Born into a musically gifted family, Croteau grew up in a setting where singing and playing instruments were a natural part of their everyday life. Both of her parents are very well rounded in music and led worship at Foursquare and AOG church's they attendeded in Montana before moving back and becoming involved with New Hope Christian Fellowship in Simi Valley, Calif. At the same time, her sister Olivia and her brother Tony have been involved in music as well, including by her side on her newest album, Anchors and Silhouettes. Tony plays the drums and is already very established as a drummer for "Luke Dowler" who has opened for bands such as Skillet and Fireflight. Olivia is the harmonizing vocals throughout the album. For Nicole, her family is the biggest support in her musical career pushing her to accomplish her dreams in all of her endeavors.
Before she signed on with Dream records, Nicole helped her parents lead worship in Montana and even sang at the Colgate Country Showdown. After singing her song "Thirsty Roots," She went on to come in 4th place out of over 200 contestants her first time attempting this competition.
After Nicole moved back to Westlake Village, Calif., she returned to sing at New Hope Christian Fellowship. Dave Hanley of Press Play asked her to fill in for their band while they went on tour. Because of her exceptional voice and personality, they got along very well and she signed with Press Play as their lead female vocals.
For this upcoming year, Press Play has some extraordinary plans including a two week trip to India in January spreading the message of Jesus' love through the Gospel for Asia program. They will be sponsoring children and families who are unable to support themselves. They are also preparing a tour across the US next spring, so make sure to keep checking their website for any concerts they will be playing near your area!
While working with Press Play, Nicole signed with Dream Records as a solo artist to express more of her own personal work, which comprises of deep and more evocative love songs to God making up her first solo album called Anchors and Silhouettes. Ever since she wasyoung, she has had a fascination with anchors and coincidentally read in the Bible that Christ stands as an anchor for our souls, that He keeps us grounded and is a foundation for our faith. Complimenting the word "anchors," the other part of her title "silhouettes" embodiesthe good and the bad in our lives. Defined as "a likeness cut from dark material and mounted on a light ground," the dark material represents humans in their rebellious nature displayed upon a light background that symbolizes Christ,the hope and the light that we hold on to.
The twelve songs that Croteau has written for Anchors and Silhouettes are birthed from a place of need to cry out to God and come straight from the heart to express her life experiences and emotion inside. Olivia Croteau comments on her sister and the making of the albumsaying that, "Nicole's music and lyrics inspire me the most; they're so true about what she feels and I feel it is hard to find people who write the truth. She's my best friend, we get along really well and we know what each other are thinking. This helps with the music. If she wants me to sing about a certain part, she doesn't need to tell me what to sing. The sibling harmony really kicks in," and this is certainly evident after listening to the album.
One of the most meaningful songs to Nicole is "Devon," which is named after a friend of hers. They had been very close classmates and Devon's mother was a very encouraging and prominent figure to Nicole and her music. However, before Nicole had signed on with Dream Records, Devon had tearfully informed her that her mother had passed away from cancer. This really took a toll on Nicole and inspired her to write this song for Devon as it describes how hard situations like these are to get through. However, it goes on to say that because of God's love, it is not the end and there will always be a brighter tomorrow.
With songs like these in Anchors and Silhouettes, Nicole aims to show her listeners that regardless of age, God is always the one you can turn to in times of trouble.
"I want to also reach out specifically to my generation with my music to show them that as they go through a time of searching for something of significance to feel "complete," they can turn to God for this feeling of being whole even more so."
As for plans in the future, Nicole will be continuing her individual career and involvement with Press Play with more albums to come.
RescuE
Nicole Croteau Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
writing, the story of our love.
Lover could you hear my cry for my rescue? The truth is that you heard it long before I
spoke. Lover I can feel you all around me now, with sweet eyes and sweet whispers, I
have been found.
These dry bones are healing, and I know your watching. Tenderly your leading, the story
of our love.
The song Rescue by Nicole Croteau is a tribute to a lover who has been a guiding light for the singer. The chorus, "Lover could you hear my cry for my rescue?", suggests that the singer is feeling lost and needs someone to bring her back from the brink. The verse, "With strong hands, you guide me. With soft words, you find me," reinforces this idea, showing that the lover is physically and emotionally present for the singer.
The second part of the chorus, "The truth is that you heard it long before I spoke," implies that the lover knows the singer so well that they can sense when something is wrong before the singer has even expressed it. The verse, "Meticulously your writing, the story of our love," suggests that the lover is committed to the relationship and has been actively building something with the singer.
The final verse, "These dry bones are healing, and I know your watching. Tenderly your leading, the story of our love," brings the song to a close by showing that the singer feels like she is on the path to healing and growth, thanks to the support of her lover. The image of "dry bones" suggests a metaphorical death or decay, and the fact that they are healing implies that the singer has been through a difficult period in her life.
Line by Line Meaning
With strong hands, you guide me.
You’re my protector and my guide through my trials with your strength.
With soft words, you find me.
Your sweet talk helps me through my darkest days.
Meticulously your writing, the story of our love.
Our love is like a book and you write chapters of it with care and attention.
Lover could you hear my cry for my rescue?
Can you perceive my need for help?
The truth is that you heard it long before I spoke.
You sensed my misery before I even expressed it.
Lover I can feel you all around me now,
I feel your presence around me now.
With sweet eyes and sweet whispers, I have been found.
Your affectionate gaze and soothing voice have found me.
These dry bones are healing,
I am recovering from my emotional wounds.
and I know your watching.
I am aware that you are keeping an eye on me.
Tenderly your leading, the story of our love.
You are leading me and our love story with kindness.
Contributed by Eva O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.