Meet Caroline Nikolaus of 12th South

Hi Caroline, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My childhood was spread across different states in America, Japan, and Germany. I grew up in the military, which meant we moved every 1-4 years. Living nearly eight years abroad with consistent transitions influenced everything from who I am, how I view the world, and what home means. Music was an incredible companion for me growing up. I would always find a choir to join, a piano to play, a band to perform in, and friends to make music with. Music was, and still is, my journal. I wrote songs, strummed the guitar, or played the piano when I needed to process, feel, or be. Melodies give me clarity; composing gives me comfort. I studied music theory & vocal jazz in college. My songs went from high school lyrics and simple chord structures to more complex writing and harmonic layering. I love harmonies. Performing in my college band taught me my strengths and weaknesses on stage, and that I loved performing for people. I was in a big show my senior year and was invited to a songwriters retreat with Centricity Music (the same one Lauren Daigle went on a year previous). This retreat solidified my decision to move to Nashville after graduation and pursue music.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Early on, there seemed to be a choice I had to make between being an artist or a songwriter. I always chose both. It was not necessarily a struggle, but only six months after moving to Nashville, I got a job offer that required a move to England. A few weeks later, I was on a plane, moving abroad for a solo adventure. I remember meeting with one of my music mentors while still deciding, asking him if leaving Nashville would ruin my music career. He said doing this would only give me more experiences to write about; it would inspire my songwriting. It did. I wrote more songs in England than I ever did in Nashville. My music seasons seem to parallel, or callback to, my childhood of seasons. With each place I live as an adult, I have different musical opportunities and limits and consequently adapt my creations to that specific season. The struggle with this transitory life is leaving my musicians, producers, projects, venues, and studios every time I move. It grants me connections around the world but slows down overall production. I start over in a new place. And, of course, the struggles of always doubting yourself, people not believing in you, saying you will fail, trying for years without success, losing inspiration, and writer’s block. The discipline to keep going and develop your craft is a daily struggle.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a singer, songwriter, musician, and composer. I can blend with anyone you put me on a mic with, and I am extremely good at anticipating musical movements and transitions in live settings. Add an amazing harmonizer to the list. I have been writing for twenty years and in the music industry for close to ten. I am proudest of my collection of songs binders full of them, ready to be produced, mixed, and mastered. My musical adaptability has allowed me to create with numerous people in various genres (country, Christian, sync, Americana, jazz, pop, etc.). I competed in an international radio contest and got Top 5. I directed (and sometimes filmed) music videos. I worked with a playwright to create five one-act plays based on five western songs my band, MORROW, wrote. We also recorded and performed an original song for a feature film. In April, I released an instrumental piano album.