Dwight & Nicole

Dwight & Nicole, an American roots band formed by recording artists Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson are set to release their sophomore LP, the aptly titled Shine On, on April 22, 2014. An inspiring mashup of folk, blues, pop, jazz, gospel and reggae, the album can’t be categorized easily, but that’s fine. “I don’t like to be categorized…because I’m changing all the time. And in every moment, I’m a little bit different. And as I am feeling things, what I want to express becomes different. And I think our fans appreciate that honesty,” says Nelson.

Recorded at Milt Reder’s Rear Window Studio in Boston, Shine On was heavily funded by Dwight & Nicole’s devoted fans via music-centric crowd-sourcing site, PledgeMusic.com. The album is a culmination of an exciting couple of years that saw Nelson appear on NBC’s hit talent show, The Voice; chart a stirring rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at #24 on iTunes; and win a Boston Music Award for “Female Vocalist of The Year.” The duo’s recent momentum also landed them on Boston Globe’s “25 Most Stylish of the Year” list, found them playing major festivals and performing at storied Fenway Park.

Dwight & Nicole’s performances have inspired comparisons to some of the greats — Etta James and John Lee Hooker, the Rolling Stones and the Staple Singers — but it’s their fresh blend of spirited blues, rock and gospel that is propelling them to make their own mark on the music world. They have performed at countless world class venues and festivals including Montreal Jazz Festival, Life Is Good Festival, Symphony Hall, Fenway Park, Levon Helm’s Midnight Ramble, and The Blue Note in NYC, while sharing the stage with iconic artists such as BB King, Buddy Guy, Dave Brubeck, Dr. Maya Angelou, Mavis Staples, Ray Lamontagne, Trombone Shorty, Levon Helm, Norah Jones, Dr. John, Wynton Marsalis, The Avett Brothers, Chuck Berry, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Irma Thomas.

“The songs are inspired by our love together and trying to look at the world’s bright side,” says Dwight. “It’s not about the bright lights/big-city lights. It’s about the inner light,” adds Nicole. Or as producer Milt Reder says, “There’s a spirituality to it without it being heavy-handed. It has a lot to do with the way their relationship is.” Look for Dwight & Nicole’s newest release, Shine On, on all major digital platforms starting April 22, 2014.