(January 17, 2021) Hartford-bred Darcie Nicole began honing her vocal and songwriting chops as a teenager in hometown talent shows and recording studios. After graduating from Boston’s Berklee College of Music, she spent over a decade working in various capacities at the school. Concurrently, she performed with renowned soul-funk outfit Velvet Stylus on the nightclub circuit, while perfecting her performance skills further on sessions with fellow Berklee alumni.
Now based in Israel, Darcie is delving into her vast archives for a handful of digital single releases showcasing the many facets of her soulful style. One of these cuts likely to make SoulTrackers nostalgic for the fullness of early-‘90s soul grooves is “Real Love This Time.” Co-penned by her with producer Jesse “Jaeo” Tolbert, the heartfelt jam brings to mind the Uptown Records sound of the time. Darcie’s no-frills, bold vocal is etched with shades of Mary J. Blige atop a contagious track that would have fit right in the pocket of concurrent releases by Christopher Williams and Soul IV Real. An unexpected acoustic guitar solo and classy rap interlude add to the colorful richness of the affair.
Take a listen to the Lost Gem that is Darcie Nicole’s “Real Love This Time” and give us your thoughts on the lady and her music.
by Justin Kantor
Darcie Nicole - "Real Love This Time"
