RESPECT. Interview: Nic Earley Talks Music, NYC & New Material

By: Nic Early

Rising musician Nic Earley is using his New York influence, passion for music and determination to be different as a musician. Coming off of the release of his “Lord Knows” video, Earley is starting the year off strong.

I had the pleasure of catching up with the New York native for a quick interview, as he dove a little big deeper into his creativity related to music. Check it out below.

Respect: What made you pursue a career in music?

Nic: The moment I knew that this was something that I was serious about was at my talent show in 4th grade. I sang the Greatest Love of All by the amazing Whitney Houston. I had been assigned the instrumental version as a part of my weekly piano lessons, but I learned the melody and lyrics on my own time since they were already on the sheet music that I had been given.

After my performance, I got a standing ovation and had students, teachers and even my dad crying. It was an incredible experience that showed me the impact that my musical ability could have on people.

Respect: How has the New York culture impacted you musically?

Nic: NYC has a different type of energy. The people, the allure, the fashion and the lifestyle have all impacted my writing since I’ve moved here. The live music scene particularly has influenced me and really inspired me to think of new ways to make my live performances better and more interesting.

I’ve been going back in my mind and reflecting on all of these experiences and thinking about how I can incorporate certain ideas into my set. It’s humbling and being in NYC really makes me want to continually hone the live show component of my craft.

Respect: What was the inspiration behind “Lord Knows” and it’s visual?

Nic: Lord Knows, both the song and video just kind of came together in their own ways. The song lyrics are inspired by the situation/realization (one that I think many of us have been in) in which you see that the person you’ve been putting all of your effort into loving and caring is still stuck on their ex.

The visual is also just one of those things that came together perfectly. I worked with an incredibly talented photographer, videographer and director named Austin Henry Wallace.

Respect: When can we expect some new material from you?

Nic: Within this first half of the year, you all will definitely be seeing some more material. Both visual and audio.

Respect: How has your life changed since releasing your debut project “For Everything I’ve Done”?

Nic: It’s made me realize how tangible my dreams actually are. Seeing the response from people has been so encouraging. As creators, we’re often just creating alone or with very few people and never really put material out there until it’s ready.

That’s a really vulnerable space to be in when you gotta come to terms with the idea that this art that you’ve spent so much time on and love so dearly may or may not be received well.

It’s exciting to meet people at shows who’ve said that they came to the show because they saw me on Instagram and decided to listen to the project and loved it. It has also made me realize how powerful the internet is.

Respect: What is one thing you want the world to know about you?

Nic: I try to focus on creating the most authentic, relatable music that I can. I have a true purpose with every song. Whether it is to uplift, excite or galvanize, I want the music to be nourishment for the souls that need it most.

Press play below to view Nic Earley’s “Lord Knows” visual.