Nick Howard – 27.09.2010

interview with: Nick Howard (through email)
By: Nina Mende

You moved from the UK to the USA. Why? And why to New York and not anywhere else?
I needed to be in a place that inspired me to pursue my dream. Anyone who’s ever been to New York will tell you that it’s the most inspiring place on earth. I love the UK and still consider it home, but being in the bright lights and big city helped motivate me everyday.

What where you missing the most about home when you first moved to the USA?
Family and friends mostly, as most people would. I’m lucky in that my friends and family come and visit a lot and my touring back home means I get to see them more often than I thought I would. I also miss a good meal of Fish and Chips

After 5 years of living there, could you imagine to move back to the UK?
Absolutely, I’m keen to dedicate as much time to my music career in the UK as I am in the US. I’ve toured in the UK twice this year, and come back on average about 4 times a year. I can definitely see myself spending more time there in the future.

During the first months in New York you had several jobs and were busy with them. How did you find the time to still do music and move on with that?
Try the first few years! I would work a 9-5 job, then go straight to waiting tables at a restaurant till midnight, then come home and try and write music. I’d fit in several shows a week, and then find time to record in the studio as well. On reflection, I’m not sure how I fit it all in, now that I’m a full time musician, I’m twice as busy as I was when I had the other jobs…so I’m not sure how it all worked out

What kept you going because I can imagine it was not easy at all?
There are times, even now, that you feel like giving up, but then something deep inside you urges you to keep going and you press on. Friends and family play a big part in keeping you going. Surrounding yourself with good people is always a good idea. I’ve relied on friends to pick me up off of the ground a few times. I’m also inspired by other acts and artists, reading their struggles makes me realize that I’m on the right path and it’s all part of the journey.

How did it happen that your music was being played at LA Ink and such?
I’ve been really lucky with TV and Film placements. Once I had a song in The Hills on MTV, it started a snow ball effect that’s led to some 12 different songs being used in over 20 shows…it’s been one of my best achievements so far

What is the next goal you are aiming for?
I’m releasing a single called ‘Falling For You’ here in Europe over the next couple of months. I’d love to see it break into the charts. The fans here have been so kind to me this year. I’ve opened up for Lifehouse and Boyce Avenue here on two big tours, and the people have been amazing.

As a songwriter did you ever give away your lyrics and have somebody else sing songs you wrote? If so, how does it feel to hear somebody else sing your songs?
I have done, it’s a cool way to exploit your songs in different medium. It’s quite strange to hear someone else sing them, because it’s never 100 percent how you hear it in your head…which is part of the fun.

What are the expectations you have for the tour with Lifehouse now?
I just hope that the fans are as amazing and kind to me as they were when I toured here in March with Boyce Avenue, I was blown away by the reaction to my music and I hope it’s the same this time.

Will you come back for a European tour after the tour with Lifehouse now?
Yep, we’re booking a tour for early 2011!

What does your daily life look like when you are not touring?
If i’m not doing anything music related, like writing or recording then I’m usually watching sports. I’m a huge fan of most sports out there. Crystal Palace are my football team back home, and I’m also a bit of a sucker for American sports…I go to as many games as I can.

Where do you get the inspiration as well as the ideas for your songs? Do you sit at the beach, in a café, go jogging…?
All of the above. I usually need my guitar or piano to write, so wherever I have one of those things I’ll try and churn out some material. I get inspiration from everything. I’ve noticed that a lot of my songs prior to being a full time musician were about the struggle…and now they tend to be more about the experience.

Any final words to our readers?
Thank you for checking out my music and I really hope to see you at a show next time I’m back here!
Many thanks for your time

Links:
Nick Howard Official