Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Nicole McKinney has released her debut EP, 'The Process'.
Four tracks of emotive, empowering and vulnerable indie folk-rock, Nicole used the songwriting process to navigate a range of toxic, negative emotions (pain, grief and anger) to craft songs she hopes connects with people facing similar challenges."This EP was written from rock bottom," Nicole says. "It gave me strength to rebuild myself.
"The whole process of making this EP has allowed me to channel my emotions into something positive over the past year.
"I've met and collaborated with the most incredible artists and I'm so proud. This EP has been a huge part of my healing and it's a HUGE personal milestone for me."
Nicole recorded 'The Process' with her band: Luke Woollett (bass guitar), Jordan Cant (drums, percussion) and Kyle Lacko (lead guitar); with Luke also producing and mixing it.
"I hope this EP can comfort a broken heart, inspire someone to leave toxic friends or partners and most of all, ensure patience with our own healing process," Nicole says.
Here, she shares a little more insight into the background of each song that features on 'The Process' EP.
Another Day
I wrote 'Another Day' about realising my own strength to leave behind the people who hurt me. It was written when I was starting to validate and truly love myself.This song gave me so much strength and I felt like my feelings and experiences were validated. It's the most important song to me as it helped me begin again.
Stay
'Stay' was written about the roller coaster of emotions I had when trying to end a codependent relationship. It was a really exhausting and difficult time for me, but this song helps me see the strength it gave me.
Process You (Like A Death)
'Process You' was written while trying to process the loss of who I thought this person was. This song was so cathartic in helping me move forward and express emotions I didn't know I had.I love playing this song as I get to channel both my anger and vulnerability at the same time.
Takotsubo
'Takotsubo' is in the form of a letter to my ex a year later. It's a reflection on painful memories and leftover feelings. I think this song gave me closure to everything that happened and helped me move forward with my life.I chose the name Takotsubo (aka 'heart-break syndrome') which I think really resonates with the vibe of the song.
