Nix Ironstone is kicking off a bold new chapter with her debut single, “Dead To Me,” out today on all streaming platforms. A raw and unapologetic declaration, the track blends alternative rock and goth pop, creating a darkly cinematic soundscape, fueled by loyalty, heartbreak, and female solidarity.
Co-written with international pop artist Malory and produced by Malory alongside JUNO Award-winner Hill Kourkoutis (SATE, The Cliks), “Dead To Me” is as cathartic as it is anthemic. With its haunting melodies and punch-you-in-the-gut hooks, the single is a searing call-out to anyone who dares betray your best friend. Bringing the track’s dark intensity to life, the video also premiered today.
“Dead To Me” has been described as a raw and unapologetic call-out. What inspired this song, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
“Dead To Me” came from a place of wanting to reclaim strength in the face of betrayal. I’ve seen so many of my friends hurt by people they trusted, and I’m the kind of person who always shows up for the people I love. The song is both an anthem for anyone who’s been wronged and a way of saying, enough is enough. I want people to hear it and feel like they’re reclaiming their power.
You’ve blended alt-rock and goth pop into a dark cinematic soundscape. How did you approach shaping this new sonic identity?
I wanted the music to feel like stepping into another world — one that’s raw, cinematic, and a little dangerous. I’ve always loved artists who build a whole atmosphere around their sound, so for me it was about finding that balance of gritty guitars, haunting melodies, and cinematic production. I knew I wanted it to feel immersive, almost like a soundtrack to your darkest thoughts and boldest moments.
The track was co-written with Malory and produced alongside Hill Kourkoutis. What was the collaboration process like working with both of them?
This was actually my very first write with Malory, but it instantly felt like we understood each other. I came in with the idea for “Dead To Me,” and she already had the perfect melody to capture the vibe. It was like it was meant to be. From there, the song just flowed so naturally, like we were on the exact same wavelength. Then Hill came in and elevated it to a whole new level sonically, adding depth and edge while keeping the raw emotion intact. What made it even more powerful for me is that it’s always been a dream to create a track with an entirely female team, and these two women were the absolute perfect partners — strong, insanely talented, and completely in tune with the vision.
This project marks a transformation from your career as Nicole Rayy to your new era as Nix Ironstone. What led to the decision to reintroduce yourself under a new name?
Nicole Rayy will always be a part of me, but over time I realized the music I wanted to create no longer fit in that world. I wanted a name and identity that reflected the darker, bolder sound I was stepping into. Ironstone is actually my name by marriage, and it felt like the perfect fit for this new chapter. Nix Ironstone feels like my true self — unapologetic, a little darker, and strong enough to carry the weight of this new era.
You’ve had over a decade of success in Canadian country music. Was it difficult to leave that chapter behind, and how do you view your evolution as an artist?
It was definitely bittersweet, because country music gave me so many incredible opportunities and connections. But evolution is part of being an artist. I never want to stay in one place creatively. For me, this shift wasn’t about leaving something behind so much as stepping fully into who I am now. It feels less like closing a door and more like opening the right one.
Your country career came with major highlights – CMAO Award wins, millions of streams, and a strong reputation for empowering women in music. How do those experiences shape the artist you are today?
Those experiences gave me a foundation of confidence and community. The recognition was amazing, but what I value most is the impact. Creating space for women in music and building connections with fans who felt seen through my songs. That spirit of empowerment and connection is something I’m carrying into this new chapter, just with a louder, darker soundtrack.
The darker, grittier sound you’re stepping into has been compared to artists like Evanescence and The Pretty Reckless. Do you see them as influences, and how do you balance those inspirations with your own voice?
Definitely — I admire both for their fearless energy and the way they blend heaviness with melody. But my goal was never to imitate. I pull inspiration from artists like that, but the sound of Nix Ironstone is very much my own. It’s about channeling those influences through my perspective, my stories, and my voice, so that it feels authentic and distinct.
Female solidarity is a theme you’ve always championed, whether through HarmoniaFest or your music. How does that advocacy continue in this new rock-driven chapter?
That will always be at the heart of what I do. HarmoniaFest and my work in country were all about creating platforms and amplifying women’s voices. In this new era, the message is the same, empowerment, solidarity, and strength, but now it’s dressed in leather and distortion pedals. I want women to feel not only seen, but powerful and unstoppable in their own skin.
As a commanding live performer, how do you see your stage presence evolving with this heavier, darker sound?
I’ve always loved performing, but with this sound I feel like I can push things even further. There’s a different kind of intensity to it — more movement, more raw emotion, more theatrical moments. It’s about letting loose and creating an experience that’s just as visual and visceral as it is musical. I want the audience to walk away feeling like they lived inside the music with me for a while.
“Dead To Me” is just the beginning of this new era. What can fans expect next from Nix Ironstone as you continue building this bold new chapter?They can expect a full world to unfold. “Dead To Me” sets the tone, but there’s so much more coming. More singles, more visuals, and eventually a full body of work that tells the story of this transformation. It’s dark, cinematic, and unapologetic, but also deeply personal. Fans can expect honesty, power, and a little bit of chaos — exactly what Nix Ironstone is all about.
