Dwight + Nicole on Love, Loss, and the Ferocious Heart Behind Their New Album
In this intimate and wide‑ranging conversation, musicians Dwight Ritcher and Nicole Nelson open up about the creative forces, personal histories, and emotional truths behind their new album. They reflect on apocalyptic imagery, artistic integrity, and the healing power of making music. Nicole shares how she finds beauty even in turbulent times, while Dwight reveals the quiet, meticulous process behind shaping songs from scraps of riffs and iPhone recordings. Together, they explore vulnerability, ferocity, grief, and joy, offering a look into the inner world of two artists determined to create on their own terms.
Excerpt
Cris Cohen: It’s common for the opening track to set the theme for the album. Why did you choose a song about the end of the world to kick off this one?
Nicole Nelson: That’s a very good question. I have an interesting relationship with apocalyptic times. I have always felt like I was meant to be here while things are interesting and juicy and weird and in flux.
For me, there’s a beauty to that song, “One Morning.” It’s more about… things are wild and things are very temporary. So love it while you’ve got it.
Be in the moment that you can, if you can, whenever you can, and enjoy yourself. That’s what (the lyric) “Come lay down” is about. Yeah, things are wild, but we also need to rest and can still enjoy each other.
Cris Cohen: And that in itself is interesting: You’re drawn or interested in dystopian times, but you found this kind of comfort in it, which seems like this massive contradiction. Is that an apt way to describe it?
Nicole Nelson: Definitely that’s an apt way to describe it. For me, that’s a very personal theme that runs through my life. Growing up, experiencing some of the things that I did when I was younger, and learning through them how to still just dive headfirst into life and enjoy as much as I can.
There is always both sides to every coin. I love to play in those realms.
Dwight Ritscher: I think from a literal point of view too, we have a safe spot… or as safe as you can have. We ended up buying a home in Vermont six years ago. The riff of the song was something (created) playing in the living room after dinner.
It’s from Nicole’s outlook, but it’s from a safe space that she’s telling her story and sharing her truth. It’s pretty cool. We’re grateful for that.
The Dwight + Nicole website: https://www.dwightandnicole.com/
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