Today we’d like to introduce you to Will And Reid Nichols.
Hi Will and Reid, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Born in a family kitchen in Portland, Maine, 12/OC began as a shared dream between brothers Will and Reid, just 14 and 11 years old, cutting their teeth at jam sessions and open mic nights. What started locally didn’t stay that way for long. Their sound quickly resonated beyond Maine, capturing the attention of country music fans near and far.
With a chart-topping single holding the No. 1 spot on Maine’s premier country radio station for 16 consecutive weeks, their momentum became impossible to ignore. Accolades followed, including being named Act of the Year 2025 in all of New England, solidifying their impact across the region.
On the road, 12/OC has opened for over 50 Nashville recording artists, earning a reputation as a must-see live act and building a loyal fan base night after night. That momentum continued into 2026, with the band securing a spot on a Dylan Scott tour in March of 2026, marking a major milestone in their national growth.
Known for their infectious, high-energy songs and relentless work ethic, 12/OC delivers a vibrant, feel-good live show that leaves audiences wanting more, proving they’re not just part of the country music scene, but a force pushing it forward.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up in Maine, we were proud of where we came from, but there weren’t many opportunities for a country band trying to build a national career. We spent years playing bars, fairs, and anywhere that would give us a stage. We drove thousands of miles for shows that barely covered gas money, loaded our own gear at 2 a.m., and learned every lesson the hard way.
There were plenty of moments when it would have been easy to quit. We watched artists in Nashville making connections we couldn’t reach from over 1,000 miles away. Every songwriting session, label meeting, or industry opportunity meant another expensive flight or a long drive south before turning right back around to make it home for the next weekend’s gigs.
But Maine also gave us something we wouldn’t trade for anything. A loyal fanbase that believed in us before anyone else did. Those fans packed our hometown shows, requested our songs on the radio, streamed our music, and kept proving that what we were building was real.
Eventually we realized that if we wanted to take the next step, we had to bet on ourselves.
Moving to Nashville meant leaving behind our comfort zone, our friends, and the place we’d always called home. Starting over wasn’t easy. Suddenly we were just another band in a city full of incredible musicians. We had to earn every opportunity all over again by meeting new people, writing every day, hearing “no” more times than we could count, and continuing to grind while trying to find our place.
The difference now is that every challenge has a purpose. We’re surrounded by some of the best songwriters, producers, and artists in the world, and every day pushes us to become better than we were the day before.
We’re still the same two brothers from Maine. We just traded snowy back roads for Nashville streets. The work ethic hasn’t changed. The dream hasn’t changed. Only the size of the opportunity has.
Everything we’ve been through, from playing tiny bars in Maine to building a life in Nashville, has made us who we are. We believe the hardest part of the journey is what made the story worth telling.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As brothers, we each bring something different to 12/OC. Will serves as lead guitarist, co-lead vocalist, and helps lead the band’s production, touring, and technical side. Reid is co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, helping drive the songwriting, performances, and creative direction. Together, we write, perform, and manage nearly every aspect of the band, building 12/OC from the ground up.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We’re always looking to connect with people who believe in what we’re building. Whether it’s booking us for live shows, collaborating on songwriting, creating content together, partnering as a brand sponsor, or helping open doors in the music industry, we’re excited to work with people who share our passion. The support from our fans, business partners, and team has helped us get this far, and we’re always looking for new opportunities to grow together.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.twelveocmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twelveocmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TwelveOCMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@twelveocmusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@twelveocmusic_
