Today we introduce you to Nicola Vazquez! Professionally known as Nicola, her amazing career has seen her releasing four successful CD projects, along with a number hit single releases in-between.

As if her resume isn't impressive enough, this independent singer/song writer, spent two years on Broadway as part of the cast of Le Miserables.

Stories abound in this interview, not the least of which is the story behind her latest release, The Distance! It is a deeply personal song, written as lock downs and long-time relationships were ending. The music transports you to another place and time, experiencing the highs and lows of love that has gone the distance!

In addition to the release of The Distance, Nicola talks about the stories behind two more songs that will make you want to become a fan and follow her career!

First, join Nicola's mailing list at her website, next share her interview with all your friends!

Website: ⁠http://www.nicolavazquez.com/⁠

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolavazquezmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolanyc

Shimna Higgins! Shimna is a highly regarded Celtic fiddler, she has travelled and performed extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand with internationally acclaimed, Celtic Illusion, as their featured fiddler. Hear about her musical journey as a fiddler, starting at a very young age. She brought three songs that showcase her talent, along with the backstory of each, you will be a fan after the first 8 bars!

Instagram: Shimna (@shimnabridget) • Instagram photos and videos

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShimnaNZ

Wix: https://shimnabridget.wixsite.com/creativemomentum

David Shanhun Update! David has been busy since we last spoke to him, catch up with this amazing singer and loop artist! Hear about the touring and his move to Twitch for live events!

dshanhun@gmail.com

On Facebook just search for David Shanhun

YouTube

(51) David Shanhun - YouTube

David Shanhun (@davidshanhun) • Instagram photos and videos

davidshanhun - Twitch

Eric Ramsey! Eric is an artist that got his start in music later in life and it wasn't until his wife told him to 'go for it' that he mustered the courage to begin his musical journey. That was seven years ago, and in that time Eric has performed all around the country, found success in music competitions, like his recent showing at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. where he won in the Solo/Duo category. It doesn't end there, he also won the Memphis Cigar Box Guitar award for Best Guitarist in the Solo/Duo category and… (deep breath), he won the People's Choice Award at the Wildflower Arts and Music Festival Al Johnson Performing Songwriter Contest! His music is a combination of blues, folks and country with lyrics penned from his experiences in life. We will hear three of his songs and their backstories today.

Email: erramz@gmail.com

Website: Eric Ramsey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericramseymusic

Instagram: Eric Ramsey (@ericramseymusic) • Instagram photos and videos

Spotify: Eric Ramsey

Linda Sussman! Linda has been a lifelong musician, but the singer/songwriter phase of her life began some five or so years ago. In that time Linda has managed three full album releases and is on the cusp of her fourth…yes, all in four years. She considers herself a roots folk singer but has some amazing blues tunes that will leave you in awe of her versatility. She regularly appears on the roots folk charts and has garnered radio airplay all along the way. We will share with us, the backstory to three deeply personal songs including one of her blues tunes. Join me, for a dive into the musical journey of Linda Sussman.

Website: https://lindasussman.com/

Spotify: Linda Sussman

The ACT Americana Trio! The ACT Americana Trio is a group that "gets" the whole modern folk vibe with tight harmonies, meaningful lyrics and an earthy, organic musical sound. Andre, Chris and Taryn began their relationship of collaboration some five years ago, finding common ground in the Americana sound. The backstory to each of the four songs we will hear today are sure to make you fans. Their recently released EP, "True North", is already getting airplay in both Canada and the US.

Website: https://theacttrio.com/home

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheACTAmericana

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/act_americana_trio/

Spotify: The Act Americana Trio

Individual Members Social Media

Andre Chrys

Website: https://andrechrys.com/home

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/andrechrysmusic

Chris Lok

Website:

https://www.chrislokmusic.com

YouTube, The Venn Collective:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUCwluumxrPBt_Q-FBj5v-Q?app=desktop

Taryn Laronge

Website: https://tarynlaronge.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarynLarongeMusic

Taryn Laronge! Taryn has been keeping busy during the pandemic, writing and co-writing songs and starting a new folk style group called The ACT Americana Trio. (Look for the interview with her new band members in April 2022.) Taryn is keeping a hand in her own solo career with more songs in the pipeline too.

Local Open Mic interview with Taryn Laronge

For more artist interviews, visit LocalOpenMic.com