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Nikki Hill Bridges AC/DC And Staple Singers On Ripping New Album 'Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists'

On October 16th, the North Carolina-bred and New Orleans-based Nikki Hill will release her new album 'Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists' via Deep Fryed Records. Buoyed by her band's roaring boogie that's equal parts Staple Singers and AC/DC, the new album sees Nikki exude a self-assured swagger as her fiery rasp preaches the rock & roll gospel: late nights, hot licks, and intoxicating love.

Raised in the church choir and steeped in R&B and garage rock rumble, Nikki Hill is a spitfire with the soul-drenched voice of Etta James and the tattooed, beehived-hair aura of Cramps' guitarist Poison Ivy. 'Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists' is a showcase for Nikki's unfettered versatility, whether it's the debauched bluster of "Struttin'", the Stonesy barn-burning blues of "(Let Me Tell You 'Bout) LUV", or the touching soul ballad "Nothin' With You".

Just a couple years ago, Nikki Hill was a bartender with an affinity for punk and a deep love for classic R&B. At her husband (and now guitar-player) Matt Hill's behest, she stepped out from behind the bar and onto the stage. The response has been ecstatic, and now the band tours the globe relentlessly, stunning audiences with their muscular sound, Matt's volcanic leads, and, of course, Nikki's inimitable charisma.

Praise for Nikki Hill:
"The fast-rising, hard-charging, 20-something, North Carolina born-and-bred singer Nikki Hill has more than earned her evocative "Southern Fireball" moniker. " - LA Weekly

"If Tina Turner and Little Richard had a daughter and raised her with the help of uncles James Brown and Chuck Berry, she'd be like Nikki Hill." - Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Hill is a petite powerhouse, with a booming voice that is as sweet and luscious as it is gritty and raw." - Portland Monthly

"Channels such rhythm and blues greats as LaVern Baker, Etta James and Ruth Brown-with a little Sam Cooke and Solomon Burke thrown in for good measure. Hill is the real deal...steeped in gospel and soul, wrapped up in a punk rock DIY ethic." - Time Out Los Angeles

"A rich, sultry voice...weaned on the church choir and burnished by an enthusiast's love of good music." - Indy Week

'Heavy Hearts And Hard Fists' Tracklist:
01. Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists
02. Oh My
03. Struttin'
04. And I Wonder
05. (Let Me Tell You 'Bout) LUV
06. I'm Gonna Love You
07. Hotshot
08. Mama Wouldn't Like It
09. Nothing With You
10. Scratch Back
11. Twistin' The Night Away

Tour Dates (more TBA):
08/20 - Cleveland, OH @ Music Box
08/21 - Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
08/22 - Norwich, NY @ Chenango Blues Festival
08/28 - Herselt, BEL @ Varenwinkle Blues Festival
08/29 - Bethune, FR @ Bethune Retro
08/30 - Pordenone, ITA @ Pordenone Blues Festival
08/31 - Colne, UK @ The Great British R&B Festival
09/04 - Monaghan, IRE @ Harvest Time Blues Festival
09/05 - Lehrte, GER @ Blues in Lehrte Festival
09/06 - Aarburg, SUI @ Route 66 Old Car Festival
09/12 - Tangier, MAR @ Tanjazz Festival
09/19 - Monterey, CA @ Monterey Jazz Festival
10/08 - Tallahassee, FL @ Bradfordville Blues Club
10/09 - Sarasota, FL @ Blue Rooster
10/10 - Daytona, FL @ Daytona Blues Festival
10/11 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
10/23 - Berwyn, IL @ Fitzgerald's
10/24 - St Louis, MO @ Arch 50 Fest
11/05 - Dortmund, GER @ Piano
11/06 - Hannover, GER @ Blues Garage
11/07 - Grande Synthe, FR @ Bay Car Blues Festival
11/10 - Bensheim, GER @ Musiktheatre Rex
11/11 - Hamburg, GER @ Klubsen
11/13 - Berlin, GER @ Quasimodo
11/14 - Freiburg, GER @ Jazzhaus
11/15 - Bonn, GER @ Harmonie-Bonn



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