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Muscle Memory/Holy Goodnight by The VibrationEP1 (untitled) by JavelinI'm Not Sorry by The cocknbullkidI'm Not Sorry by The cocknbullkid89 by KotchyI Can't Give You Up by Smoove & TurrellShuffle Scuffle EP by TRNSSTRPot Kettle Black by Tilly And The WallPot Kettle Black by Tilly And The WallLost In Time EP by YousefLost In Time EP by YousefMother by Susumu YokotaMother by Susumu YokotaHot & Cold by SoopasoulHot & Cold by SoopasoulTerminal 3 / 2 Da Floor by RuskoFrom an Ancient Star by Belbury PolyNo Surprise by James YuillNo Surprise by James YuillTravels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Yellow Moon BandOne Night In London by Various ArtistsI Can't Give You Up by Smoove & TurrellEl Beasto by Prok & FitchMr No / Someone Great by Banjo Or FreakoutMr No / Someone Great by Banjo Or FreakoutGo That Deep (Paul Woolford Remixes) by Nufrequency feat. Shara NelsonBruise Color Blue EP by GSpider & FarahShuffle Scuffle EP by TRNSSTRLets Fall Back In Love by Slow ClubRed Velvet by Red Velvet

press release - Sound Off



Nicole Vergel De Dios signed to Grand Central Records under the mantel of Niko earlier this year. Based in Brooklyn New York but hailing originally from Seattle to Japanese and Spanish parentage, Nicole has been engaged in music her whole life. Just months before signing to GC she graduated with top honors from her Jazz and Contemporary Music Degree, receiving Honours in Jazz Performance from the New School University in New York. When she graduated she was also working as the musical supervisor and featured artist on the film Take It From Me for PBS in the States. Her work on this film earned her a feature in Vibe Magazine's Top 100 People, Places, and Things.

As a child, Nicole became absorbed by all kinds of music, studying the classical piano for eight years, and singing in Gospel and school choirs. In 1993 she was accepted in the prestigious jazz program at Roosevelt High School. She won numerous awards including the most Outstanding Vocalist at the Lionel Hampton Jazz festival in 1997 and the most Outstanding Soloist at the Reno International Jazz Festival in both 1996 and 1997. In 1998 Nicole received a performance scholarship to study at the New School University in New York studying where Jazz greats such as Reggie Workman, George Garzone and Buster Williams were schooled.

Niko has already collaborated with Mr Scruff on his forthcoming album Trouser Jazz, The track - Come Alive came about, according to Scruff, as 'a happy accident' but Niko's take on his beats was the last thing he expected.

Niko's first release on Grand Central, the 12" Sound Off encapsulates this clash of cultures, this time with Riton's beats and Niko providing an army-style marching song.

Niko has brought her stage ability to the Aim Live band which has been performing at Festivals this year most notably The Big Chill and Essential Festival. She has performed at New York venues such as Birdland, and The Knitting Factory and brings to Grand Central her unique stage ability and energy. Niko has achieved a new twist on her jazz sensibilities by working with second-generation producers like Riton, J Walk and Aim.



release:Sound Off
label: Grand Central