Nico
Drawing on rich musical roots, personal instinct and a healthy dose of rock, new artist Nico brings a style all his own- and fans of his new single ‘Fly Away’ all across the world are loving it.
ANDREW: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
Nico: I grew up playing guitar that allowed me to get to know music and musical world better. I think it was very brave to shoulder all responsibility, abandon family, diverge from friends, whose opinions were totally different, build career path based on self-doubts, always start from the bottom, cover my back and have a clean slate. I found out a long time ago that there is just a huge rock and river with a weird silhouette ahead of me. In country, where I am living at the moment, people have a deeply rooted social conscience. That helps you to build career path on self-doubts and hopes. It is very bumpy ride! As far as music is concerned, it is still being censored and it´s hard to break through with different style than is usually being used or being heard. But I do not judge this system because we are relatively small country with tiny quality of good audience. I have met many musicians who are experts in their field, but in order to break through and earn a living through music, they have to go abroad. It is a paradox that domestic pop-rock scene is full of talents and self-taught learners. I think that with these kinds of feelings and experience I can relate to person who is looking into the eyes of Death and laughing from the heart at the same time. Music makes me happy. It might sound insane, but music is the craziest thing that happened to me.
ANDREW: Your song ’Fly Away’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
Nico: It is second song in a row that shows up and represents me on internet radio stations worldwide. I am very happy it turned out well and listeners felt in love with it as they heard its first words. Being on Heavy Rotation playlist is only just proof that I have to stay calm and focused. These feelings assure me about doing a good job though. But, I must say, I am very surprised with a choice of radio station manager because I did not personally bet on this song. In general, it feels good for a musician when listeners hear out and gladly accept his song.
ANDREW: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
Nico: First of all, I would like to remark that song Fly Away has different composition, acoustic and oral presentation as song Nightmare from LA. When speaking of sound change, I have to say that intention was successful. More difficult is it with a motive in the song that was created by accident while practicing fingering. I really enjoyed it and it immediately evoked something fast and uplifting in me. I think it was one of the first songs that I started to work on my debut album ‘Human vs. Robot’ that came out recently. I did not struggle with it at all. It must have been somewhere deep inside me – it was just waiting to shine. ‘Fly Away’ is fast and dynamic song with a bit of ruthlessness and aggression. Its key signature C sharp minor drifts it somewhere into the sky.
ANDREW: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
Nico: Naturally, there are lots of things that lead me to music. Loneliness, depression, anger, joy, happiness, love, and, last but not least, money. Even more, it is a finding the truth. Those are some of the very few matters of importance that bring me to artistic activity. I like living among people in community but I do not like to live their life based on how they live it. I always want to go my own way. This kind of thinking will teach you and make you stronger.
ANDREW: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
Nico: As I have indicated earlier, I still consider myself as egotist and perfectionist. I never leave anything to chance. I pursue my goal and step by step I start to build up music career. Calculated behavior and self-denial help me to solve problems, achieve my goals and hit the bull´s eye. Of course, with a shred of intelligence and intellect, everything goes easier and better.
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ANDREW: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
Nico: Not that long time ago, I got to know a singer MaR. We held a friendly conversation when she mentioned she goes in for writing. It didn´t take me too long and I was studying her texts and poems. One of them was exactly suitable for my unfinished song. Prior finishing given single, I knew it would be called “Plastic woman ˮ. Young, talented singer Nina took a stage and sang a song in my native language. Based on the options available and my ideas, single turned out very well. Text of the song describes hard reality and emotional condition of woman who is looking for a way. It is subjective concept of mental balance of woman who is trying to figure out where she belongs in this chaotic world. At the moment, I am working on new EP. As a graphic artist, I addressed young and talented Daniela Stolarikova, whose approach, creativity, fantasy and quality, impressed me the most. Shortly after that, I chose her from many applicants to work on production of CD artwork for my new EP.
ANDREW: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
Nico: As I mentioned in previous interview, there are no musicians like me. Music was only my choice and it has only been my business so far. My family has always been willing to help and has never forbidden me to do what I wanted to. Nobody has forced my hand and I have achieved everything by hard work. Sometimes I was so inconsiderate towards my family, but what I know today is, I did things right and I am happy with that. I will certainly reward everyone for what they have done for me.
ANDREW: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
Nico: You got me! (haha). Ability to express yourself! That is what impels every artist to create. It is my own catalyst to artistic creation as well. I think everyone is born an artist. We have to accept it and take it seriously. On the other hand, I think that a person can be grateful to nature the most. It solely inspires us and makes us artists. Poetical work can be understood as difficult too. Imagine, certain painter had lived with beautiful, attractive and wise woman for very long time and after the end of relationship, he painted only one painting that depicts this relationship from the very beginning till the end. I have to ask you. Would you be able to do it too?
ANDREW: Who are your role models in music?
Nico: After I gradually gained skills from greatest guitarists the world, I try to find and create my own style. I broaden my horizons in various musical genres and styles. Recently, I appeal to classic music and jazz and I am interested in film music a lot.
ANDREW: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
Nico: In music world, it is definitely recording and production of my debut album Human vs. Robot. CD includes the best songs of my creation so far. It took many years until some in form of demos were released. Album consists of eight instrumental songs that are put in order from pop/rock to hard/rock. To sum up, then, I have been working on this album for three quarters of year.
ANDREW: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
Nico: Who plays does not tease! Be as kids! Create! Be yourself, and, most importantly, be honest with yourself. Combine creativity and fantasy as whole. Even though you would think it has no sense at all, get it all out. Somebody else can consider it as a great idea or inspiration while you will prey on your own mind. Sometimes, it can be a good trade too. Personally, I have ideas that bear no relation to my main priorities. I process them but I do not hold them inside, so they do not hinder me from finding new ideas and production of new songs. “Clear body, clear mind ˮ.
ANDREW: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
Nico: Once my debut album Human vs. Robot has been published, I have got into stage of inactivity and have fought with my own ego. But I would like to start working on another album. After all, it is a dream of every musician. I do not like to repeat myself, so I rather wait and I will try to find new ideas and inspirations. Before I complete upcoming album, I will definitely record one EP shortly. It will include songs that have been waiting too long to be released: those by no means depict my feelings for rock and can be rarely found in my creation. I will tell you, one of them is really “dusty ˮ. I assume that demo is older more than ten years. I like working on these kinds of demos because they remind me of my beginnings and youth.
ANDREW: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as a musician and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.
http://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/Nico-FlyAway.html