Indie + Alternative culture appreciates new rising artists that create diversity and new insights within their respective genres. We constantly feature notable indie and alternative artists on the verge of success.
Meet this week’s featured artist in an exclusive New Music Friday interview. Introducing You To Your Next Favorite Artist: Nick Valentini Collective. |
We recently talked in depth with frontman Nick Valentini about his take on alternative culture. Read on to learn more about your next favorite artist, and stream the group's latest music video below.
As a child, I remember being inspired by three albums that continued to resonate with me-- Aja (Steely Dan), The Wall (Pink Floyd), and The White Album (The Beatles).
What are your fondest musical memories?
My fondest memories are playing with my older brother when we were kids and spending a summer of jamming and improvising with my roommate Karl. I think we wrote about 50 songs over that time span.
Lately what musical periods or styles do you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?
I find myself listening to all styles of music but lately I've been drawn to the likes of Kendrick Lamar, Anderson Paak, and Radiohead.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach the writing process? Is there a particular message or theme central to your creative works?
My creative process begins with the melodies and it's only until the melody is formulated that I begin to expand on the lyrical theme. In the beginning of the process, certain words tend to be placed in specific parts of the song. But once the emotional feel of the song is established, the lyrics begin to take shape. Thematically, I love to let my imagination explore itself.
We're a firm believer that the cities that artists are based in helps craft their sound. How would you describe your city’s music scene? How has it inspired you into crafting your sound?
To be honest, there's not much of a music scene in El Cajon (a subcity of east San Diego) but San Diego has an amazing jazz scene that I was fortunate to be a part of. Growing up in a small suburban city has made me the writer I am today. I never really knew of the hustle of city life until I moved here.
As an artist, I am trying to create a sound and an aesthetic that is entirely unique and something that can only be written from my perspective. I'm in the process of expanding my live performances but I am always trying to focus on staying relevant and unique.
As an indie artist in the digital age, social media and streaming are essential tools for marketing and promotion. What do you think about online music sharing, both as a music fan and as a musician? How do you think social media/music streaming services impacts the rising musician?
Music streaming is really only benefiting the consumer in the long run, but I feel that if you use the streaming and social media to your benefit then there is an opportunity to access an entirely new fan base. It's amazing how much music is out there for us to listen to, it's kind of daunting really.
What is your dream collaboration and why?
My dream collaboration would be with someone in a completely different medium, such as film or art. I love The Velvet Underground/Andy Warhol collaboration.
Which songs are you currently obsessed with? What new acts do you recommend to our listeners? What bands do you believe are your best kept secret in the indie community?
I don't listen to as much music as I should but I love the new work of Kendrick Lamar.
What are you currently working on? Any new projects?
I have decided to dedicate my entire creative process on the Nick Valentini Collective. I sometimes play solo and with other bands as well, but my focus is on the NVC.
If you like what you hear, be sure to stay up to date with Nick Valentini Collective via the following social links and at www.nickvalentini.com