Niccola Marie Folk
| Niccola Marie Folk | |
|---|---|
| File:Niconico | |
| Born | 1981/02/27 Orange, CA |
| 🏳️ Nationality | American |
| 🏫 Education | MBA in Music Business |
| 🎓 Alma mater | Co-branded diploma from both SNHU and Berklee School of Music |
| 💼 Occupation | Singer |
| 👩 Spouse(s) | Kevin Raich, (m. 2019-Present) |
| 👴 👵 Parent(s) | Sharon Youngberg, Bradley Folk |
Niccola Marie Folk (born Nicole Marie Folk on February 27, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and designer, from Los Angeles. She is best known for her versatile music style, which blends jazz, downtempo, neo-soul, and pop. Folk is also the founder of the luxurious swimwear brand, Night & Day Swim. She is deeply committed to philanthropic activities, supporting various charitable causes and working towards community sustainability.
Early Life
Niccola Marie Folk was born on February 27, 1981, in Orange, California, to entertainer Sharon Youngberg and Bradley Folk. Despite her parents never legally marrying, her mother raised her and her two brothers in Huntington Beach, CA mostly on her own. From a very young age, Niccola showed a passion for singing, and by the age of 5, she was already showcasing her talent in school talent shows. At 11, she joined a singing group called "The Singing Sensations," which performed all around Southern California, including regular shows at Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott's Berry Farm. [citation required]
Throughout her early years, Niccola honed her musical skills and attended acting classes with actor/director Valentino Perry. At 15, she moved to New York City and attended the Professional Performing Arts High School (PPAS), where she further nurtured her passion for music and performed at various jazz clubs in Manhattan as a lounge singer. [citation required]
Career
In 2000, Niccola moved back to Los Angeles to pursue acting, and during this period, she secured roles in various productions, including the reality show "Blowout," "Entourage" (Season 2), and Jessica Simpson's music video "Public Affair." [citation required]
In 2007, Niccola's life took a major turn when she met Grammy-winning songwriter Marc Swerscy, who introduced her to Charlie Midnight, a multi-Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer. Impressed by her voice, Charlie signed her to an exclusive artist development deal with Midnight Production House. Together, they co-wrote and created her debut album, "Desert Love," which showcases a unique blend of jazz, soul, R&B, Latin pop, and alternative rock influences. Despite facing setbacks in the industry, Niccola's debut album is scheduled for release in late August 2023 on all major streaming platforms. [citation required]
Throughout her career, Niccola's music has been influenced by singers such as Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan, as well as modern artists like Sade, Linda Ronstadt, Tracy Thorn of Everything but the Girl, and Bebel Gilberto. She draws inspiration from the vibrant musical cultures of her hometown, Los Angeles, and its surrounding neighborhoods, which exposed her to various genres, including funk, reggae, hip-hop, and rock 'n' roll. [citation required]
Designer
Apart from her music career, Niccola is also a talented designer. In 2020, she founded the luxurious swimwear brand, Night & Day Swim. The brand offers high-quality materials, modern silhouettes, and bold colors, with versatile designs suitable for both day and night occasions. Night & Day Swim is renowned for incorporating sustainable fabrics in its pieces, contributing to reducing the environmental impact of fashion production. [citation required]
Philanthropic Activities
Niccola Marie Folk is deeply committed to giving back to communities. In 2016, she traveled to Ghana for six weeks to work with the Thrive Africa Foundation. During her time there, she played a significant role in creating a sustainable platform for the community, including the establishment of physical buildings, aquaponics farming, and volunteer programs. Additionally, she provided training, school learning systems, and skills development to enhance the community's growth and sustainability. [citation required]
Aside from her work with Thrive Africa, Niccola regularly volunteers at local shelters and food banks and participates in charitable fundraising initiatives for various causes. She believes in the power of even small contributions to make a positive impact on the lives of others. [citation required]
Influences
As an artist, Niccola's influences are deeply rooted in classic torch singers such as Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan. She also draws inspiration from contemporary artists like Sade, Linda Ronstadt, Tracy Thorn, and Bebel Gilberto, whose music spans jazz, soul, R&B, Latin pop, and alternative rock genres. Growing up in Los Angeles, she was exposed to various musical styles, including funk, reggae, hip-hop, and rock 'n' roll, which also significantly shaped her artistic expression. [citation required]
Personal Life
Niccola Marie Folk is married to Kevin Raich since 2019. She is also the second cousin to Lucille Ball. [citation required]
