Nicole the banker, song writer, singer

A banker by profession, singer/songwriter Nicole De Coteau has recently released her first solo CD titled Christmas is Here. The Christmas single was composed and sung by De Coteau and  was produced by Jason Dasent with background vocals by H2Ophlo. The song is a Christmas ballad, with a personal Christmas message from De Coteau, whose sultry voice lends support to the song. However that is not all that the public can expect from her in the very near future, as it is her intention to put out another CD for the 2004 Carnival season. De Coteau told People that before working in the bank she was singing full time.

From 1990 - 1993 she’s been involved with the Lydian Singers led by Pat Bishop. She also performed at music festival level back then. After she started her career in a bank, she entered main competitions hosted by the bank. But it was in 1996, when she participated in the annual Bank of Commerce Calypso contest, that was the beginning of things to come for her. In 1997 she placed 4th in Trinidad and Tobago National Song Festival with an Elvis Chairman composition “You,” and the following year went one better when she placed third with “Heavenly,” another Chairman composition.

De Coteau’s next stint was with the band Rampage in 2000, when they were contracted to be one of Poison’s road bands for the two days of Carnival that year. She then parted ways with the band for a more lucrative contract with the revived Kalyan. De Coteau spent the years 1998 to 2002 with them until she decided to go solo earlier this year. She immediately recorded her first mini-CD, with tracks “Dancing”, “Is Car-na-val” and “Pan Take Over” in time for Carnival 2003. She expressed delight at performing at the annual Champs in Concert this year. In her bio, De Coteau stated that assertive, controlled aggression and “attitude” are vital attributes to success in virtually every sphere of life, particularly as an entertainer. One is especially blessed if these attributes come in a package wrapped in quiet but potent confidence.

De Coteau claims she possesses all of the above and then some. Asked how she juggled work and singing — “It is not bad. I focus on my singing career. I work 8 - 4 and at night I entertain. It’s not strenuous on me since I have become accustomed to it,” said De Coteau. However, she jealously guards her privacy, and will only say that she is married and in her early thirties. Meanwhile, De Coteau is extremely determined to etch her name, voice and music on the hearts and minds of people everywhere in the world.