Nick Brodeur for The Meadow
interviewer: Sara Sharif (@sarangelic)
interviewee: Nick Brodeur (@nickbrodeurmusic)
Growing up in California, Nick Brodeur has been surrounded by music his entire life. He held the guitar for the first time at the age of 5 and hasn’t been able to put it down since. Heavily influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Metallica and Guns N' Roses, Nick has leant into the rock musicality of his idols in his own music. With a hint of pop and soul, his electric sound molds into a more eclectic one, setting him apart from other modern rock musicians. Having already played at legendary venues such as Whisky a Go Go, and supporting legends, such as Steven Adler (the original Guns N' Roses drummer) at gigs, Nick has only just begun to make his mark.
Here's what he had to say about his recent single, “Believe It’s Your Time": "This song was really important for me to write. Jim Wahlberg asked me to create it in partnership with the Mike Wahlberg Youth Foundation. The organization aims to help people with addiction, as well as people who have lost their loved ones to the disease. The track is just meant as a reminder to whoever may need it; If you believe in yourself, and you work hard, you can overcome your depression, or addiction, or get through any hard time".
Nick's ideal 2021 Summer
"Touring, Playing shows and attending music festivals!!"
* in relevance to our issue #3
t h e i n t e r v i e w
1. Please start with a little introduction about yourself!
My name is Nick Brodeur(he/him) and I’m 20 years old. I was born in NYC but raised in Southern California. I play guitar and sing and have been writing and recording my own music since I was 15.
2. What genre would you say your music belongs to?
Pop, Rock, Soul, R&B, Blues
3. What is the story behind your musical journey?
I've always loved music ever since I was a little kid. When I was 5 I begged my parents to let me take guitar lessons. Instead, they signed me up for piano lessons. But when I started the lessons I kept asking the teacher guitar questions. So the teacher, who was also a guitar teacher, told my parents that I wanted to play guitar and that he would teach me. I started taking weekly lessons at 9 years old and haven't looked back since.
4. And how has your journey been so far?
It's been a rollercoaster for sure, especially because I've moved around a lot. But I wouldn't want to be doing anything else. It’s all worth it.
5. I am so in love with your single, “Believe It’s Your Time”. We believe it was made in partnership with the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation and all proceeds go to the same! Tell us more about the partnership and what inspired you.
I wrote the record for the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation which helps people who have lost loved ones to addiction. The goal was to send the message that if you believe in yourself, anything is possible to overcome. Whether that's an addiction, depression, coping with a loss, or any other goal.
6. Is there a general, and maybe, a more personal theme to your music?
Sometimes, but most of the time it's just whatever I feel like making. I enjoy making music, so I’ll just write for fun. Not everything is necessarily a connection to a personal topic.
7. Do share about the making and BTS of, “Believe It’s Your Time”!
I got to work with this amazing producer in Miami, Chip Williams, whom I met through Jim Wahlberg. We hit it off right away and ended up making a couple of songs together. Stay tuned!
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8. What is your creative process?
I usually start with guitar and vocals and basically just build it up from there.
9. Who is your musical inspiration?
Jimi Hendrix
10. Any musical tips from your experience for our musicians out here?
Practice. Practice. Practice.
11. So, what should we expect next, in the near future?
A video for “Believe It’s Your Time” and more singles. Also a new track with DMC from Run-DMC, which I’m way stoked about
12. How do we gain access to your music?
All platforms like iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Etc.