Daniel Nickels delivers powerful Southern rock on his emotional new song “Walls.” Nickels kicks the song off with a driving beat and never slows down as he opens about his struggles with his mental health. The song marries earthy roots rock with slick pop production — if you haven’t been listening to country radio lately, this is what it sounds like, and that’s not a bad thing. Nickels’ sincerity is deeply felt here, with powerhouse vocals that feel warm and intimate.
Previously, Nickels was the frontman of Leeward Fate, the first rock band to come out of St. Kitts in the Caribbean. That band released three albums, two singles, and toured throughout the U.S.
Since 2016, Nickels has been a solo artist and he’s released three albums, two EP’s and six singles. His song, “Long White Robe,” was nominated for best video at the Carolina Music Awards. Nickels has played over 1,200 shows nationwide—including many festival appearances, charity benefits, and rock n’r roll marathon performances —and he’s participated in over 200 radio events and interviews, including live broadcasts at KOBI, WRAL, and KPSU. Most recently, Nickels has opened up for Clint Black, Mitchell Tenpenny, Kelsea Ballerini, and Carvin Jones.
“The song ‘Walls’ is about my struggle with depression and anxiety, learning how to break down the walls around you to get back to loving yourself,” explains Nickels. “I want people to know they are not alone in this fight with depression and the more we continue to recognize the signs of unwavering self worth the more we can keep helping each other work through it. Depression never go away, you just learn to live with it. This song is about coping with it.”
Drive Me Home, Daniel Nickels’ upcoming EP, will be out on this Friday, April19th