In this creative world that we live in, let’s face it, there’s not a lot of people being themselves anymore. The cellphone has created an imaginary stage for anyone to be, well anyone. We allow these creators to put on a show for us for the sake of entertainment, just for them to go behind closed doors and turn off their fictitious personalities like a light switch. Sometimes it’s needed? But I can assure you a genuine connection between artist and personality is what will sell them to us, as fans, almost every time.
We favor all different types of artists & creatives solely because we appreciate the work that they do—or we see a glimmer of our own personality within their work. Whether it be music, movies, or books we gravitate towards what feels “real” to us. We can participate in the gimmicks all we want, but if it doesn’t feel real then the support behind it may never be as well.
Well, since we’re talking about artists being true to themselves and their work, I think it’d be inappropriate to not introduce you to a friend of mine who isn’t afraid to be himself. I’d like to introduce you all to Nick Diminico, the DIY mastermind hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. I say DIY because I don’t know if rapper/producer is going to cut it. If we’re going to list positions we can’t exclude graphic designer, manager, publicist, DJ, creative director of merchandise, semi-engineer, model. I’m getting long-winded again, but you see the point. There’s no way to incorporate Nick’s name with just two words, you must include almost everything else he’s created because his own personality and style are embedded in his creations. The feel of wanting something real and organic is the heart of Nick’s overall creativity.
Recently, Nick & I shot the shit—nothing too serious—just a quick conversation about the work process of a DIY creative, such as Nick, and how that process might’ve evolved due to creative pressures or societal pressures. (like COVID-19) Within the conversation are photos of Nick—shot by @shotbymeechh—as well as a link to his most recent project “Pictures In My Cellphone” which you can stream as you read. We hope you enjoy this small conversation, and we’ll see you at the end!
How would you define yourself as an artist in today’s climate? What would you say your overall goal is?
Nick: I feel like I could be placed in the “Alternative” space. I might be RnB now, I don’t know [laugh.] Uh, I think my overall goal is to be able to live off my music. Like, I don’t want to have to clock in for someone.
What was it like for you growing up in Atlanta? I’ll assume it’s safe to say you were musically inclined early as a child?
Nick: Actually I lived in Gwinnett since I was 8 or 9 years old. I went to 3 different elementary schools around that time but I ended up staying in Lawrenceville. It was pretty chill. I feel like I got along with a lot of the people I know now. That’s why it was so smooth for me.
How did you get into making the music you make today? Any significant moments where you knew this was where your heart was?
Nick: I started out making a lot of boom-bap type shit. The more I ventured out of my comfort zone and listened to music, the more I was able to get a feel for my current sound. I took a lot of time trying to figure out melodies and shit like that to really compliment my voice. I listened to a lot of Carti and Pi’erre Bourne to get that bounce in my production, but a lot of the melodies I choose come from listening to a lot of 90s RnB and like…Toro y Moi.
Musical style alone, your image is very animated—a feeling of vim and vigor if you will—what would you say some of your cultural influences are?
Nick: I get a lot of influence from the ’80s/90’s stuff. [A lot of stuff from the ’80s/90’s felt raw.] Nike, Adidas, Video Game Box Art, Apple Advertisements… shit like that. Like vintage clothes really pop to me. I like color, I feel like that’s the most important part of an outfit.
Interview Interlude: Check out “Pictures In My Cellphone” by Nick Diminico
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All tracks produced, written, mixed and performed by Nick Diminico
All tracks mastered by Mason Bonner
When building your work (whether it be your music or visual work) what goes into your creative process? Is it the same every time or does it differ depending on the work?
Nick: I would say it’s the same every time. I try and do as much as I can in a single session. I’ll make a beat, write, and record it in a single session. I don’t like doing half a song and coming back to it. It annoys me, I do a lot of post-work though when I’m finishing a project.
How have you been keeping yourself busy in this current climate of bedroom boredom? Has the recent COVID19 quarantine changed that process in any way?
Nick: COVID definitely changed everything because I work a lot more than I can record now. I mostly just try to find time to decompress if I’m not doing music.
In May, you dropped an EP “Pictures In My Cellphone” do you mind speaking about what influenced that concept and brought it to life?
Nick: Pictures In My Cellphone was originally called Fool’s Gold. I called it that because the songs involve a lot of elements like love and stuff like that. Love and sentimental things can be considered a foolish thing to put a stake in by some people, but I couldn’t really bank on that name being something I would have confidence in. I changed it to Pictures In My Cellphone because I felt the ambiguity of it really captured the elements of the song without making it sound corny [laugh.]
In an era where we can see everyone else’s work from sunup to sundown, how do you stay inspired and motivated to continue your career path?
Nick: It’s something I want myself, so I’m going to keep at it until it happens. I usually give myself a break occasionally but other than that, I try to work as much as I can.
Not the longest interview in the world, but a sincere conversation indeed. Nick’s individuality within his image and music is what I believe makes him a four-leaf clover amongst broken blades of grass. While everyone attempts to do the same thing as their peers, Nick stays focused on himself and bringing that authenticity of his identity to his music. He’s in a lane of his own. Minding his business, working on his craft as usual. Whenever someone stumbles across this rare artifact that is Nick Diminico they soon realize that some of the most organic, “real” work is often hidden in plain sight.
Be sure to follow Nick via Twitter & Instagram to find new music, visuals, and anything else you’ll regret to miss. Don’t forget to stream “Pictures In My Cellphone.” You can also make a quick stop by Nick’s Linktree to find links to some of his older work available for streaming wherever you may find it. Below you can get a quick look at Nick’s most recent visual “I.G.N.” before you say your last goodbye. I thank you for tuning into this Quick Convo with Nick Diminco and we’ll see you for the next one. Stay safe.
Interview Interlude: Check out “I.G.N.” by Nick Diminico (Prod by Jack and Nick Diminico)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FiMaeOLiV8&w=560&h=315]Shot by: ShotByMeechh Directed by: Nick Diminico Edited by: Nick Diminico & ShotByMeechh
