Introducing Nicky Lawrence - A forward thinking innovator, singer, songwriter, actor, playwright and director who releases her debut album on October 18 to coincide with Black History Month. ‘Ugly Black Woman’ - a powerful, moving collection of songs and poems is also the soundtrack to Nicky’s critically acclaimed production of the same name, which was performed to sold out audiences at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre in 2022.

“Ugly Black Woman is a window into my soul,” says Nicky. “As Black women we are consistently accused of being angry yet UBW is a beautiful cacophony of sorts conjured up through the dissonance I feel with such a powerful stereotype. It is the depths of my emotional degradation, pain, sorrow, fears and joy. It’s also a way for me to share so closely and relate with other Black women, the suffering and the commonalities of hurt which we share without even necessarily knowing each other personally. This album has become a way of relating to all women no matter race or class.”

“There have been so many life events that have happened alongside this album which have been tragic, humiliating, joyful, painful, laughable and solidifying. I’m ready to release that energy out into the world and tell my story, hopefully the people are ready to feel those intense emotions with me.”

Across the album’s 18 tracks (9 full length songs and 9 poems/monologues) Nicky tells her story, and that of numerous other Black women throughout Canadian history. It’s a deep, vulnerable, nuanced expression of the lived experiences which she has survived. From sweeping success to heart breaking lows, her passion into the exploration of what Black women go through in love and life is on full, brilliant display. For over a decade ‘Ugly Black Woman’ was carefully crafted and patiently curated. As each year unfolded new experiences would add to the layers of what UBW would finally become. Not so much a process as an alchemy of sorts, Nicky dutifully pays homage to the suffering and anguish of the sisters who came before her. Knowing all that they had sacrificed so she could stand on her own and create her art, Nicky’s evolution  became a dedication to the incomparable Black women who in the end provided the very life force of this record.

Interspersed throughout the album are nine carefully curated poems/monologues which not only introduce the songs, but also provide context and remind us this is more than just a collection of songs, reflecting the bigger piece of work from which they come. Highlights include opener ‘Us’ which celebrates the pivotal creative contribution Black people have made to culture and music. “From musical influence to fashion, Black folks created the blueprint,” says Nicky. ‘Freedom’ tells the story of the moment Nicky was let go from the Shaw festival which set into motion the creation of‘Ugly Black Woman’. Over a cascade of sweeping haunting, guitar lines, ‘Autonomy’ meticulously describes the historical denigration of the Black woman’s body. From the violence endured by Black women over the centuries; sexualization and commodification, medical experiments and more, ‘Autonomy’ hits you straight between the eyes.

‘Defiance’ tells the story of Canadian hero, Viola Desmond who was famously removed from her seat after purchasing a ticket in the white only section of a movie theatre, whilst ‘Foundation’, an African inspired, drum and bass track speaks to the power of another Black Canadian woman whose intelligence and history changing contribution is overlooked. And don’t miss ‘Reckoning’ a moving tribute to sisterhood and ‘I Got You’ a sweet and tender poem about the harmonious love from the Black women who surround her.

The power of ‘Ugly Black Woman’ not only lies in the stories of the lives told but also in Nicky’s ability to honour those lives and use their stories together with her own and pour them into her songwriting. The result is an effortless mix of RNB, neo-soul and addictive pop delivered through stripped back ballads and anthemic pop songs. Nicky’s huge vocal is spine-tingling, a sure instrument for belting out her feelings and you feel every emotional note she hits.  Songs like‘Doormat’ and ‘Done’ are the albums quieter moments.  ‘Doormat’ is a soulful soliloquy about how “When lovers try to become friends one inevitability thinks they can step on the other” and ‘Done’ is the acceptance and freedom that comes from knowing when a relationship is over. Pushed to the brink of emotional evisceration Nicky’s vocal calmly lets her lover know there will be no more “You and I are Done.”

When it comes to upbeat anthems, there’s plenty. ‘Young Ones’ flows seamlessly between the sultry sounds of R&B and pop, Nicky‘s vocal smoothly delivering a message of keeping your head held high, when your feelings and expectations have been shattered. ‘Get Over It’ is for everyone who has experienced the stifling realities of depression and anxiety. Here Nicky deals with the all too common phrase “Why can’t you just Get Over It,” perfectly encapsulating a response in this futuristic dance bop.

From the moment ‘Middle’ kicks in you know it’s gonna be a banger, the groove sets the pace for a ride of endless sonic pleasure while Nicky tries to decide what she will do about yet another gaslighting lover. And there’s ‘Savage,’which has crossover potential written all over it. In this 80’s inspired throwback Nicky calls it like it is as the love desired was never really offered. ‘Savage’ takes a turn when you realise that she’s actually talking about herself and the sacrifices she was willing to make in order to be loved. ‘Savage’ will have your head bopping and your body moving, but at what cost?

The final track of the album is one of its most powerful moments. In the title track ‘Ugly Black Woman’ the question is asked “What do you see when you look at Black women?” Never one to hold back, this epic vocal blisters with emotion as Nicky draws from the pain and suffering endured, not only through her experiences, but also of those who have come before her. ‘Ugly Black Woman’ creates dissonance between the sound of a soulful singer and the still current commodification and appropriation of Black women and their bodies. As an end to the collective works, it seals together the overarching message that Black women deserve better.

Coming out during Black History Month is of course no coincidence. For Nicky it was important to get the album and its message out during a time where there will be a focus on the issues the Black community still face. “I think as a culture, we underestimate how much patience and fortitude was needed to deal with the most unspeakable violence perpetrated upon those who came before us. Their hearts and minds must have had the vision of a future where brothers and sisters were free to succeed,” says Nicky. “My hope is that Black History Month will not only shine a light on the story of these remarkable women, but it will also bring gravitas to the joy we feel in the celebration of being beautiful Black people.”