Meet Nicole Haber

 

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Haber. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Nicole, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I’ve battled depression and anxiety from a young age, so optimism wasn’t something that came naturally to me—it’s something I had to learn. I’ve always been a realist, seeing things for what they are, but through my journey, I realized I needed to find a sense of hope in every bad experience. If I could find even a sliver of light in the darkest moments, I knew I could create something beautiful out of it. That perspective became a lifeline, not just for my personal growth but also for my music.

My songs often delve into heavy, sometimes depressing themes, but there’s always an underlying sense of hope or resilience. It’s about asking: How can we take the bad and turn it into something good? How can we rise above it all? That message reflects my own process of self-healing. Writing is my way of transforming those experiences—it helps me see the light and find meaning. Beyond music, I’ve also developed other techniques to stay grounded: doing things that bring me joy, practicing gratitude, and always asking, “What can I learn from this?” rather than sinking into thoughts like, “This isn’t fair.”

In the end, my optimism is a conscious choice, shaped by everything I’ve been through. It’s the belief that even in our darkest moments, there’s an opportunity to create something positive—not just for ourselves but for others, too.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Nicole Haber, a gender-fluid, pansexual Electro-Pop-Punk artist based in Toronto. My journey has been all about creating authentic connections through music, and I’m incredibly proud of the path I’ve carved out so far. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with a diverse range of international talent working as a singer-songwriter, topliner, and mentor, guiding emerging artists on the ins and outs of songwriting, performance, and the music business.

What excites me most about my work is its authenticity and energy. My music blends high-energy dance-pop with raw, pop-punk edge—drawing inspiration from artists like P!nk, Avril Lavigne, and Paramore. I’m known for my quirky, relatable lyrics and dynamic performances, which aim to connect deeply with fans. Whether it’s a track like “Poison,” recognized by CBC Music as one of the best songs of 2022, or my upcoming single “Rock Bottom,” addressing my hospitalization experience. I always strive to balance tough subjects with optimism.

Recently, I’ve ventured into livestreaming and content creation, building a tight-knit community where people feel genuinely valued and heard. We’ve created a vibrant space on social media & Discord, where we share our journeys, hang out during daily livestreams, and meet up at shows. This community means everything to me—it embodies my mission as an artist to talk about “real shit, not bullshit.” I want my music to be a safe haven for outcasts and underdogs, so no one feels like they’re facing life alone.

Looking ahead, I’m focused on finishing my debut album, which will showcase a bold, badass side of me that fans haven’t fully seen yet. With plans of touring across Canada, including my recent debut on the West Coast at the Richmond Night Market, which was an incredible experience, I’m excited to continue bringing my live show experience to new audiences.

At the end of the day, my goal is to connect, inspire, and remind people that even in the darkest moments, there’s always light to be found.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have had the most impact on my journey are resilience, authenticity, and my expertise in performance.

Resilience has been a defining part of my life since childhood. I had to take on adult responsibilities early, looking after myself and others. That experience shaped me into a strong, independent person, which has been crucial in navigating the challenges of the music industry. There are always going to be tough moments—rejections, setbacks, and unexpected obstacles. But I’ve learned to face them head-on, using each hardship as an opportunity to grow. My advice to anyone starting out is to embrace those tough moments. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this?” instead of getting stuck in negativity. Every challenge makes you stronger.

Authenticity is another key factor. For a long time, I struggled with my identity, trying to please everyone and hiding parts of who I was. I felt lost and faded into the background. Once I decided to be unfiltered and unapologetically myself, everything changed. I stopped worrying about what others thought and started focusing on what truly made me happy. That’s when I found my real voice, and people started connecting with my music in a deeper way. My advice is to be real and true to yourself. When you embrace who you are, not only will you find your audience, but you’ll also find more fulfillment in your journey.

Lastly, my expertise in performance has played a huge role. I didn’t start with a deep understanding of the music industry—I came from a background in musical theatre and film, where I learned how to sing, act, and dance on stage and on camera. Those skills became some of my biggest strengths. Even as I’ve had to learn the business and production sides along the way, my stage presence and ability to connect with an audience have set me apart. For anyone starting out, I’d say focus on honing your craft. Be excellent at what you do, and let your passion shine through. Your talent, personality, and performance can open doors you never expected.

In the end, resilience, authenticity, and dedication to your craft are what will carry you through. Stay true to yourself, face challenges with courage, and never stop growing.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is take a step back and chill the fuck out. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, especially in the music industry, where it often feels like you have to be “on” 24/7. But at the end of the day, music is like any other full-time job—you’re allowed personal time off, vacations, and set work hours. I remind myself that overworking and pushing myself to the limit doesn’t help anyone in the long run. Being kind to yourself is crucial.

You need to be okay and well to perform at your best. That advice doesn’t just apply to musicians; it’s something everyone needs to remember. When you’re overwhelmed, take a breath and reevaluate. What can you do to calm yourself? Are there small tasks you can tackle or delegate to reduce your stress? It’s essential to set boundaries and take days for yourself without feeling guilty. You’re human. Your career, no matter how much you love it or how central it feels, is only one part of your life. It’s not everything.

Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

N/A

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move