Dwight & Nicole

Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson met in Boston, Massachusetts when they were just out of school, cutting their teeth on the local club circuit. They each fronted popular bands in the area, and discovered a shared love of soul & blues greats like the Staples Singers, Albert King, Lighting Hopkins, Jimmy Witherspoon, Roberta Flack & Etta James. They began singing together often, and developed a close friendship that grew romantic over time. Eventually, they formed Dwight & Nicole, which was, in the beginning, a duo group. They began touring regionally- gaining a loyal following while developing their sound. After a move to Burlington VT, they met their powerhouse drummer Ezra Oklan (Nicole Atkins, Elle King) and the group quickly became a trio. They’ve since toured up and down the east coast together; writing songs, and gaining plenty of industry respect. They have been nominated for nine Boston Music Awards; seven Boston Phoenix Awards; eight Daysie Awards, and ten New England Music Awards.
 
Dwight & Nicole seem poised to go from “best kept secret” to “band to watch”.  Melissa Etheridge (who discovered them on youtube) said “Dwight & Nicole are just incredible! The first time I heard their song
‘Wait” I thought…oh wow! This is so powerful… I wish I had written that song!”  She invited them to play on the Etheridge Cruise, and then to open up for her. They have also opened up for the legendary Mavis Staples, who was moved by their live show, calling them one of her favorite new bands. After sharing the stage with the late great Dr. John, he described them as “Truly great!”
 
Their 2018 EP, Electric Lights, was recorded live to analog tape with multi-Grammy nominated producer Joel Hamilton (Aaron Neville, The Meters, The Black Keys) at Studio G in Brooklyn, NY. Hamilton has undoubtedly captured their sound and live energy. He also brings out their experimental side on Electric Lights. The EP has introduced the band to a new wave of fans as well as opportunities including their first major label distribution deal through Orchard / Sony Music, and a booking deal with the TR Agency.  The year wrapped up with another Independent Music Award nomination, and the Electric Lights EP landing on several ‘Best of the Year’ lists.
 
Fall of 2019 found them back in the studio with Joel Hamilton, recording their follow up as a power trio. The new album was set to be released in April of 2020, but the worldwide shutdowns & cancelled tours hit pause on the release of the new music. D&N took the time off the road to become more active in their local community, hosting fundraisers, streaming concerts, and offering online sound healing sessions. 2021 is thankfully looking up for the whole industry. They are planning to release a string of new singles this Summer and an album release in the Fall. Stay tuned for tour announcements coming soon.