We had the good fortune of connecting with Oliver Nichols and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oliver, how do you think about risk?
To move forward and to move upward ;risk are always taken. Nothings ever given. In the music business of performing; it’s not about how much you know, it’s about proving your self in front of an unknown crowd who may or may not even know you, and transporting them with your heart and soul through music to a place that’s so familiar yet so unfamiliar to them because of your delivery and emotional presence that at the end hands and greetings are extended to you; telling you, ‘I am a fan.’ And bring there friends to your next show and so on, and so on. Building a fan base which is essential for any artist. Hahaaa! If that’s not RISK, I don’t know what is! That is one of many risks that you take moving forward.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well…..I guess you had to be there. From church singing and listening to AM Radio. to playing piano from my sister who was taught by her piano teacher. Learning to read music and eventually learning to write music. Marching bands and choirs for me were the norm growing up. The real challenge was finding a comfort zone in it. To become more than just a face in a crowd. Branching out on my own; I floated through 18 musical bands and groups ( a real close up world of the taboo Sex drugs and RocknRoll ) Then I realized ” To find yourself, find artist like you!” tired of the same ole hazards that bands tend to have. Basically finding members being labeled an outcast. Finding fellow members who really loved to play music with a passion and a zest for moving forward in the game and not treading on all the jealousy, animosity and playing for all the wrong reasons. In 2003 Soulhound was formed and to all of us it was a ” Breath of fresh air!’ And I never looked back.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There is always great night life in the city. Northside Tavern would be a Great last stop destination after taking in some wonderful food and drinks and enjoying a beautiful ride through the city. If they had a week long visit , The Georgia Aquarium, The Botanical Gardens, pushing up to up coming events at Piedmont Park, and famed concerts at The Fox Theatre, Center Stage, and of course City Winery, The Tabernacle among many others, And I’ll be performing somewhere so they can have a front row seat! But mostly I’d be firing up the grill and have a feast of barbecue or sea food!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A Big Shoutout to all the Teachers and Preachers out there. The ones with children who grew just like me. Encouraged, loved, giving me the freedom to express myself musically and artistically and showing me as a child how strong faith can be. Thank you Soulhound, Tribute: a celebration of the Allman Brothers Band, and Atlanta Soul Power: A James Brown Celebration. And to my 2 Musical Bloodlines…Rob Roth and Rod Gunther. Thank you Aaron W. Kaufman ( Who FYI is one of the greatest drummers on the Atlanta Scene) for passing me along to be in this great article. Thank you Shelly Tuscano and Shoutout Atlanta for inviting me. And to all the musicians, artist, business owners (great and small) club owners, and all of us riding through this 20/20, Like my father would always say ” Son, it’s not the end of the world, just the middle of the night!”

Website: tributeabb.com
Instagram: (@tributeabb) (@atlantasoulpower)
Twitter: Tribute(@TributeABB) Soulhound(@Soulhound) (@atlsoulpower) A james brown celebration
Facebook: Tribute- a celebration of The Allman Brothers Band- Home | Facebook Soulhound-Home|Facebook Atlanta Soul Power| Facebook
Youtube: TRIBUTE ABB-You Tube Soulhound Atlanta-YouTube Atlanta Soul Power-You Tube

Image Credits
Thank you Turner Photography Sara Blyn Fullmer Bob Tewksbury and Teresa Hemingway

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