Lucero’s Ben Nichols Solo Band Signs to Universal

Lucero Frontman Ben Nichols Announces Release of Highly Anticipated Solo Debut
The Last Pale Light in the West – a Mini-LP due out January 20, 2009
Lucero Signs to Universal Records and Announces Release of Sixth Studio LP for Summer 2009

Ben Nichols by A. Smith

Lucero frontman Ben Nichols announces the release of his highly anticipated solo debut album, a “mini-LP” titled The Last Pale Light in the West, out January 2009 via Liberty & Lament / The Rebel Group. Nichols entered the studio this past August with Rick Steff (Cat Power, Lucero) and Todd Beane (Glossary) to record this seven track mini-LP which features songs inspired from the Cormac McCarthy book “Blood Meridian.” In full band news, Lucero has signed to industry giant, Universal Records, and the band will be heading into the studio to record music for their sixth studio LP at the end of 2008, which is scheduled for release in summer 2009.

2008 has been a busy year for Nichols, which has found him exploring and pursuing different artistic endeavors. He started it out by contributing vocals to The Hold Steady‘s most recent album, Stay Positive (read the review here), and was featured on the first single, “Sequestered in Memphis” as well as the tracks “Constructive Summer” and “Magazines.” Nichols starred in a leading role for MTV New Media’s upcoming and groundbreaking, online serial-music drama, “$5 Cover.” Created by filmmaker Craig Brewer (“Hustle & Flow,” “Black Snake Moan”), the series is dedicated to the historic music scene of Memphis, Tennessee – Nichols’ current hometown – and the lives of young modern-day artists working to put their twist on the storied musical landscape created by legendary musicians before them.

Nichols also did a song for All Aboard: A Tribute to Johnny Cash where he contributed his take on “Delia’s Gone” to the compilation CD (out now on Anchorless Records). All profits from sales go to the Syrentha Savio Endowment (SSE), a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to underprivileged women who cannot afford the expense of fighting breast cancer.

The Last Pale Light in the West displays Nichols’ signature gravelly voice accompanied by his acoustic guitar and complimented by Steff’s perfectly placed piano and accordion parts, as well as Beane’s subtle pedal steel guitar. During this year, Nichols made a coast to coast U.S. trek on tour with his Lucero bandmates and Beane in July and early August, delighting fans all over. Ben is currently performing tracks off his upcoming release and many Lucero favorites on the Revival Tour, where he is joined by Chuck Ragan (Hot Water Music) and Tim Barry (AVAIL), as well as guests including Tom Gabel (Against Me!).

Ben Nichols plays tonight (10/30) at Slim’s in San Francisco. Complete tour dates available here.

Lucero – “I Can Get Us Out Of Here Tonight”