To hear her mother describe it, emerging pop country artist Nicole Rayy was born to be a singer.

“My mom joked that I used to sing when I was a baby before I even spoke any words,” says Nicole, who recently announced herself as a country pop musician whose star is on the rise.

From vocal lessons that began at age 10, to school musicals and talent shows, to a tryout at Canadian Idol where Nicole made it past the first set of auditions at the tender age of 16, her pursuits have all led her down this path towards a career in country pop.

“I really can’t see myself doing anything else.”

While she’d love to follow in the footsteps of country pop stars Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, Nicole is driven to create music regardless of where it takes her. It’s how she bares her soul to the world.

“It’s the only way that people can tell what I’m really thinking,” she says.

“When I write a song it says what I’m thinking, what I’m feeling. I think that’s why it’s so relatable, because I try to be as honest as possible and people can usually relate to that when they’re going through a similar situation.”

When this particular country pop singer/songwriter crafts music, her full range of emotion is on display.

“I think music is really my one and only way of calming down and being happy and being angry and being sad. It’s easier for me to express myself through music.”

Nicole's first two singles are a perfect illustration of the range of emotions she is willing to share with her fans. From the heartbreak of "She Don't Know That Much" that was released to radio in September 2011, to her upbeat second single "Baby You Just Know" released in 2012.

A winner of the Emerging Artist Showdown on Country 103 (CJKC FM - Kamloops,BC), Nicole is a member of the Canadian Country Music Association and the Canadian Country Music Association of Ontario and performed in the Diamonds in the Rough showcase in Saskatoon at the 2012 CCMA's.

Nicole is busy in the recording studio and is looking forward to releasing her EP in Spring 2013.

"I'm so excited about the release of my EP! I've been working really hard on it and I can't wait to share more of my stories through song with my fans."