KATE NICHOLSEN
LOS ANGELES LIVE/SESSION SINGER
Hailing from a musical family in a small lake town just outside of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kate Nicholsen spent her formative years singing with family, in choirs, jazz ensembles and studying classical vocal training. Growing up listening to everything from classic Motown to funk, to the golden oldies, to folk, rock/grunge rock, R&B, soul and her favorites, classic Jamaican ska, reggae and rocksteady, Kate developed a versatile palette and wide-ranged technical skill set. Bands like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young were favorites because they lended themselves perfectly to learning all the parts, further sharpening her innate ear for harmony and dynamics. She had numerous friends and family members who were always forming small groups to sing in 3-4 parts, finding new and creative ways to cover material from any genre.
Before moving to California at the age of 23, Kate was studying Fine Art, performing at the collegiate level in the University of Minnesota’s School of Music as well singing with her brother and others in local bands around campus. Upon her arrival in Los Angeles, it was a jam around the fireside with new friends that sparked a relationship with singer/songwriter Preeta Carlson and Kate was invited to join her first LA band, Preeta & The PeaceMakers.
Since that time Kate has played with numerous well-known groups such as Leftover Cuties, Dustbowl Revival, Clayton Joseph Scott and Brightside, The Love Uninhibited Orchestra, Sara Melson and more. Her bandleaders love her skilled musicianship, ear for harmony, blend, tonal/phrase matching, intuitive approach, pitch consistency and ease in improvisational situations. She also has a strong sense of rhythm and can be counted on to hold down percussion parts. Although alto/mezzo soprano voicing is her wheelhouse, she has a skilled command over her wide vocal range. Her rich tambour and airy softness is a compliment nearly to any voice.
“Kate’s voice is honest and pure and is dripping with authenticity. Her joy of life and love of music color her singing beautifully and light up the room every time she walks on stage. Equally adept at blending with a group of singers or singing solo, Kate’s technical skill and versatility-not to mention her beautiful voice, make her a huge asset in any musical setting.”
- Danny Moynahan of THE LOVE UNINHIBITED ORCHESTRA”
“Kate’s innate, intuitive ear for harmony, feel for rhythm and phrasing, effervescent energy, and contagious smile make her the dreamiest of back-up singers. Blending and grooving together is pure euphoria.” - Sara Melson”
“Kate has a natural true gift for harmonizing and seamlessly blending with any vocalist she accompanies. She’s amazingly quick at finding just the right part and always sings from the heart. She’s such a pleasure to work with.” - Shirli McAllen | Founder LEFTOVER CUTIES”
“Kate has one of the rarest qualities you can find in a singer - the ability to perfectly harmonize and lift up every song she joins in on. Every band would be lucky to have her!” - Zach Lupetin | Founder DUSTBOWL REVIVAL”
