Danielle Nicole Unveils single “Tug of War” from her forthcoming album ‘Fireflies’

Danielle Nicole Unveils single “Tug of War”  from her forthcoming album ‘Fireflies’ 

album ‘Fireflies’ out August 28th 
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​Powerhouse vocalist, bassist and songwriter Danielle Nicole returns with her fourth solo album Fireflies, a bold and emotionally charged statement produced by Grammy Award winner Tony Braunagel. With a career spanning nearly 25 years, 10 Blues Music Awards, and a Grammy nomination, Nicole continues to redefine modern blues by fusing blues, soul and R&B into a sound that is both deeply rooted and unmistakably contemporary.

On Fireflies, Nicole expands her artistic vision through deeply personal songwriting shaped by collaboration and reflection. Following the loss of her brother and longtime bandmate Kris Schnebelen, she transformed grief into creative momentum, allowing trusted collaborators including Braunagel, guitarist Brandon Miller and keyboardist Jim Pugh to help shape the album’s emotional and musical direction.

A standout moment from the record is “Tug of War,” a gritty yet smooth blues-soul track that captures Nicole at her most self-assured. Built on an effortless groove, the song is a powerful declaration of emotional independence, delivered with her signature blend of strength and vulnerability. Featuring Tony Braunagel on drums, Jim Pugh on keyboards, Brandon Miller on guitar, and Nicole herself on bass, the track balances laid-back feel with razor-sharp emotional intent.

Few artists embody the intersection of technical mastery and raw soul like Danielle Nicole. Her commanding voice and acclaimed bass playing have earned repeated recognition from the Blues Foundation, including awards for bass performance, contemporary blues artist, and vocal excellence. She first gained international attention with the family band Trampled Under Foot, before launching a solo career in 2015 with the critically acclaimed Wolf Den. Subsequent releases Cry No More and The Love You Bleed further established her as one of the defining voices in contemporary American roots music.

With Fireflies, Nicole broadens her palette even further, embracing a deeper dialogue between blues, soul and R&B influences shaped by her Kansas City roots and inspirations such as Etta James and Aretha Franklin. The album moves fluidly between nostalgia, empowerment and emotional release, from reflective moments like “Take Me Back” to defiant anthems such as “Gaslight” and “Tug of War.”

Ultimately, Fireflies is not only a record of roots, but of transformation. It reflects an artist who continues to evolve through loss, collaboration and creative resilience burning brighter with every step forward in her musical journey.
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​Tracklist Fireflies

Website:
daniellenicolemusic.com

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