The number two is powerful. Not only does it signify Nina Sky's tag teaming force, it also signifies the culmination of their independent EP release, "The Other Side." Since their global recognition in 2004 with the reggae-infused pop Jam, "Move Ya Body," the duo has spent six years challenging their voices and learning more about themselves in life and in business. "Just because we weren't in the spotlight doesn't mean we weren't making moves," Natalie explains. "These last six years were spent traveling, doing shows all over the world, writing and working with other artists. We've really had time to mature into women and master our craft. It shows lyrically and vocally on this EP."
While six years have elapsed, "The Other Side" aims to keep Nina Sky listeners in tune with the duo's journey since their first album. It takes just one listen to their new EP--a savvy mix of dance songs touched with soulful R&B, 80s and 90's -inspired beats and up-tempo drums--to understand their growth as musicians and artists over the years. Songs such as "You Aint Got It," sampling Sagat's 1994 dance hit "Funk Dat;" "Only You," a track featuring Natalie's soulful ranting and a verse by Naledge of Kidz in the Hall; and "Love Song," a remake of The Cure's "Lovesong," showcase Nina Sky's fresh new sounds and stimulating vocals.
As Nicole and Natalie ready for a fresh beginning, their musical abilities have never once failed to resonate with audiences. "We aren't only singers; we write all of our music," Natalie reveals. "Nicole plays guitar and deejays. We are very musical and try to show this while on stage. Our vibe isn't like your typical group! Because Nicole deejays, she's able to command the crowd and every once and a while, we'll bring the guitar out on stage to show our versatility." As a teen, Nicole mastered the turntables but relied on her guitar playing skills to support the lyrics she and Natalie wrote. Fast forward years later and the duo's songwriting capabilities are displayed in catchy party starting records to poignant ballads.
Don't think for one second that Nina Sky is just a band with a hit or two in the past. When it comes to Nicole's deejaying, her competent demeanor has allowed the duo to travel all over the world playing gigs from the Philippines to Italy and various venues throughout Europe. We dare you to watch a recent video on their YouTube page; Nicole's ambidextrous skills on the turntables will literally turn heads - twice. Aside from Nicole's deejaying, when asked to model the duo has lent their adorable looks to multiple campaigns including Rachel Roy, Converse, G-Shock and MadeMe and to magazines including Nylon and Vibe. Their inimitable fashion sense has caught the attention of many as they both have their own image yet their looks stands to be a cohesive force. Many a times, Nina Sky has been active in voicing their opinions on LGBTQ rights both nationally and internationally. The twins recently performed at Rome's annual Gay village festival as well as posed for the No H8 Campaign.
"The Other Side" places Nina Sky on a new path, but their ride to recognition began before its creation in Astoria, Queens, where Puerto Rican twins Nicole and Natalie Albino grew up amongst salsa beats and freestyle anthems. The most prolific musical force the duo recalls came from that of their stepfather a self-taught DJ who created a home enveloped in the sounds of Mary J. Blige, Madonna and Bob Marley, among others. "We grew up in a household where music was always played. Our dad deejayed from sunrise to sunset, it's because of him that we learned to appreciate all genres of music and have always been open to experimenting with different sounds and vibes," says Nicole. Nina Sky's ascent in the music business was supported by MTV VJ, HOT97 jock and producer DJ Cipha Sounds, who met the two at 17 through their production team The Jettsonz, and immediately recognized their gift. "When we auditioned for Cipha, we didn't know what to expect. But he embraced our performance and soon after, asked us to hit the studio with him," Natalie reflects. "At our first session he played us the Coolie dance riddim and, within 30 minutes of hearing it and vibing out, we'd written "Move Ya Body," continues Nicole. "We had no idea what would come of it but he kept saying the song was gonna be big. Same way he believed in us, we believed in him, and the song took off!." Cipha assisted the duo in signing with Eddie O'Loughlin and Next Plateau Entertainment/Universal Records. "Move Ya Body," off their self-titled first release, made Nina Sky a household name in 2004. The "Nina Sky" album hit the industry with a brand of R&B that was unprecedented, coming from two Puerto Rican twin sisters from Queens. That same year, rapper N.O.R.E. called on Nina Sky for vocal assistance on "Oye Mi Canto," featuring Daddy Yankee, which became the first reggaeton record to hit mainstream radio and showcased the ladies bilingual talents. The duo was featured on The Alchemist's ode, "Hold You Down," featuring Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Illa Ghee, most recently, in 2009 they showcased their vocals on Major Lazers "Guns don't Kill People, Lazers Do" second single "Keep It Going Louder."
Now, with "The Other Side" EP complete, Nina Sky welcomes tastemakers and fans to rejoice in their return. An elaborate work of art, "The Other Side" showcases the growth and versatility that is Nina Sky.
While six years have elapsed, "The Other Side" aims to keep Nina Sky listeners in tune with the duo's journey since their first album. It takes just one listen to their new EP--a savvy mix of dance songs touched with soulful R&B, 80s and 90's -inspired beats and up-tempo drums--to understand their growth as musicians and artists over the years. Songs such as "You Aint Got It," sampling Sagat's 1994 dance hit "Funk Dat;" "Only You," a track featuring Natalie's soulful ranting and a verse by Naledge of Kidz in the Hall; and "Love Song," a remake of The Cure's "Lovesong," showcase Nina Sky's fresh new sounds and stimulating vocals.
As Nicole and Natalie ready for a fresh beginning, their musical abilities have never once failed to resonate with audiences. "We aren't only singers; we write all of our music," Natalie reveals. "Nicole plays guitar and deejays. We are very musical and try to show this while on stage. Our vibe isn't like your typical group! Because Nicole deejays, she's able to command the crowd and every once and a while, we'll bring the guitar out on stage to show our versatility." As a teen, Nicole mastered the turntables but relied on her guitar playing skills to support the lyrics she and Natalie wrote. Fast forward years later and the duo's songwriting capabilities are displayed in catchy party starting records to poignant ballads.
Don't think for one second that Nina Sky is just a band with a hit or two in the past. When it comes to Nicole's deejaying, her competent demeanor has allowed the duo to travel all over the world playing gigs from the Philippines to Italy and various venues throughout Europe. We dare you to watch a recent video on their YouTube page; Nicole's ambidextrous skills on the turntables will literally turn heads - twice. Aside from Nicole's deejaying, when asked to model the duo has lent their adorable looks to multiple campaigns including Rachel Roy, Converse, G-Shock and MadeMe and to magazines including Nylon and Vibe. Their inimitable fashion sense has caught the attention of many as they both have their own image yet their looks stands to be a cohesive force. Many a times, Nina Sky has been active in voicing their opinions on LGBTQ rights both nationally and internationally. The twins recently performed at Rome's annual Gay village festival as well as posed for the No H8 Campaign.
"The Other Side" places Nina Sky on a new path, but their ride to recognition began before its creation in Astoria, Queens, where Puerto Rican twins Nicole and Natalie Albino grew up amongst salsa beats and freestyle anthems. The most prolific musical force the duo recalls came from that of their stepfather a self-taught DJ who created a home enveloped in the sounds of Mary J. Blige, Madonna and Bob Marley, among others. "We grew up in a household where music was always played. Our dad deejayed from sunrise to sunset, it's because of him that we learned to appreciate all genres of music and have always been open to experimenting with different sounds and vibes," says Nicole. Nina Sky's ascent in the music business was supported by MTV VJ, HOT97 jock and producer DJ Cipha Sounds, who met the two at 17 through their production team The Jettsonz, and immediately recognized their gift. "When we auditioned for Cipha, we didn't know what to expect. But he embraced our performance and soon after, asked us to hit the studio with him," Natalie reflects. "At our first session he played us the Coolie dance riddim and, within 30 minutes of hearing it and vibing out, we'd written "Move Ya Body," continues Nicole. "We had no idea what would come of it but he kept saying the song was gonna be big. Same way he believed in us, we believed in him, and the song took off!." Cipha assisted the duo in signing with Eddie O'Loughlin and Next Plateau Entertainment/Universal Records. "Move Ya Body," off their self-titled first release, made Nina Sky a household name in 2004. The "Nina Sky" album hit the industry with a brand of R&B that was unprecedented, coming from two Puerto Rican twin sisters from Queens. That same year, rapper N.O.R.E. called on Nina Sky for vocal assistance on "Oye Mi Canto," featuring Daddy Yankee, which became the first reggaeton record to hit mainstream radio and showcased the ladies bilingual talents. The duo was featured on The Alchemist's ode, "Hold You Down," featuring Prodigy of Mobb Deep and Illa Ghee, most recently, in 2009 they showcased their vocals on Major Lazers "Guns don't Kill People, Lazers Do" second single "Keep It Going Louder."
Now, with "The Other Side" EP complete, Nina Sky welcomes tastemakers and fans to rejoice in their return. An elaborate work of art, "The Other Side" showcases the growth and versatility that is Nina Sky.
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