Nicole Cross followed her dreams into a successful career in the music industry – both on and off the stage – with her nationally recognised music project Colie, local business, Neighbourhood Productions, and local music festival, Neck Of The Woods.
Nicole Cross and Sam Wright at Neck Of The Woods Music Festival in 2018. Photo: Constantine Create
Pursuing a career in music was as natural as a foray into pharmacy, as far as Nicole Cross was concerned – it was all about passion.
“I was a chemistry nut in high school, hence my move into Pharmacy,” she said.
“I do love working in the profession; however, my passion lies in music, so I had to follow that calling. I have been involved in the music industry in one way or another from a very young age.
“This all started with my love of storytelling. Which began as a child inspired by my grandfather and his love of Australian poetry, in particular, Banjo Patterson. I have spent a large part of my life following my songwriting endeavours.”
Nicole launched her latest musical project, Colie, (a childhood nickname) in late 2018, and released her debut EP in May 2019, with a second EP on the way early this year.
In January 2017, Nicole co-founded Neighbourhood Productions, Neighbourhood Sessions, and Neck Of The Woods Music Festival, with her partner Sam Wright.
“Neighbourhood Sessions and Neck Of The Woods were born from a passion to support local songwriters and provide them with a platform to share their stories with the community,” Nicole said.
“I strongly believe that songwriters from regional areas deserve opportunities, and through the founding of Neighbourhood Sessions and Neck Of The Woods Music Festival, that was the key goal. One of my core values is to support and nurture local artists, and having so many inspiring artists around me constantly inspires me to create my music.”
Colie at her Bug On A Lamplight EP launch. Her second EP is due for release in April. Photo: Elijah Clarke, Blurr
Neighbourhood Productions is a production hire company specialising in live music and music festivals, providing production and staff for events and tours.
“We just came off the back of Hotter Than Hell – which was a big one, and a hot one!” Nicole said.
“Over the next couple of months we have a lot going on in production world, including Boy & Bear, The Smith Street Band, The Black Sorrows and Groovin The Moo.
“In the world of Neighbourhood Sessions, we have Bobby Alu in March and Kim Churchill in May. Then, of course, our biggest Neighbourhood Sessions event of the year, Neck Of The Woods Music Festival on the first weekend of July.”
A confessed ‘active relaxer’, Nicole said her personal long-term goal is to see North Queensland become a place where original artists and music industry workers can build and sustain careers whilst living here.
“We see, too often, local bands moving to metropolitan centres to pursue their careers or seek opportunities,” she said.
“I think if we can continue to bring opportunities to Townsville and create our opportunities, artists/arts workers will start to feel like it is possible to remain regionally living while pursuing a successful career in the music industry, that their regionality isn’t holding them back. So, I have a big task ahead of me, and I won’t be going anywhere any time soon!”
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