8123 Interview Series Part 1 – Philippine Concerts Interviews: Nick Santino & The Northern Wind

 

There are no pauses and breaks for Nick Santino’s musical career. It hasn’t even been six months since A Rocket to the Moon’s final show, and Nick’s been busy at work. He has toured in his home base, opened for the Philippine leg of the 8123 tour, and has already released new material. Philippine Concerts had the opportunity to ask him about life as a solo artist, his future plans and what sets his Filipino fans apart:

PhilippineConcerts: What’s the biggest difference about going solo apart from releasing music at your own pace and time?

Nick: It was very freeing and relaxing; a little stressful at times during the writing and recording since I was the only one doing it all. But I liked that.

PC: You’ve always been a country music fan, so it’s only natural that your sound reflects the love for this genre. Do you think you’ll be producing songs of a similar genre as A Rocket to the Moon or will you be experimenting with other genres in the future?

N: I don’t like to pin myself into a genre. I like country, but I like American and folk music more. I’d say that is more of an influence than country. I plan on changing and growing up as the project moves on, but in a natural gradual way. 

PC: Is it true that you know how to play the saxophone? Do you think you’ll play around with that instrument and incorporate it into one of your songs?

N: I played it in elementary and middle school. I still have it, but haven’t played it in years. I wouldn’t mind picking it up again. 

 

From Kat: What are the best and worst parts of being a solo artist?

N: Best part is I make all the decisions. Worst parts are I make all of the decisions haha. 

PC: Aside from putting out your music, what other artistic endeavors or personal projects would you like to try/pursue?

N: I am a graphic designer. I enjoy it a lot and it helps my brain stay motivated. I notice a lot while designing I’ll think of lyric and song ideas just because of my mind wondering. 

PC: What sets Filipino fans apart from the rest of your fan base?

N: They are very loyal and appreciative. There’s a reason we fly so far from home to play one show for them.

 Just for Fun: Let’s take a break from the heavy questions and get a little silly.

 PC: Who in the 8123 family do you think would be the sole survivor of a zombie apocalypse?

N: Garrett or Tim. Garrett I think has been planning this for a while now.  Tim would just kill everything in sight. 

 PC: You encounter less-than-calm fans everyday, but we want to know… what or who are you a huge fan of?

N: Tom Petty James Taylor and Paul McCartney. Those are the only people I could imagine myself weeping if I ever got to meet them or see them live haha. 

PC: Got one last shout out for our readers? Tell them here!

N: Thanks so much for your support! Hope to be back to the Philippines again soon.

Stay tuned for more of our interviews with the 8123 frontmen, John O’Callaghan and Joel Kanitz!

 

Article by Izzy Matias

Izzy Matias is an avid concertgoer with a penchant for the arts. Though she is soon completing a business degree, she immerses herself in the creative world: music, fine arts, literature and photography.

Follow Izzy on Twitter @izzmatias

Edited by Carla Barretto

Carla Barretto is a busy bee that eats, sleeps, and breathes concerts. When she’s not shooting shows, she’s planning them herself! Her production and multimedia backgrounds blend into this peculiar mademoiselle with a love for live music.

Follow Carla on Twitter @heycarlaaa