Sheila Nicholls

English singer/songwriter Sheila Nicholls first drew notice during the early 1990s through her performances with the New York City-based ensemble Sheila Nicholls and the Splendid Frock. Following several years alongside the group, she relocated to L.A. in order to launch a solo path while establishing her independent imprint, Essex Girl Records. Her debut album Brief Strop appeared in 1999 via a co-release between Essex Girl and Hollywood Records, the label with which Nicholls had arranged a distribution agreement. Tracks including “Eiderdown” and “Fallen For You” enjoyed modest college-radio support throughout spring 2000. One year afterward she collaborated with Glen Ballard on the production of her follow-up record. Wake arrived in May 2002, revealing a more introspective and literate Nicholls at ease with her own identity.