AFROWAVE.COM: Thanks for speaking to afrowave radio and congratulations on your new album as well as the new label "erogen music." You must be going through some exciting times, right?
NICHOLS: Yeah, thank you! It's a new challenge, difficult but exciting.
AFROWAVE.COM: "Nichols" is becoming the synonym of zouk music -- how does that make you feel?
NICHOLS: I don't try to represent anybody. What I'm doing is trying to make good music for good listeners (lol). As you know, there's a lot of different types of zouk and now you have the "nichols' touch."
AFROWAVE.COM: What is the most exciting for you -- being an artist/singer or a producer? And yes, I want to know a bit more about that "Nichols' touch!"
NICHOLS: The best for me is being successful in both and that's what we're trying to do with Erogen Music. The Nichols' touch is a mix between several music styles: Zouk, Cabo, Compas, Rn'b and Hip-Hop. I'm trying to create music that everybody can enjoy.
AFROWAVE.COM: Obviously Erogen Music is a new thing -- do you find it hard to be both a singer and a producer?
NICHOLS: No. the most difficult thing is to make the artists understand the way you (the producer) is thinking. Sell records and be original, here is the big deal!
AFROWAVE.COM: How do you try to incorporate their "thinking" and creativity into your final product? Is it more your "work" or theirs?
NICHOLS: It really depends!
AFROWAVE.COM: Now ... at this stage, how do you place yourself and your label within the afro-caribbean music, and zouk more specifically?
NICHOLS: Nowhere yet! I'm just trying to exist! we all know that the music business is so hard at present days. Nevertheless, I'm trying to present my artists to the world and I'll see in two years about my label's future!
AFROWAVE.COM: By looking at your new website (www.erogenmusic.com) -- ones can only feel the "extreme" excitement and the "grand" style among your artists. How do you describe your group?
NICHOLS: You know, what I'm looking for is the entertainment value! Most of my artists are good stage performers and what today's public is asking for is action! I want them to be able to sing in live performances and dance a little bit. The future is on the entertainment!
AFROWAVE.COM: It's indeed a great group of people and very talented young guys. Now, let's talk about your album "SEVEN" -- what was the idea behind it besides the entertainment factor?
NICHOLS: I'm making an album every two years and what I want is to give the listener the envy to go to the shop and buy the CD! That's why I'm taking my time to produce the songs! Nowadays, people just buy the "essential albums," so yours have to be real good!
AFROWAVE.COM: There got to be something about Nichols and your music that drives people and fans into listening and buying it...what are those things?
NICHOLS: Sex!!! nigga! Hot and safe freakin' sex! (lol!)
AFROWAVE.COM: Sex sells -- as they say in the music and entertainment world. But away from that, what is your message?
NICHOLS: No, I'm joking! My message is a love attitude. I like music, ladies, parties, and having fun! My concept is l.o.v.e!
AFROWAVE.COM: Thanks Nichols for your time and good luck!
NICHOLS: You're very welcome and thanks for the opportunity.
Born Stéphane Nichols, most of us came to know him simply as "Nichols." He is a composer, back vocalist, dancer, and a music producer. His talent has earned him fame and a lot of exposure, worldwide. Based in France, Nichols has recently embarked on a new challenge with the launching of his own music label, Erogen Music. Interestingly enough, many talents have joined his group: Jamice, Iron, II Wayz (AC and Neeko), Michael, Marcia and Mrick. Another reason to celebrate has to do with the success of his new album, "Seven." Here's the chit-chat with Nichols.