Country Soul Songstress Nickola Magnolia Laments Bad Habits On Reflective New Single ‘Cocaine And A Dream’

While living in London, Nickola Magnolia attended a wedding between two friends of hers who were country singers. During their exchange of vows, the newlyweds sang the Townes Van Zandt classic, “If I Needed You.” This struck Magnolia so deeply, thus planting the seed within her to create her own country music, forever altering the trajectory of her life.

Flashing forward to yesterday, November 22nd, the Canadian country songstress has released her endearing new single, “Cocaine and a Dream,” from her upcoming debut album, Broken Lonesome. 

The Port Hope, Ontario, native works as a tattoo artist and shop owner when she isn’t cutting her teeth at open mics, writing, and recording music. Largely influenced by artists such as Dolly Parton, John Prine, Jewel, and Van Zandt, she manages to craft a sound that is uniquely her own with bits and pieces of such songwriting legends. 

In “Cocaine and a Dream,” the follow up to her debut single, “Waiting for a Kiss,” Magnolia melds elements of soul, Americana, and country.

Her soulful, passionate, and twangy vocals soar over the chill yet somber instrumentation, giving the song a sense of intense yearning. With smooth bass lines, bluesey guitars, and rich organ, the song’s 60s ballad style is reminiscent of artists such as Amy Winehouse and Joni Mitchell. Magnolia’s thoughtful, intimate songwriting is also on full display, tackling themes of growing up, finding’s one place in the world, the death of friends due to the ongoing opioid crisis, and heartbreak. 

Magnolia also tackles similar themes of loss and heartache throughout her upcoming album, Broken Lonesome. She possesses an uncanny ability to be truthful and transparent in her lyrics, ultimately revealing her emotional and artistic vulnerability. The record was produced by Jimmy Bowskill (The Sheepdogs) and features members from Kathleen Edwards’ band.

“Cocaine And A Dream” is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and most other streaming platforms.