NICO at Home with Claudia Tétreault-Percy
How did you enjoy creating the NICO at Home content?
It was really fun! I asked my best friend to take some photos with me on a Sunday afternoon. I wanted them to reflect me in my little oasis - a very sacred place - my bedroom, where I tend to go inward. I chose not to put any makeup on and keep it quite natural and raw, which I'm trying to get a bit more comfortable with as I age. My Sunday afternoon would usually consist of lounging around in something comfortable, making tea and doing some reading or writing. I've recently incorporated some brighter colours in my room for a bit of a dopamine hit. I walk in now and it just feels so bright and joyful.
What does self-care look like for you?
It's been a routine and a practice that I have consistently tended to for many years now. I see it as much more holistic than facemasks and baths (although those are valid too). Self-care looks like being present in time - spending time in quiet solitude, playing a favourite album and having the space to create something with no time constraints or deadlines. Just being creative in my house often feels like self-care. I'm a bit more introverted now, and as a performer, sometimes quiet peace feels like such an opportunity to escape the spotlight and be still. I find anything that is comforting feels like self-care to me. It's nourishing parts of you that you want to prioritise. At the moment, self-care is very much centred around body acceptance, neutrality and body love - just giving my physical shell some tenderness and being gentle with myself.
How does sustainability play a role in your daily routines?
It has always been a part of my life; whether that's incorporated in what I'm wearing or reading. I think about caring for items and giving them a long life, mending things when they're broken but fixable, and thinking about circularity with the choices I make. It can be overwhelming with how much there is available to us and how we're pulled to consume, but I think about things critically and assess what I have. I think about the lifespan and longevity of what's in my life rather than what new things I can acquire. I primarily shop second-hand for my clothing, accessories and furniture. I got a beautiful vintage armchair for my reading corner - and it was from Marketplace - reupholstered and restored. Pieces like that are truly priceless.
How does fashion play into your self-expression, and what are your wardrobe essentials?
Fashion feeds my self expression. On days when I'm not feeling amazing or I need a bit of energy, putting together an outfit that is bold and very 'me' always turns it around. My wardrobe essentials vary from season to season. My cotton, full-length trench coat has been pulling everything together so perfectly and makes me feel powerful. I've always been a huge fan of 80s blazers and the cliché black dress. I have so many I've lost count but they all make me feel good. That's what feels most important; identity and fashion blending seamlessly, not focusing on trends, but just what gives me a full body 'yes'. Cotton and silk are major players in my wardrobe - I like when pieces breathe well, that's an essential for me. Jewellery is really special to me. I find it's the one element that makes me feel the most put together. I also think jewellery and adornment is sexy - there's something about shiny jewels on bare skin that makes me feel really good.
What has been a memorable moment or “pinch me” experience in your music career/ personal life?
I've had an interesting journey with what some would call a 'music career'. I've played some really special gigs with musicians in Canada, Texas and Canberra. I recently played a gig down on the South Coast of NSW with my band, which was so fun! It's hard to narrow one down, because truthfully - every show feels like the best one if I'm doing it with people I love, playing good music and making an audience feel something. There was a pretty major show I played with my old band in Montreal - we played an opener set at M Telus, one of the most iconic Montreal music venues. I just remember the audience singing along, it was just full of joy, and those people I played with are still great friends today. The whole night was just heaven. After shows like that, I beam for days.
What are you working on right now?
Balance! It sounds boring, but it's intricate work to balance all the things I love doing. I've been focusing on my band, Last Call, and planning some upcoming studio time to record some originals we've been writing. Balancing that with working full-time, writing consistently for my online newsletter, Altaer, and in the process, taking care of my body and mind. I've just started therapy again after a few years, and it feels really good to focus on that again. I've also been writing a lot of poetry! I'm working on challenging myself a bit more, and being okay with showing more vulnerable parts of my creative practice.
