Nicole Allan on Hitting Number One, Writing from the Heart and What Comes Next
Earlier today on Kennet Radio, Kate welcomed singer songwriter Nicole Allan into the studio for a lively conversation about music, creativity and the exciting year ahead.
Nicole has been making waves on the independent country scene, particularly following the success of her debut EP Goodbye Girl. One of the standout moments from the release came when her single Find Me reached number one on the UK Country iTunes chart, something she admits she never expected.
“I never thought it would hit number one on iTunes,” she said during the interview. “Any independent artist will tell you it’s all about who it reaches and how many people actively go and listen to it. The fact that so many people followed the journey meant so much.”
Nicole’s journey has been closely shared with her followers on social media, where she regularly posts behind the scenes updates about her work. She explained that being open about the process has helped people feel part of the adventure.
“It really did feel like I was on an adventure with hundreds of people,” she said. “Everybody was sharing it, commenting and coming to the events I was putting on. I love seeing behind the scenes from other artists, so I thought I would show people what it’s like on a grassroots level.”
The EP features four songs, each sparked by moments of inspiration. Nicole explained that the writing process often begins with a sudden idea or emotion that she feels compelled to turn into music.
“Find Me started because I heard someone say they felt lost,” she said. “I suddenly had a melody in my head and thought someone will find you, I’ll find you. With Madness of Money it was completely different. I was just angry because I was skint and the song ended up making me laugh when I wrote it.”
While Find Me holds a special place for Nicole because of its chart success, another track on the EP, Like Nobody Else, carries a powerful message about self belief in the age of social media. She spoke passionately about the pressure people can feel to seek validation online.
“If you enjoy something it doesn’t matter what other people think,” she said. “Reassurance is always nice but it shouldn’t define how you feel. The only person that’s going to have your back forever is you.”
Nicole is no stranger to performing live either, and she described the emotional moment when audiences began singing her songs back to her.
“Having over a hundred people singing my song back was mental,” she said. “Friends knowing the words is one thing, but hearing complete strangers singing along meant so much. I’d imagined that since I was a kid.”
There is plenty coming up for the artist in 2026. Nicole is preparing to travel to Nashville with the aim of meeting other creatives and performing at a writers’ round, an opportunity she says is both exciting and nerve wracking. Closer to home, she will also be performing at the Bucket List Wishes charity festival at Highfield Park this July alongside Chesney Hawkes.
New music is also on the way. Nicole revealed during the interview that the first single from her next EP will be released on 27 March, with further tracks planned every six to eight weeks.
As if that were not enough, she is also organising the Colours and Fires stage at Reading Pride, supporting emerging artists and giving them the chance to perform.
You can keep up with Nicole Allan on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok at @NicoleAllen95, and her music is available on all major streaming platforms.
You can listen to the interview in full at
https://www.mixcloud.com/kennetradio/kates-saturday-showcase-7th-march-2026/
at 1hr 06 mins in.
