Carl Nichols has been releasing music under the Buffalo Nichols moniker since 2021, but his commitment to creative expression dates back to his teens. Whilst his contemporary take on the blues has taken him from “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” to NPR’s “Tiny Desk” concert series, his refusal to bend to genre expectations has seen him be embraced by audiences around the world.

In truth, Nichols’ music owes as much to the traditions of the blues as it does to the fuzz and distortion of shoegaze. Following the lead of his idiosyncratic artistic desires means that Buffalo Nichols continues to confound, continues to experiment, and continues to find new audiences for his heartfelt, emotionally heavy output. Shying away from making something challenging is simply not an option – be that his personal, political lyrics, or his sonic exploration missions into the void. Wherever he leads, curious minds will follow.

Welcome to The Wavemakers Series, a groundbreaking performance series curated by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Rissi Palmer, dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and uncovering your next favorite artists. Presented by the Carolina Theatre of Durham, this innovative series spotlights emerging talents from a myriad of backgrounds, promising an eclectic mix of musical genres and exceptional artistry. Wavemakers isn’t just a concert series—it’s a dynamic experience that blends the lines between interview and concert in a seamless journey with the artist and their craft.