Project Description

Interview with

NICKI TEDESCO

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Indie rock artist NickiTedesco, the frontwoman of LA punk band Frantic Ginger, ventures into a hard-rock sound for her first solo album, “Sweet as Freak”. At the core of Nicki‘s music lie her proficient bass-playing and songwriting abilities, which she’s worked for decades to perfect. Influenced by 90s rock outfits like Soundgarden and Garbage, her sound balances ethereal, feminine vocals with tuned-down guitar riffs and heavy kick drums.

I caught up with Nicki recently for a quick chat.

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How did you first get into music? You have been around for a while now. Where did it all begin, and describe the journey so far?

I started late at 15, playing flute and guitar and singing, but when I first plucked a bass at 17, I KNEW…THIS WAS IT! This was my instrument. I played flute in a speed metal band and would do solos with the guitarist back and forth during the slow breakdown parts, and it was ominous and cool. So I always loved heavy music, but hearing the sound of the bass at my fingertips was just…IT! It’s all I wanted after that.

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What kind of music did you grow up on, and what genre is your current love? How has it changed over the years?

I grew up listening to classic rock because of my older sisters, but for my generation, it was all about punk rock. I grew up on it, and it’s just a part of me and always will be. It shines through in my songwriting no matter what I do! My favorite genre is 90s industrial and ethereal chill – my ultimate genre would be a mix of the two, which I have yet to hear.

I think it’s changed because it used to just be heavy guitars and basses, but once electronic music worked its way into everything, you’re able to get those emotions through so many different soundscapes, and you aren’t limited to classic instruments.

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How do you find the balance between your everyday life and your musical one?

I don’t! I don’t really need to. Music is everywhere. The birds, the wind. People speak and I hear catchphrases from songs. It’s always there…hovering.

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You’re releasing your new album Heaven is a Ghost Townlater in the year. What is its origin and evolution? Any special tracks that mean more than others?

The actual song “Heaven Is a Ghost Town” is a clear dream that I had. My mom, my grandma and myself all found ourselves in heaven and literally…there was no one there. It was like a dusty old western. That song is a literal step by step walk-through of the dream. I often write songs from my dreams. I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and record melodies from my dreams.

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How do you see your sound progressing in the future? Who are and have been your inspirations?

My inspirations are bands that aren’t really active right now, like the ethereal vocals and soundscapes of Siouxsie and the Banshees, the tribal drums and heavy guitars of Soundgarden, the tortured lyrics of Skinny Puppy. Current influences are Grimes, and Kimbra. Those are strong, female, empowered artists who write and sing all of their own music.

My sound may progress into something else, but I really don’t know. I haven’t had those dreams yet! Plus I don’t plan songs, they just happen.

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If someone had never listened to Nicki Tedesco before, what song of yours would you recommend to them?

“Sick As Freak” off my first album. “Suicide Note” off my second. And “Trapped Inside” off of the upcoming one (Heaven Is a Ghost Town).

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You have an interesting way of funding yourself through your YouTube and Patreon videos. How did that begin, and where do you see it progressing?

I’ve always funded my own music, mostly because dealing with other people and what THEY want is unnecessary to my music and a distraction. Crowd funding is the new way, so I’m going with it. I would like to see it progress to an interactive community where people feel involved, like real supporters before hand rather than consumers after the fact.

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Do you have any plans to tour the Album in 2018? Do you have any plans to tour O/S?

No tour plans at the moment.

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If you could pick absolutely anyone to bring on tour with you, whom would you pick (dead or alive)?

Elvis is always my choice for everything, basically. We do not match musically, but he’s iconic. Prince would be a close second because he’s mad talented and has pure style.

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Are there any venues or locations you aspire to play in the future? What are your major goals or milestones for the future?

The Greek Theater

[in LA] would be incredible!

Goals…to keep writing songs, and inspire girls to be songwriters and not just singers.

Milestones…just releasing the album, that’s a milestone in itself!

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Finally, this is a paragraph dedicated to some quick discovery. May sound corny, but for the fans, can you tell me your favorite album, artist, movie, place, drink, meal and person (living or dead) and some brief reasons why? Answer some or all please?

Album: Superunknownby Soundgarden. It’s got incredible singing, and the emotions it traverses are all-embodying. Some of the most classic, incredible songs of all time.

Artist: Soundgarden, because I have a deep love and admiration for Chris Cornell. Also, Matt Cameron’s drumming is my all time favorite.

Movie: Somewhere in Time. It’s iconic, the idea that your mind alone can travel you through time and also control you if you let it.

Place: Hawaii! It’s magical and I feel like it’s home.

Drink: Virgin Mojito :) It’s refreshing, like you’re on an island.

Meal: Burrito, it’s so many things in one!

Person: My mom. She was the most loving, kind and humble person I’ve ever known.

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Follow NICKI TEDESCO

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Instagram

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AMNPLIFY – DB