With a voice equal parts grit, smoke and confection, Nicole Edwards has garnered a reputation as the Yukon’s premiere jazz-blues-folk-rock diva. South River, Ontario is Nicole’s home-town. She has made a home in Mt. Lorne, Yukon since 1997.

Nicole’s 5th album ‘Genre Bender’ is a deeply moving and personal album that shines with beauty and conviction. It’s ambitious, thrilling, at turns funny and heart-breaking. Audiences are uplifted and inspired by her positive and playful songs, performed in English, French and Spanish. Instead of being locked into one category, she plays with different styles and chooses a genre to best serve each song.

In a career that has taken her to barrooms and ballrooms, Nicole has shared the stage with the Sam Roberts Band, Ken Whiteley, Bif Naked, John Mays, Scott Merritt & Brandon Isaak. She’s been a featured artist at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, Hugh’s Room in Toronto, and the Dawson City Music Festival. Nicole also earned a West Coast Music Award nomination for her work and an invitation to perform at the event’s televised gala celebration. In December 2016 Nicole received a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) from the Governor General.

Despite the fact that Nicole has been forced to live with scleroderma (an auto-immune connective tissue disease) she continues her musical path undaunted with a renewed and unexpected focus towards her songwriting and a deep appreciation of the joy and healing music has always produced in her life.

What people are saying:

 “The CD release party was the most uplifting and fun concert I have ever experienced! I say “experienced” because it was engaging, natural, thought provoking, and so much fun! Just a fantastic musical delight appealing to the senses…all of the senses!” Sylvia

“I wanted you know that I am spending time with your new cd. I think it’s really wonderful. You are one of the gems of the Yukon. Gifted songwriter. Gifted singer. Gifted performer with drive and generosity. You have something magical that not many performers have. The whole package. Truly.“ Kim Beggs, musician

“On her fourth independent album, smoky-voiced Nicole Edwards delivers funky, upbeat R&B tunes fit for getting down with on the grass. The Yukon singer has moved through folk rock and jazz and is now knee-deep in blues, funk and soul.”  NOW Magazine, Toronto

“Nicole Edwards’ tremendous talents are a must hear.  Whether singing jazz or blues, she’s a powerhouse.  Smooth, soulful and sultry, Nicole’s voice packs in a ton of emotion and it’ll leave you wanting more!”  Vince Vitacco CHRY, Toronto

“Edwards’ complex voice ranges from fiery grit to sweet warm honey and her lyrics will move your soul, inspire, and make you giggle.” Leslie Ross, KHNS, Alaska

“Genre Bender: Uplifting, Fun and Sassy” “The playful woodwinds and piano bounced me through the song, putting a smile on my face, like I was a kid on a carousel again.” Erin Evangeline Brost, Whats Up Yukon

“a fabulous singing voice. High and soft when she speaks, her voice becomes throaty, huge, expressive and honest when she sings. Sage and Wild Roses, her fourth CD, is my favourite so far…. With Sage and Wild Roses, Edwards is back in singer-songwriter mode, creating catchy jazz-blues songs”. Barry “Jack” Jenkins, What’s Up Yukon

“Singer-songwriter Nicole Edwards has the most amazing voice. Her voice, songs, amazing spirit, and her ability to connect with her audience inspire me. I think the whole world would benefit from listening and dancing to her tunes.” Bev Gray, Yukon North of Ordinary magazine

“Nicole delivers a spirited show with energy, rhythm and joy.” Duncan Sinclair, president Jazz Yukon

“Attending a Nicole Edwards show is like walking into a passionately kept tropical garden. Everywhere you turn, there’s another wonderful discovery” Grant Simpson, musician, (past) President of MusicYukon.

“Nicole Edwards has a wonderful, warm voice that has the clarity of good Northern air and sparkles with soul.”    Ken Whiteley, musician

“J has a wonderful time with you and you are a super great mentor and amazing influence on her!!!!! We feel very fortunate that you take time for her and are very lucky. Take care, B”

 “Edwards, with her sultry Fiona Apple voice and Stevie Nicks persona, wowed even longtime fans Saturday night.” Juliann Fraser, Yukon News, 2003

“Her songs are sophisticated, lyrical and full of energy.” Al Pope, Yukon News. re Farrago 2001

” It is inspiring the way that you are taking your time being palliative and using it to continue to create meaningful and beautiful music. I love your mindfulness pieces, they’re so diverse, it’s wonderful. I like that they’re not all contemplative, “Brain Changing Power” has a great beat for doing exactly that, getting your mind out of a rut. I will be sharing them.”. Keltie, 2021

“It was great to hear you sing again, Nicole. You have such a good way with an audience! People love to watch performers who are filled with goodness and talent.” Fraser Jackson, bassoonist with Toronto Symphony Orchestra

“Next to grace the stage was Nicole Edwards with a stunningly poignant love song from her life made all the richer being based in truth. Edwards has experienced medical difficulties in her life and her second song was a powerful lament about not letting her illness define her life. Both pieces had Kim Barlow and Anne Louise Genest as guest musicians. When Edwards and Genest waltzed across the stage there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” Whitehorse Star re: YWIM CD release concert. (Song: “Widow’s Waltz” )

“All your kind words mean so much to me. THANK YOU for seeing me this way.“ Nicole

“Nicole Edwards’ passion and dedication for empowering youth through music has changed my life. Nicole began working with me when I was fourteen. She encouraged me to pursue my creative passions and showed me how to use music as a tool to engage my community. Her work has created countless opportunities for myself and other youth to live positive, healthy, and fulfilled lives regardless of their circumstances. Nicole’s influence has inspired me to become a professional musician and educator. I know Nicole will continue to make a difference with her music and limitless positivity. She is an architect of the amazing youth music and cultural scene that makes the Yukon truly unique.” Daniel Ashley, re: Governor General Award – Meritorious Service Medal (2016)

“Nicole inspired me and so many other youth to aspire to greatness,” said Cherish Clarke, who was involved with BYTE ‘s peer support network. “Nicole’s leadership forged a path that instilled values of acceptance of diversity, unity, integrity and compassion. She continues to model these qualities within her life, particularly with her career in music. She is able to bring together the best minds and voices in the Yukon and across Canada and I am honoured to call her a friend and mentor.” Cherish Clarke, re: Governor General Award – Meritorious Service Medal (2016)

“Thank you for introducing me to the astounding world that is BYTE (Empowering Youth). Your creation personifies your most vivid qualities, your immense kindness and creativity, the power of bringing people together, the innovation of fresh water in a desert clime. You inspire me to no end. I trust your guidance and value your friendship as one of the strongest trees in my garden of good people. I love your voice, I love your songs, I love your music. They help carry life along.“ David P

 “It was such a wonderful concert, and the three of you (with Annie Avery & Paul Bergman)are so great together.  Your music just seems to get better and better, and I always feel joyful listening to you.  Your beautiful soul shines through it.”  Diane P (re: Arts in the Park) 2014

“I had a couple conversations with people after your Arts-in-the-Park performance last week and we all marvelled at your spirit on stage and ability to belt it out with such great feeling.  In 3 languages, no less.  Well done and nice feelings all around.” R.B.

“This beautiful lady knocked it out at the gala (fundraiser for scleroderma in Mississauga ON). If you get the chance to go see her preform do it! You won’t be sorry” Victoria Bezic 2014

“Hi Nicole! I just wanted to let you know you did such an amazing job tonight. You touched the hearts of many of my guests…all I heard all evening was how much everyone loved your performance. Thanks so much!” The Mississauga Gala Committee, ON

“You were amazing, engaging, professional, great set of songs, generous to your audience and hey… your mom sang, beautiful!” Penny re Bean There Café, SR ON 2015

“Man can you sing – I don’t think I’ve ever told you how much I love listening to you – I think you have an incredible and powerful singing voice but on top of that, your smile , your joy, just your stage presence is pure happiness … You bring smiles to us lucky enough to hear you …. oh yeah Annie is pretty spectacular too! “ M.B. 2014

 “Thanks again for coming down and putting your heart into our lives that night at Tim and Ann’s house; it was too special an occasion to attempt to describe in words. Although I wished I had recorded your performance it will remain with me for a long long time.” KipK, re house concert in Haines, Alaska 2010

Thanks — Saturday night was a great show — you had an awesome, ALL female group.  How powerful is that. Brenda B. YWIM concert 2010

Nicole-I just wanted to thank you for performing at Spring Fling. I am receiving thank you calls from community members who came and enjoyed your music. Having you here made the evening special! I look forward to seeing you at Fair time-Till then enjoy the days” Kelly Hostetler, Fair Director, Southeast Alaska State Fair 2010

“It was so great to hear you sing Saturday night. I haven’t heard you in  a rockin blues situation in a long time! Annie said you were  struggling(extremely tired) but you came across very strong and I was drawn in by your absolute sincerity and authenticity – you really MEAN it!  And another thing that struck me – your body is so in tune with the music – and the way you move, one easily forgets that you  are sitting down. Anyway – really enjoyed it, lots of good comments all around me too!” Andrea McColeman, Musician Re: Joy Seekers at Gold Rush, 2009

Many thanks for all your beautiful playing, singing last night. I had so many people tell me how much they enjoyed the concert, and the selection of material. Nice job MC’ing, Nicole, beautiful entry solo on My Man Jon, nice playing Tom, and Lonnie, where would we be without you? It was good to listen and play with you all, Tired today.” Annie Avery, musician

 “I wanted to tell you how impressed and inspired I was with your show last night. Absolutely spellbinding. Your voice!  Your performance!  Your confidence!  Not to mention how gorgeous and unique your outfit was and how beautiful you were. The picture of northern class, so perfect for the genre.  It was so excellentNicole, I’m thinking it’s the best concert I’ve seen in years.. REally. A wholehearted congratulations to you for your obvious hard work and passion in putting together this act. in awe, and still hummin’” Kim R 

“It’s totally my pleasure to hear you play.  Your original songs are wonderful, and I do understand where you are coming from.” DP

“Thanks for the invitation and the wonderful show.  I feel so positive. You looked so much stronger.  You and your band were so connected.  You all seemed to communicate so naturally with each other through your instruments. Thanks again.” DB

“Thank you so much for your CD. You have an absolutely BEAUTIFUL voice! I love your songs, the music, the words, the inspiration! From the moment I met you I could feel that you were such a blessing for those around you. You just radiate strength, warmth, joy and a positive outlook on life and I love that in a person.” IC, ON 2006 

“Hi Lee Thank you for sending me pictures of moose. I’ve listened to your wife’s song. I think your wife Nicole is wonderful singer. Please give my best regards to Nicole” Ichiro 2010

“Congratulations on the way you have persevered through very difficult times and always found something to be happy about. Thanks for sharing your magic.” D & I B

“I love how you sing Nicole!  You shine and you are LOVE in body!” H.A. 

“I had so much fun dancing while you were performing on Saturday night. You are FANTASTIC and just keep on getting better! Those are great songs that you and Dave wrote!” Erica Heyligers, musician, luthier, past President of YWIM

“S found you enchanting as did I and you brought elegance to the evening that is much missed in the Yukon for the most part.” DW Re: Senator’s Ball 

“Thanks for an inspiring performance tonight. It was magnificent to see you pick up a guitar and play it! Congratulations.” R.A. 2012

“Thank you for putting on such an amazing concert at Hugh’s Room. Your music is very moving and really hits home for me. Thank you for your generosity in being so open to share your personal life experiences; both ups and downs. Your voice is a gift! I have many favourites on your CD but my current top two are: Grumpy Pants and Be the Change. Thank you so much for the gentle reminder to be grateful for what one has… is really is so easy to lose perspective.” A.M. Toronto 

“I’m so proud of you. Thanks for sharing your music and your passion.” Raina Maki

“Thanks to your perseverance and love for singing, you have inspired countless individuals in your life.” M.S. ON 

“I neglected to say how much I was TOTALLY drawn into and blown away by your interpretation and delivery of Love for Sale. Sultry, smoky, funky, great groove. Never heard that tune in that way before. Space for the lyrics expressed with such sass. Dave and Grant stepped up to the plate with all the right touches. It was a jaw dropping performance, Nicole. You “sold” me. :) Cheers” D.S. re Cole Porter concert

“it’s been awhile. I’m so gratified to see that you’re passion for music, and spreading wonderful whimsical messages of friendship, love, what have you that’s good in this life, has remained undiminished since the cafe days in South River” J.W.

“I love your energy and your beautiful and inspiring lyrics…and with Dave (Haddock) by your side, you can’t go wrong!!” K.D.

“Hey Nicole! Enjoyed you and Dave yesterday…you always “lift me up” and remind me of what’s really important in this world.” S.B.

“hi nicole i enjoyed watching you the other night….you have been at it for a long time…and it shows.” Dave Brook (re Bailey’s Pub)

“Absolutely awesome playing at the beerfest.  You guys rocked it and your voice is incredible.”  Eva, Haines, Alaska

“We want to send you a note of appreciation for the gift of your beautiful music.  You put together a wonderful collection of gospel music which we enjoyed very very much, and hearing your voice is always such a treat.  The combination of Annie’s incredible keyboarding, Rob’s skill on the bass and your wonderful singing was just perfect. I know you were in pain and I hope you are feeling better now.” Diane P

“I really enjoyed your set last night.  The band played great & your singing was perfect for the material…liked the way you slipped in your originals as well (very witty & catchy songs…still have your tango in my head:)” M.B. re Los Osos 

“Your band was awesome last night and you, my Glorious Goddess friend, were outstanding.  You were sexy, stunning and radiating with appreciation, HAaaaapppinessss, and LOVE! It brought me such JOY to see you dancing. You AMAZE me.” Trish (Frostbite)

 “Your song “More than a Diagnosis” means so much to me.   It defines who we really are.  Ourselves.  Full of life. I lost my sister in law to scleroderma.  I have an inkling of what you are going through.  Continue to be strong.  Now my wife is facing ALS with me at her side.   Your music helped me through the day (albeit with some tears).  Thanks for helping us through this day.   Blessings.   Love.   Peace. “ via Patients Like Me

I was cruising the Raynaud’s Association website today, and came across your little song about Raynaud’s. I too live with scleroderma (with extensive Raynaud’s). After a discouraging rheumatology appointment yesterday, your song really was the perfect thing to make me smile. Obviously the symptoms described are painful to experience, but I relate 100%. It reminded me I am not the only one who struggles it. I needed that. I wanted to say thank you. MD

Singing Through an Illness: “This video helped me when you released it. I also live with another major Nicole Edwards fan, and that was before he discovered you do music. I still remember him telling me all about how beautiful you are, and how he knows you, after he saw you at the YAC lobby thinking you were there to see the show. Only to squeeze my hand so tight with joy when he discovered you walking on stage, and then you performed. I watched as his favourite person became his musical hero. It was like a kid seeing magic. He still plays and sings your music while doing the dishes. Your music has been vital to our home, our joy, and our healing.” E et A   

“Wonderful!!!! Thanks for sharing!! I can definitely relate to her Chronic Illness as I too have a CI that makes day-to-day living a challenge…. It’s all in how you deal with it, how you think about it & how you share it… Life is too short to live in the gloominess & depression… we need colour, light hearted folks around us & Love & Laughter to help get us thru & the belief that we still have a purpose in life!!”  J M

“You are truly an inspiration Nicole and you have such a beautiful a positive energy about you. Thank you for sharing that energy and part of yourself.” C G R

“This is fantastic Nicole! What a beautiful uplifting message and a really impressive quick peak retrospective of all your great work.. Not to mention gorgeous work by Jessica Hall once again!.”  Andrea McColeman, musician

“So beautiful, my grumpy pants fell right off me!” M M 

“Nicole, you so inspire me to sing and live out loud…For better or worse” Debi KK

“This outstanding video expresses most wonderfully what your communities of family already know about you – your heart and courage is 2^ndto none!! Your loved ones whom have been by your side from day one, compliment your strength and spirit!! Thank you for All that you bring to this world – reminding to make it a better place. leaving no stone of life worth living unturned!!” Crystal Ojala Mclean

“This is super powerful Nicole Edwards. I miss you already.” Heidi Brook

“ ‘Be thankful for love’ – one of the kindest, loving & most inspiring people I have been blessed to have met in my life.” Erin Little

“Your videos are so beautifully representational of who you are.  You should be kissed by a dragon fly everyday…” Vanessa

“My beautiful friend Nicole in a moving video about truly LIVING. This is such a wonderful and brave video, Nicole. You inspire me in so many ways, musically and as a positive force in the world.” Fawn Fritzen, musician

“I thought I would forward you an email from my sister. I had sent her your inspiring movie that was played at the scleroderma conference and she asked me to pass on that your courage builds up other people with a chronic condition as well. She feels honoured especially because she has met you and has seen you perform live in some concerts. As you may know she struggles with and fights against letting MS define her life. Every time I visit her in Germany your CDs are playing in her car. I had always just assumed that she really liked your music, now I see a much deeper connection. Thank you!” GN

“Just wanted to say congrats on this very very fine piece of work.  Jessica’s production is first-rate, but more than that was the quality of you, and your message to others afflicted.  Even though I’ve been gone four years, I have continued to observe online through the papers and the MusicYukon newsletters, always remaining so impressed by your great attitude and perseverance in the face of such great odds. This vid is going to help a lot of people. Kudos for your continuing strength and outlook, you are always a ray of light!” Mark S

“I wanted to introduce you to one of the most inspiring people I know, Nicole Edwards. I first met her when we worked on the Yukon youth council back in the late 90s and she is now as she is always… a beacon of hope & good energy! Thank you Nicole for being you!” Duane Aucoin

“I LOVE your video and the grace with which you have learned to live with scleroderma.  Your attitude and love for yourself come through so clearly in everything you do.  Thank you for sharing your sweet self with us” Courtney

“You are an inspiration to a lot of people. I suffer with chronic illness good days and bad days. Your music is healing.” GD 

“Absolutely loved it. Thank you for sharing. How beautiful you are. It shines through the beauty in you. We can still have a life!” Newfie54

“So enjoyed your video and your courage. We can’t help the deal that we got, but we can control what we do with the deal. You are in inspiration. Thank you for sharing. You express in song, what we feel.” Cleo

“Thank you for putting it into words and song. You are a beautiful talented young woman. Stay strong and hopeful. Keep singing and that will get you through the worst of times. Peace to you.” Chris in Chicago

“love your voice and music, you really cheered me up, so thank you!
I play piano, have been teaching for many years but recently had to have the first joint of my middle finger, right hand, amputated due to Raynauds. It’s been so very hard coming to terms with the loss but I am determined to continue playing, I just use other fingers…whatever it takes! You are an inspiration and have helped me a lot so thank you again. Take care and keep on singing!” thiner

“This is an amazing video… amazing message… I live with Fibromyalgia… and good for me to see and hear this from Nicole… Let us all whatever our tests… be happy, upbeat and keep on SINGING!!!” MH LV

“Thank you so much! The show must go on…..normal changes and we must keep adapting. I cried because I felt your loss and then was inspired to carry on. A friend put on nylon strings on a 40 year old Yamaha guitar and gave it to me last Sunday because I had told him I needed to stretch out my fingers to fight the curling. Sadly, it is too hard, I will keep trying but there does come a time when one needs to accept the level of ability. So loved “Grumpy Pants”….” acolnar

“Wow Nicole, you are amazing! You have such a great attitude. I love your voice and am so happy for you that you continue to write and sing. I found myself laughing when you sang, “Grumpy Pants”. Love, love that song. Thanks so much for sharing your video with me.” Lumpy

“A wonderful reminder to us that we can have a life outside of illness, not to mention how humour can diffuse a whole litany of troubles. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” What a true inspiration you are, Nicole. Thanks so much for sharing!” jennymccrary

THANK YOU THANK YOU NICOLE!! As a professional pianist who had one fingertip removed and another one threatening to go black on me, I literallyfeel your pain. I know also what it’s like to give up playing piano and have to rely on others to play it for me when I’m directing. Yeah, it su^%# but the music is inside and still demands to be out of our souls, doesn’t it?  “I’ve got my grumpy pants on…” Blessings” Jan

“Nicole, my son met you in Tagish at the Yukon Women in Music tour. He is a passionate and aspiring musician. When he came home the first thing he told me about was this woman who played such beautiful, fun music even though she had trouble moving her hands. He has never forgotten you. He told me that he remembers how hard it was to harden up his fingers, and how painful it was when he first started, and how it’s painful for you every day, but you still do it. You inspired my son. Your determination inspired him when he saw you play, and it encouraged him to push past that initial bump and truly find his passion. Thank you.” M

“What a beautiful sharing, Nicole. Your bright and strong music interlaced throughout the video coupled with your powerful words is all such an inspiring statement of how incredible your passion for music and life rises strongly above your challenges and struggles. Thanks *so* much for sharing! !!!! Happiness!!! *Loved the dragonfly visit!!!” Liz 

“I was clicking on a video of yours the other day and was reminded of what a super, original musician you are. I really appreciate how you tell stories with your songs. You connect with people through your words and I really enjoy them.”  Sophia