Nordic Daughter is more than just a musical project, it is an experience in variety, acceptance, love and logic. The musical concepts behind the music build a sense of intimacy with the audience that can only be described as genuine and authentic. The vocal stylings of Melissa Lycan are unique yet classic and the songs she delivers are heart felt and blended.  The band has performed with artists like Lita Ford, Trapt, Cold, Stitched up Heart, Jack Russell and Great White, Lost Point and Michael Morrow, selling out venues up to 500. 

Nordic Daughter’s main focus is to tour the world teaching children how to write music as an outlet for their own voices.  Interested in playing large benefit concerts, performing their fully Choreographed show for fans all over the world and giving as much of their hearts and minds to the planet as it can handle.  Get ready for the fiercest of all warriors, NORDIC DAUGHTER!

In this interview spotlight, I chat with these Rocky Mountain Viking Folk Alt-Rock legends aka Nordic Daughter about the music, the movement, and some of the in-between.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?

Our band originated in the beautiful state of Colorado, though each of us hails from other places. I, Melissa Lycan, am from Alaska, Jason Lycan from Missouri, Sarah Jylkka from Michigan, Tracy Stokes from Florida, Jason Siegle from Nashville, and Evan DeGrasse from Connecticut. We also have other session players that originate from Colorado. Our style is super unique, it’s hard to identify because it really is like we have created our own genre. We have Medieval and Renaissance Vibes mixed with heavier modern rhythm section and modern folk lyrics that really cut into human growth and development. We are modern compared to traditional and traditional compared to modern music. I describe it as Rocky Mountain Viking Folk Alternative Rock.

How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?

I love music. I have been singing and playing the piano since before I started grade school. Though it was never really a career path that was encouraged, I started to recognize the business in my early 20s. I wanted to be a part of it in whatever capacity I could. When I was 19 I was friends with a few DJ’s that taught me how to spin records and match beats. This was fun and kept my finger on the pulse of EDM
music. I explored so many genres of music in my 20s, as I was working through my trauma, but it never fully clicked as a career until I met my husband.

He inspired me to look at music the way I looked at the corporation. Though he had started his musical performance a decade before me, he was connected to the scene in Denver and was happy to work with me on starting our own company. We ran our business for 8 years until we decided that we were putting all of our time and energy into other people and had neglected our own musical creations and processes. We had to put down working the music business for others in order to make the time to
perform. On stage or back stage, the choice was easy for us! So we began working normal jobs so we could invest in our music. Do we want to be full time touring musicians? The verdict is still out on that…We would need more of a promotional engine.

How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?

This album was a bit more difficult to write. You see as an artist we live in the grey area, the emotions of a situation, the rises and falls of our experience inspires us to write the songs we do. In between the 2nd album “The Path” and this upcoming release “Perceptions” I did a little writing in other genres with a studio/label called Denver City Sound. I wrote a reggae song, a country song, a pop song and a song
that sounds like the 60’s. Stepping outside of the band showed me I could write diversely but it also showed me that the writing process I have with Jason is the best process for creating authentic songs.

We take our time, we don’t rush it. Stress can lead to contrived melodies and lyrics. Fortunately we have had two years to finish writing the album and it was worth the wait. The newer songs are amazing and they feel incredibly personal and yet connected to the greater whole.

Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?

I’m not going to lie, It has been hard to meet the industry where it fell to. Live performance is the biggest part of a small to mid size artists career and income. Without that income we didn’t have the budget to record the album. We can be creative but if the economy doesn’t cooperate, well you know. Many major artists sold their song rights to labels during the pandemic. We found ourselves just slowing down to our early days. Jason has finished writing his first EP with his Hard Rock Band too. Creativity was never the problem. I also learned quite a few songs on Piano so I can play and sing with Jason a bit more.

What was the last song you listened to?

I listened to a song called Liar by Chauncy Crandall. I love his song writing. He is such an amazing ability to take me on a journey. We have been talking about doing one of his songs as a cover in our set. I just can’t help but absolutely adore him.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?

From a listening perspective I really like the feel of vinyl, there is nothing quite like it. We have been listening to all of these old records from the 1920’s over the last few months and it’s magical and nostalgic. We have yet to release anything on vinyl but we are looking at this next release being the first and then we will do a limited print for our true fans of the past albums. Cassettes just take too long to rewind! CD’s scratch too easily. Mp3’s feel like they are missing something. And as we all know streaming doesn’t show proper appreciation to the artist, though it is massively convenient for the fans to consume. It’s a catch 22!

Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?

Best place to find more information is our website. https://www.NordicDaughter.com

We love learning about our fans and what makes them tick. We all have creative outlets and we would love to see what yours is. Join our group Vikings and Valkyries on Facebook and share your skills with the community.

I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?

Keep your eyes open for more news on the album release in spring of 2023 and feel free to sign up for our newsletter here. We are currently expanding our offerings to include a Keynote Concert on Team Work for those interested in something a bit more unique for their next conference. Check out our events page for more information or to book your experience in 2023!