Nicole Atkins

“This whole album is almost like my fight against loneliness,” says Nicole Atkins of her latest release, Drama. The Spectorized girl group rush of “Trippin' On Teardrops,” the pulsing Memphis soul-styled “For No One,” the James Bond-meets-Stevie Nicks noir of “Danny,” and the ABBA-worthy, anthemic “Singing In The Mirror.” Atkins has the alchemical ability to transform her influences into singular sonic statements. Her journey began in Neptune City, New Jersey, where she developed her taste and sensibility early. When she found an old acoustic guitar in the attic of her uncle's house, her course was set. Among her friends is Chris Isaak (he duets with her on the wonderfully moody “Cue The Symphony”). “Chris has been so supportive, when he heard the songs I was writing, he said, 'I should sign you to Sun.' And suddenly, it was like, 'Wow, I'm gonna make a record again!'” Accompanied by her touring band (John Paul Keith on guitar, Danny Banks on drums, plus guests Eric Slick of Dr. Dog, Dan Creamer of The Texas Gentlemen and Scottish troubadour Davey Horne), rhythm tracks were cut over four days, capturing a live sound. Then she and Pat Sansone hunkered down in his home studio for overdubs. “I've never worked with somebody who I trust that much to add arrangement touches and parts to my songs,” Atkins says. With a summertime release, and touring planned for early 2027, Atkins feels optimistic about the album, noting a change in the music world at large.