Album Notes

"My music and songwriting are places for me to explore and express things that I don't normally talk about. Whether it is something as simple as rain or as complicated as abuse I can express my feelings on the subject. My pen, paper, and guitar are always prepared to listen and absorb my thoughts. "

"Nicole Ockmond, a singer and songwriter with a delicate, precise soprano and a knack for crafting modestly arranged, easily digestable meditations and ballads (imagine a less-strident Tori Amos with a bit of Norah Jones)." The Times-Picayune

"Nicole's songwriting skills reflect the depth and purpose of some of the more notable female singer/songwriters of the mid 90's, teetering somewhere between Sarah Mclaughlin and Jewel." neworleansbands.com

"If you long for the days of singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Janis Ian, with a touch of Dar Williams thrown in for good measure, then you will enjoy Nicole Ockmond's release.
Patty Griffin once said that the best songs are the ones that when you hear them, you think they were written just for you, and nobody else. Nicole catches this sentiment on her new release."
bestfemalemusicians.com

The song "Simple" from this debut recording "In my head" was entered in the 12th annual Billboard World Song Contest. Although it was not the winning song in the Country/Folk category it did place among the top 1500 entries.

Born in the burbs of New Orleans, Nicole Ockmond grew up in a household where there was always music. Her father listened to country music, her mother played and sang in church, and her brother played drums in local bands. Her two sisters loved music also and were often listening to their records and the radio. Nicole was surrounded by all these different musical influences & sang along at the top of her lungs.

The self produced, independently released CD In My Head was recorded & mixed by Steve Reynolds @ Ultrasonic Studios, New Orleans LA. & mastered by Joe Doherty @ DRR Masters New Orleans LA. The CD features notable New Orleans musicians:
Lu Rojas(Twang-o-rama) acoustic, electric guitar
John Gros(Papa Grows Funk/George Porter) hammond B-3, acoustic piano, wurlitzer, rhodes
Mike Barras(Joe Crown Organ Combo/ Beatin Path) drums
Benji(Mulebone) bass
Wesley Creppell-background vocals

All of the songs on the CD entitled In My Head are originals. The songs range in subject matter from insomnia, to flooding, to abuse, and the old standard relationship woes. "Most of what I write about comes directly from my own life, with a little artistic license thrown in of course. I've always loved lyrics. I can remember recording songs off of the radio when I was a kid and then pressing play and rewind till I had figured out what the singer was saying. I want my songs to be about things that I actually think and feel. I would like to think that the listener can see themselves in my songs."