Nicole Atkins, the 27 year-old Jersey singer/songwriter, just couldn’t catch a break at SXSW this year. If you’ve ever tried to fly from Newark anywhere, you know what we mean.

The Sea (of Nicole Atkins & the Sea), got held up in the Cincinnati airport. That was extremely unfortunately, as the crowd at the Mohawk Bar showcase were packed in to see her perform tracks off Bleeding Diamonds and her upcoming LP, Neptune City.

Fortunately, she recruited the guitarist and drummer from fellow Jersey group the Parlor Mob, and taught them some songs in the hours leading up to the show.

Not the same, but Atkins’ talents definitely shone through.

Nicole Atkins : The Way It Is (mp3) (from the upcoming Neptune City)
Nicole Atkins - “Carouselle” (mp3) (from the Bleeding Diamonds EP)