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Quadruple-Threat Nicole Huff is back with new music. The singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress returns with Who We Are (Deluxe), arriving February 20, alongside the music video for her single “Who We Are II”. The former Degrassi star caught up with StarShine to talk about expanding her EP, balancing music and acting, and staying committed to her dreams.

You’re releasing a deluxe version of Who We Are. Why did you decide to expand on the original EP?

Actually, the story behind it was I was going to just release the tracks as singles, and “Who We Are II” was just going to be a remix. But I realized this whole EP is such a big part of who I am. It represented such a huge time in my life where I was trying to figure out who I am as a person and as an artist, so I thought the perfect solution was to make it a deluxe EP.

I didn’t want to just let this chapter go because it’s still part of who I am. The songs on the first EP still represent who I am, and I’m still at that place in my life. I didn’t want to move on and release them as singles or put them on an album in the future. I really wanted to expand on it because I love this EP. I love the songs on it. I worked really hard on it with a really talented co-writer and producer, and I wanted it to be so much more than just a five-song EP.

The deluxe version includes the song, “Who We Are II”. How did that track come together, and how does it complement the original?

My producer, Roy Hamilton III – he’s the grandson of Elvis Presley’s vocal coach – that’s always been his favorite song on the EP. It actually took me a while to warm up to it before it was finished. I loved the lyrics — they were powerful — and I wrote it with female empowerment in mind. I wanted to write an anthem.

But then I found that guys actually liked the song too, which was amazing. [Roy] surprised me by sending me this remix with vocals from King Sound Machine. It’s Afro-pop inspired but mainly pop. It picked up the pace and made it more dancey and energized. It’s amazing that not only women can relate to the song, but men can too.

The deluxe EP also includes two new tracks. What can you tell us about them?

“Obsession” is a little edgier and darker. It’s more storytelling-based. There’s a music video coming out for it that I worked on with an actor named Connor — he plays the ex-boyfriend. It’s darker and edgier, but still pop, a little alternative-inspired. It’s kind of thrilling and haunting in the best way possible.

“Drive” is fun, dance pop — kind of Rihanna, Ariana inspired. It’s funky, fun, and makes you feel good, inspired, and happy. There’s going to be a music video for it too, just a little later.

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Last time we spoke, we focused more on your acting career. Are you still acting?

Yeah, I’m working on projects right now. I took a little break from acting to focus on music, but I’ve found a way to do both. I love auditioning — I’ve been getting so many callbacks, and I just did a screen test for a movie.

Since Tiny Pretty Things, I did a Netflix movie called Luckiest Girl Alive with Mila Kunis, and another movie called The Great Christmas Witch. There’s more coming — I’m still pursuing acting. I love it equally as much as music.

Was there a moment in your career that really validated the path you’re on?

Even my music coming together was validating. The first two songs took longer because I was figuring out who I was as an artist and finding my sound. I recorded demos singing the same song different ways to find what was authentic to me.

That was the hardest part, but I learned how important it is to surround yourself with the right team — a great producer, co-writer, vocal coach if you need one. It’s a team effort. That’s what I learned making this EP.

What message do you have for your fans — and future fans?

Do what makes you happy. Go after your dreams. Stay passionate, stay kind, and believe in yourself. Don’t give up on your dreams or on yourself, and don’t beat yourself up for making mistakes.

I’ve had doubts in this industry, but it’s important to be your own biggest cheerleader. The inner voice you have is the most important one. I know who I am. I know what’s in my heart and what I have to offer. The only person who really loses is the one who gives up.