Salty's Live Music Edition: Spotlight on the Musician Known as NIC

Episode Summary

Brad Banyas hosts NIC, a musician influenced by classic rock, on the Salty Live Music Podcast. NIC shares his musical journey, starting with a guitar at 11, forming a band at 18, and later taking a break for family and work. He rekindled his passion during COVID, studying music production, and releasing his first song in 16 years. NIC emphasizes his goal to use music for positive change and influence. He plans to gig full-time, produce music, and raise awareness for causes. NIC's song "Evergreen" resonated deeply with a fan, highlighting the power of music to inspire and connect people.

Introduction and Welcome

• Speaker 1 (Brad Banyas) welcomes everyone to the McBastard Studio and introduces the SaltyMF Goat Podcast.
• Brad mentions the previous music performance that reminded him of Angus from AC/DC.
• Brad announces Angus White as the winner of naming the podcast and thanks him for participating.
• NIC is introduced as the guest for the show, and Brad expresses his admiration for NIC music.

NIC's Musical Influences and Early Beginnings

• NIC shares that his mother raised him on classic rock from the 60s and 70s.
• NIC talks about his early interest in music, starting with guitar at age 11, and his initial focus on making noise rather than playing songs.
• NIC describes how he got into a band at age 18 through a mentor named David Stanley, who helped him start gigging.
• The band, Graham's Number, played live for two to three years, focusing on gigging and building their presence.

Transition and Personal Life

• NIC discusses his transition from music to a more stable job and family life after the band disbanded.
• He explains how he felt burned out and took a break from music for seven years.
• NIC shares how people's inquiries about his gigs motivated him to return to music.
• Brad praises NIC's talent and energy, noting his ability to entertain and engage the audience.

Return to Music and Education

• NIC talks about his decision to return to music during the COVID-19 pandemic and enrolling in the Atlanta Institute of Music and Media.
• He describes the challenges of balancing a full-time job, family, and music education.
• NIC shares his process of recording and producing music single-handedly in his home studio.
• Brad expresses admiration for NIC's ability to focus on multiple aspects of music production.

Musical Style and Influences

• NIC explains how he wrote his first song, "Evergreen," at age 16, inspired by looking at the stars and letting the music come naturally.
• He discusses the evolution of "Evergreen" from an acoustic, singer-songwriter vibe to a more rock and blues-influenced live show version.
• NIC emphasizes his desire to use music for positive influence and change, rather than for personal gain or negative themes.
• Brad and NIC discuss the importance of authenticity and passion in music, contrasting it with the commercial and formulaic nature of much modern music.

Future Goals and Aspirations

• NIC expresses his goal to gig full-time, produce his own music, and raise awareness for various causes.
• He shares a touching story about a fan who was moved to tears by his song "Evergreen," highlighting the impact music can have on people's lives.
• NIC talks about his plans to build a website, get on Spotify, and connect with the music community through Band Groupies.
• Brad and NIC discuss the importance of supporting local music and the role of Band Groupies in promoting artists and venues.

Challenges and Personal Growth

• NIC opens up about the challenges of taking a leap of faith and leaving a stable job to focus on music.
• He shares his plans to find a new way to live by January, emphasizing the importance of investing in oneself.
• Brad and NIC discuss the importance of following one's passion and the potential challenges and rewards of doing so.
• NIC talks about his journey of self-discovery and the support he has received from his family and the music community.

Final Thoughts and Future Plans

• NIC shares his excitement about new music he is working on and his desire to push the boundaries of his musical abilities.
• He discusses the inspiration behind his song "Namaste," which was influenced by reggae music and its ability to make people dance.
• NIC talks about his recent birthday and the support he received from the music community.
• Brad and NIC discuss the importance of genuine connections and the positive impact of the Salty Live Music podcast on the local music scene.

Closing Remarks and Social Media

• NIC shares his new social media pages and encourages fans to follow him for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
• Brad and NIC discuss the importance of supporting local music and the role of Band Groupies in promoting artists and venues.
• Brad expresses his gratitude for NIC's participation and support for the Salty Live Music podcast.
• The conversation ends with Brad and NIC expressing their excitement for the future and the potential impact of NIC's music on the world.