guitar Player Magazine and The Chicago Tribune, among other venues.
Today, on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 Nikki O’Neill has a sold out show with Sue Foley at SPACE in Chicago.
