Guide Note:

Singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins leads her own band, Nicole Atkins and the Sea, and describes her music as "pop-noir." Her debut album, Neptune City, was released on October 30, 2007 on Columbia Records.

Fast Facts:

1. Born October 1, 1978 in Neptune, New Jersey
2. Heavily influenced by David Lynch
3. Once fired for not playing enough Bruce Springsteen covers
4. Appeared in a 2007 American Express ad
5. Performed as a backing vocalist for Feist on The Late Show With David Letterman
6. Won "Asbury Music Awards" in 2002 for Top Female Vocalist and Best Solo Act

Atkins started playing piano at age 9, and had taught herself to play guitar as well by 13. After high school, she went to college in Charlotte, North Carolina, and became a fixture in the local music scene, joining several local bands (including short-lived "supergroup" Nitehawk).

Atkins moved to New York City and began playing at local Manhattan open mics. Upon returning to her home state of New Jersey, Atkins began writing her own songs and recorded songs herself, in her parents house, using a Casio keyboard and ProTools.

Atkins formed a band, Nicole Atkins and the Sea, with keyboardist Dan Chen and drummer Dan Mintzer, to record her debut album, Neptune City. The band has toured together extensively in support of the album, playing with The Raveonettes, Chris Isaak, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and others throughout 2007 and 2008.