Sometimes, creative individuals find each other and collaborate, and the resulting art is so perfect that one can only imagine that it was meant to be. Kismet. Destined. Fate. Dwight Ritscher and Nicole Nelson, the pair behind the magic that is Dwight + Nicole, feel like they were supposed to be making music together. The vocals, the vibe, the musicianship – all of it weaves together to create a sound that is both exciting and comfortable, vintage and new. Genre-defying in all of the best ways, the songs on the band’s brand new album, “Day or Night,” weave among R&B groove, soaring alt-pop, bluesy rock, throwback classic sounds, and ’80s-inspired electronic flourishes, sounding inherently like only Dwight + Nicole can with every note. It’s an exhilarating listen. We sat down with Ritscher and Nelson recently to get the lowdown on this fantastic new album.
Hi, Dwight and Nicole! You have a terrific new album out in March called “Day or Night.” How did these songs come together and what broad strokes can you tell us about the collection?Nicole Nelson: Thank you! It took form last winter in Brooklyn, NY, at Studio G. The songs are little cross-section slices of our life over the last few years. Time has flown, and a lot has changed for all of us. This music, I think, really reflects it all. If you listen to it from beginning to end – it tells our story.
Dwight Ritscher: Thanks! We are so proud of this record! These songs have brothers and sisters for sure… a bunch of songs written over the last three years. The collection of songs on this record are the ones that resonate with us and each other.
One of the songs on your new album, “One Morning,” is really great and stood out to me. What can you tell us about that song? What inspired you to record this song?Nicole: Oh, I’m glad you like it! It almost didn’t make it to this album. It’s so different from the others, but thankfully, it clicked in when we tried it as the first song. Now I can’t imagine it NOT being there. The song is about being here during these wild times. Some in my band might call it a little bit apocalyptic, but for me, the reality is that the big upheaval times are also opportunities for major evolution. It’s like we are all experiencing a collective growth spurt. I’m glad I am here for it, even though it is uncomfortable and sometimes painful. The song is a reminder to slow down and take it ALL in – the good and the bad. Allow it to change you. The lyric “I’ll wake up one morning, undone in all my glory” is about standing in my power while witnessing the literal undoing of everything that was built before me.
What was it like recording this album? What was the vibe in the studio overall, and how did this song, in particular, come together. What do you hope this album conveys to those who listen to it?
Nicole: The vibe in the studio was incredible. Personally, any meaningful creative work post 2020 has some extra glimmer to it. It just feels more rare and fleeting. But this last session together was something special, like an escape into another world where creativity and love and passion are the most important things. A better place.
The album title… how did you choose it? What does it mean to you?
Nicole: “Day or Night,”the album title is mostly symbolic, meaning reality comes down to perspective. Days and nights give us brightness or darkness, but what else has actually changed? The way we perceive has changed. Light gives us a clearer picture of things, but darkness allows us to slow down and take things in differently. To tap our more subtle senses. Both are necessary.
If you look back over your career, you probably feel like quite a different performer now than when you began for a number of reasons – life experience, industry experience, studio and live performing experience all factoring into that. How do you feel you’ve changed as an artist/writer/creative person over the years?
Nicole: I mean, I am COMPLETELY different! Ha! Well, I now have a deeper understanding as to why I walked away from so many “opportunities” when I was younger. There were so many times when I was faced with a choice that seemed on the surface to be a huge break, but my whole intuition simply said, “No.” Something inside me stopped me from signing major deals, working with some very big names in this industry. I always knew what my path was not, and I am ok with spending my whole life meeting people who think, “Oh, she never got her big break.” The truth is, I walked away from these kinds of deals with a deep knowing of what was right for me, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about my past! It is possible to be an independent artist who lives free from horrible contracts and abusive, controlling industry nightmares. One who carves their own path and lives truthfully and beautifully. The allure of fame and fortune should not overshadow the call of your muse.
Dwight: I’ve always followed the muse. Grateful to still feel that same spark that I did around music as when I was a teenager. Grateful to have music to make with Nicole, Ezra, Joel, and our team! A career is one of ups and downs, and I have a lot more perspective on both of those ends having done this for a spell. It has been an incredible ride so far. From TV, getting songs on shows and movies, to playing one-nighters in a town where you’re pouring your heart out to five new fans, I have enjoyed it.
Where do you tend to get your biggest inspiration from these days? Nicole: Honestly, every day there is something profound happening around here. Look outside OR inside. There’s love, loss, heartbreak, excitement, devastation, and beauty happening everywhere all at once.
Dwight: I hear you, Nic!
Songwriting and recording music can be a really personal endeavor, yet when you release a song or an album, you share the music with so many people. How does this make you feel, and is it difficult to share songs widely like that? Have you gotten feedback from anyone who has connected with your music or had a song impact them in a deep and meaningful way?
Dwight: We hope this album conveys a sense of love and connection for listeners. Whether that’s with a partner, a loved one, a neighbor, or a friend, we’re in this life together. Let’s celebrate each other.
What has been the most exciting thing to happen for you in the past year? What are you most looking forward to in 2026?
Dwight: Being in the studio to finish this record! We are looking to get out and play these songs for folks!
Got any tour plans? Where can fans see you on the road?
Nicole: Yes, we do! Right now, we have our album release party at the Higher Ground in Burlington, VT on March 20th, and the upcoming tour is still being booked – TBA.
