::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: CITY LIGHTS VOL. 3: SOWETO BY NICOLAY

::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: CITY LIGHTS VOL. 3: SOWETO BY NICOLAY
by Daniel Harris

Born and raised in the Netherlands, Nicolay is a classically trained musician and producer. Before making his move and building his career in the States, Nicolay traveled the Netherlands as part of a number of R&B and Hip Hop bands.

Since those days, Nicolay has collaborated with artists like YahZarah, Kay, Little Brother and Comanche building a name for himself in the world of Hip Hop and Soul. Earlier this week, Nicolay released his 3rd solo album, City Lights Vol. 3:Soweto. This album perfectly captures Nicolay's supreme musicianship and the influence of his recent tour with The Foreign Exchange.

So first, allow us to state the obvious: City Lights Vol. 3 is a really good album. Within the space of just 10 songs, Nicolay presents danceable tunes and good vibes, making this album an overall pleasing experience. Seriously, mix up your favorite drink(s), put this album in your favorite system and prepare to have a great time. While the album is primarily an instrumental album, the Grammy nominated producer and multi-instrumentalist goes above and beyond making just a "beat album."

City Lights Vol. 3 has much more complexity than that of a simple beat album. The album was conceptualized after visiting South Africa as part of a world tour by The Foreign Exchange and that influence is felt throughout the album. Nicolay is an extremely talented musician and producer. Not only does he display his skill and musicianship on City Lights Vol. 3, he also showcases ability to borrow just enough inspiration from South Africa and its culture to enhance his album.

The album's first song, "Tomorrow," fuses heavy 80s synth Pop and R&B chords and movements with heavily inspired drums and percussions. This song is an excellent welcome and example to what listeners can expect from this entire album. Nicolay's signature, soulful sound with South Africa as his backdrop and muse. After listening to other songs like "Aurora," "The Chase," and "Daydream," City Lights Vol. 3 begins to transform from a collection of songs to an intricate thank you letter to South Africa, its people and the once in a lifetime experience they provided.

Subtle nuances add to City Lights Vol. 3's level of complexity as well. While the majority of the album is an instrumental album, members and collaborators of The Foreign Exchange lend their talents to the album. Carmen Rodgers, Phonte and Tamisha Waden all help Nicolay enrich the album with their vocal contributions.

The album also includes a selection of interesting interludes and soundbites of a South African friend ultimately teaching listeners Zulu words and phrases. These soundbites help to add a sense of validity to the experience of City Lights Vol. 3. It shows Nicolay's interest in the whole of South African culture, including its people.

City Lights Vol 3: Soweto is an elaborate and pleasing experience. More than another "beat album," Nicolay truly captures his South African experience. This is an album that all headphone junkies should add to their collection.

City Lights Vol. 3: Soweto is available now on iTunes and Amazon. Follow Nicolay on Twitter and Facebook to find out where you can get hard copies (LP and CD) in your local area.