Nicole Schaefer - Black & White

Nicole Schaefer

​Black & White
self-released; 2016

​3.6 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Nicole Schaefer has been playing piano since she was five and picked up a guitar soon afterwards. At twelve she joined a music school and by fourteen she started composing. She is currently attending college and still going strong when it comes to music. She released a four-song EP entitled Black & White displaying some of her talent. 

Her band on the album consists of herself (guitar/piano/lead vocals), Sebastian Goodridge (drums), Aaron Bear (djembe/backing vocals) and Michael Tanksley (bass). Her musical experience definitely shows on these four songs. 

She opens with “Vegas” which initially starts with guitar and vocals. As it progresses percussion and vocal harmonies come into the picture. Schaefer has a soulful voice. She sure can sing. Her vocals are the focal point of the music and carry the song. She sings “Do you gamble? Feel the spirit of the dice Do ya, do ya, do ya, do ya Do ya look to roll twice?”

Up next is “Gemini” which has quite a distinct feel. The song is led by a piano. It’s a pop song with a tinge of jazz. Her vocals sound even more soulful on this song. The song breaks down and comes back together. Overall, a solid song.

“Young Cities” utilizes the same elements as the first. The melodies are there and it has a number of inspired moments. My favorite track was the closer “Tracks & Trains.” I loved the fast piano melody in the beginning. It’s an eight-minute song and just gets better as it progressed. The unique drumming along with the piano produces a pretty intense array of sounds. Suffice it to say I was impressed by technical abilities on this track.

​Schaefer has some talent. That’s for sure. Looking forward to hearing more and how she evolves as an artist.

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