Nico Harmony is a singer-songwriter, musician from Manchester, whose exemplary talent makes her one of the most exciting and impressive artists to emerge in recent years. Last year, the Manc Review voted Nico as the “Best Female Artist”, which is no surprise when her mother is singer songwriter, writer and actress Stella Grundy from Laugh and Intastella, and her father is renowned drummer Spencer Birtwistle of Laugh, Intastella, and The Fall, so you could say that it is in her DNA.

As an artist, and individual in her own right, Nico ticks all the boxes, with a sunshine disposition and happy-go-lucky charm that radiates an amiable warmth, that immediately connects her with her audience. She is a breath of fresh air, a natural performer, a diverse chanteuse, that can evoke a whole range of emotions through her versatility and vision. A free-spirit, Nico is a bohemian torchlight, burning the embers of creativity from every branch of music. There just isn’t one genre of music out of reach. Whether it’s post-punk, neo- jazz, acid-rock, electronica, neo-folk or dance, Nico is an artist that can transfigure, transmute and alchemise, through an all-consuming process. A celestials crooner, think Hope Sandoval, Eliza Doolittle, Nancy Sinatra, Angel Olsen, dancing in the wilderness, and nightcapping in the basements of Trip-hop and neo-blues, then you might get an idea of the calibre and fluidity of talent of Nico.

Having been busy gigging and, recording her debut EP, released in August 2026, Nico has also appeared on the BBC radio show “Manchester Introducing”, where she has been showcasing her debut single “Civilisations Of Love”. Produced by the talented Dave Glover at VIBE Recording Studios in Manchester, Civilisations Of Love is available by all digital platforms and has been selected as The Manc Reviews’ “Single Of The Month”.

Civilisations of Love is everything and more than you expect in one take. It’s a new dawn of creativity, that rearranges the chaos amongst calm and transforms it into a higher-state of musical mantras. It’s a reverie rave, that dances amongst the stars, illuminating the darkness, whilst eclipsing the melodic moon. Through the outstanding vocals of Nico, Civilisations of Love, captivates, and magnetically draws you in like a beacon of positivity. It’s one of those tracks which transcends a musical journey and goes beyond the A-Z of genres and sub-genres. It’s an evolution of emotions, a soul sanctuary, that lifts its vibe and attracts its tribe.

Listening to Civilisations of Love, feels like a boundless space of endless talent, expression and free-flowing energy. There’s a tangible sensuality that seeps and soars through every pore, yet remains delightfully aloof. Earthy and ethereal, Civilisations of Love is a cool breeze of inflamed sentiments, that effortlessly float between the realms of reality and awakens by its own dreams.

Through the vibrant trumpets and pulsating beats, Civilisation Of Love,  parades like a cosmic carnival of neo-jazz, whilst preening in the backstreets of urban trip-hop. It’s a mesmerising debut track, that beams from the skylines of ambient-pop, and rises with the sunrise of translucent trance. Along with the jangly riffs and technicolour tinkles, Civilisation Of Love, swirls and whirls along the whimsical waves of neo-psychedelia, whilst roaming in the wilderness of experimental rock.

So for anyone who loves the emancipation, magic and mysticism of music, then Civilisation Of Love is a tune I highly recommend. It has universal appeal, yet feels like an esoteric gem. It’s the touchstones of euphoric pop, dancing barefoot beneath the bohemian glitter ball, whilst elevating the mind, soul and spirit onto a constellation collective consciousness of hope, wonder, and utopian daydreams.

Nico Harmony – Civilisation of Love (Official Music Video) – YouTube

Video by Jelly Universe, Andrew Obaje and Stella Grundy

You can catch Nico at Marsden Mechanics, West Yorkshire on Friday 8th May 2026.

Nico’s EP launch featuring “Civilisation Of Love”, will be held at the Eagle Inn, Salford on 8th August 2026, with more gig dates to be added soon.

Photo credit:  Hels Millington