Sometimes it’s good to be a woman
October 30, 2009
As Tammy Wynette so plaintively sang, “Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman.” But sometimes it’s so much fun!
Like right now: I’m in a car on my way to rehearse with my London band for the 75th Anniversary of Maida Vale Studios. Being the ultimate girl, I got my hair done in a special beehive just for the occasion — thank you Bel at the Painted Lady in Shoreditch. My (albeit short) nails are painted red. I’ve got three dresses – no, one or two wouldn’t do – to choose from. All three dresses go wonderfully with my Gibson guitar. Don’t worry, I don’t plan on wearing them all! No costume changes, thank you. I may be a girl but I’m not a diva.
I’m relieved to be back in the game. This week I flew home to NYC for my cousin’s wedding and contracted some horrible plague from the plane which totally stole my voice for a solid week. Ick to all you horrid germ-spreaders out there.
But I’m smiling again today! The band and I are debuting my new single on Radio 2 tonight, “Not Like Loving You.” Then I think I’ll swing my hips to a little Johnny Cash. A friend of mine (Tony Bennett’s daughter, Johanna) once paid me the ultimate compliment: she called me Johnny Cash in a dress. Or three dresses, in this case.
Sometimes it’s GREAT to be a woman.
Nell live at Maida Vale, Friday 30th Oct
October 29, 2009
As part of Maida Vale’s 75th anniversary celebrations, Nell will be performing live at the BBC studio on Friday 30th October from 2330. Maida Vale studios started life in 1934 when the BBC Symphony Orchestra moved into this former ice rink. Since that time countless famous names have performed there, including one of Nell’s musical heroes, Jimi Hendrix. It’s gonna be a special show, don’t miss it! More info.
Click to listen to the show (please note listen again is only available in the UK, and the link expires on 6th November. Nell appears 54 minutes in and plays her new single, Not Like Loving You, and does a beautiful, unique rendition of Ring Of Fire. Enjoy!
Nell on STV – the hardest working girl in rock n roll
October 29, 2009
Nell was recently interviewed on STV (ITV Scotland). Nell discusses her musical roots and her approach to working as a professional musician.
Here’s a snippet…
“There’s no better way to gauge where you are as an artist than to bounce it off an audience. I think that sometimes when you are in your bedroom and recording songs, you can lose a little bit of touch with the style of music, particularly that I am trying to do. It’s so based on people’s reaction and on having fun and going out for a good night”
Nell on BBC Ulster
October 29, 2009
Watch Nell being interviewed on BBC Ulster & performing What Does It Take live in studio…
My record comes out today!!
October 12, 2009
Tour with Ben Taylor kicked off last night at Bush Hall in London. Bush Hall is a beautiful venue, with high ceilings and antique wall friezes, a joy to sing in. And my record comes out officially today!! I’m doing a day of radio at the BBC, and then tomorrow my drummer and I will pack up and hit the road, touring for the next week with Ben. We hit Sheffield, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Newcastle, and even go as far North as Aberdeen, Scotland. I’ve heard its freezing already up there! Better pick up some sweaters before we leave… Hmm, Topshop is just around the corner from the BBC.
You can buy What Does It Take from…
MP3:
iTunes UK, iTunes Ireland, HMV, Amazon, 7Digital and Play.com
CD:
Amazon, HMV, and Play.com
We Are Family Foundation Gala – 5th October, NY
October 6, 2009
It was a star-studded affair at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan last night! Legendary producer Nile Rogers (of Chic) threw his annual We Are Family Foundation Gala with his lovely partner Nancy Hunt. This year they honored Desmond Tutu, Google Earth, and Susan and David Rockefeller, Jr.
I lucked out in so many ways for my first hometown red carpet event. First of all, I found this incredible Alberto Ferretti dress in a thrift store, straight off the runway with the tags still attached. Then, my friend Michelle Edgar, the beauty editor of OK Magazine, hooked me up with her friends at the Ted Gibson salon on 5th avenue, and senior stylist Liam braided my hair in a loose up-do. The necklace is a borrowed piece – a Russian antique with diamonds, rubies, and pearls. Rosie Perez hosted the night (that voice is so recognizable!)
My band and I opened the evening with Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready.” The first note I played, I broke a string on my 1946 Gibson L-12 guitar. Maybe my guitar was nervous! Because after the song, I went to sit at my assigned table and realized my dinner partner was none other than Henry Gibson Guitar Chairman and CEO Henry Juszkiewicz. How cool is that?!
Film director Susan Cohn Rockefeller accepted an award with her husband David Rockefeller Jr. for all the philanthropic work they have done together. Then Susan screened a clip from her new documentary about my tour to Iraq to play for the troops. It was the first time I had seen it! Here we were, all these fancy movers and shakers sitting in our black-tie gowns in a glitzy Manhattan ballroom, watching footage of me wearing camouflage body armor playing in the desert with dust storms everywhere.
After dinner, Kool and the Gang took to the stage and the whole room got up to boogie. Now there is a band with a tight rhythm section. Nile Rogers closed out the night with his band Chic, and before I knew it I was in a limo on my way home. It was my first limo ride – no I never took one to the prom! As I watched the twinkling city lights whiz by on 7th avenue, I thought to myself: “I have the coolest f*cking life EVER.”
Nile & Nell
Second Time Around – Out Today!
October 5, 2009
Second Time Around is out today! Fans in the UK & Ireland can buy the single from the following stores:
ps: Don’t forget to rate the single when you buy!
Thanks!
Team Nell x
