How does a drummer’s unique childhood record collection shape his musical journey? Ever wondered what happens when a pandemic forces a musician to rethink his instruments and creative process? Join us as we sit down with the multi-talented Nick Zaino to uncover the fascinating stories behind his evolution from a young drummer inspired by the Muppet movie soundtrack and classic country legends to an innovative solo artist navigating the modern music landscape.
Nick takes us on a nostalgic trip through his early influences, revealing how an animated Beatles film shifted his focus towards rock and roll and iconic drummers like Ringo Starr and Neil Peart. We explore how drumming became a meditative practice for Nick and how his high school band prompted him to transition to singing. From there, Nick shares his insights on continuous learning in music, illustrated by the dedication of legends like Neil Peart and Levon Helm to refine their craft further.
As the conversation unfolds, Nick opens up about his pandemic experiences, transitioning from acoustic to electronic drums, and the challenges of late-night jam sessions. We dive into his journey from drumming to songwriting and guitar playing, influenced by artists like Tom Petty and Alejandro Escovedo. Nick also discusses recording as a solo artist, the lessons learned from his first full-length album, and his aspirations to collaborate with a full band again. Don’t miss out on discovering Nick’s music on Spotify and Bandcamp, where his creative expression continues to captivate.