Austin-based entertainer Nakia’s debut EP, “Playing the Cards,” stacks the deck with an infusion of songs rooted in old-school soul, the Allman-Skynyrd school of rock and his Southern Baptist-church-choir upbringing. Formerly a player in Fastball vet Mile Zuniga’s campy Small Stars, Nakia is now dealing a hand filled with four self-penned tunes, a never-before-recorded contribution by hit songwriter Monte Warden and a not-to-be-missed cover Billy Preston’s “That’s the Way God Planned It.”

• "I receive dozens of demo recordings from aspiring Austin musicians; Nakia's submissions have always stood out from the pack. I am excited that his debut album is coming out so that all can hear his magic. He's got a lot of tricks up his sleeve." Jody Denberg, Program Director/KGSR

• "It only took one listen for me to rank Nakia in the upper echelons of Austin vocalists! And he's got a solid group of veteran musicians to back him up. When I played "Down in a Pinch," I got an immediate response from listeners. One spin generated requests for days! So I had to play it some more."  Loris Lowe, Music Director/KLBJ

• “Seeing Nakia perform was the one true unexpected gem for me this year at South By Southwest. Soulful, passionate energy mixed with great songs make Nakia a name everyone needs to know.” Rob Bleetstein, Radioio.com

• “Knocked everyone out. Heard lots of positive feedback. No one saw him coming - but they can't forget Nakia now.”  Ed Bailey, Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival/Austin City Limits

• "Big and Bold, Upbeat and Fun, Nakia's debut is one of the best I've heard in long time!" Bryan Beck, Morning Show Host/KGSR

• "Got the disc and very much enjoy it. ‘Down in a Pinch’... that’s a winner." David Brown, Texas Music Matters/KUT

• “Nakia is a real singer, and has a warm, slightly burry delivery of a style he calls "Appalachian soul"... like the entire CD” Charlie Martin, Around The Town Sounds/KOOP