On October 16th, the North Carolina-bred and New Orleans-based Nikki Hill will release her new album ‘Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists’ via Deep Fryed Records. Buoyed by her band’s roaring boogie that’s equal parts Staple Singers and AC/ DC, the new album sees Nikki exude a self-assured swagger as her fiery rasp preaches the rock & roll gospel: late nights, hot licks, and intoxicating love. Raised in thechurch choir and steeped in R&B and garage rock rumble, Nikki Hill is aspitfire with the soul-drenched voice of Etta James and thetattooed,beehived- hair aura of Cramps’ guitarist Poison Ivy. ‘Heavy Hearts, Hard Fists’ is a showcase for Nikki’s unfettered versatility, whether it’s thedebauchedbluster of “Struttin’”, the Stonesy barn-burning blues of “(Let Me Tell You ‘Bout) LUV”, or the touching soul ballad “Nothin’ With You”. Just a couple years ago, Nikki Hill was a bartender and personal trainer with an affinity for punk and a deep love for classic R&B. At her husband (and now guitar-player) Matt Hill’s behest, she stepped out from behind the bar and onto the stage. The response has been ecstatic, and now the band — tours the globe relentlessly, stunning audiences with their muscular sound, Matt’s volcanic leads, and, of course, Nikki’s inimitable charisma.