In a world where musical boundaries are constantly being pushed, the โKing of Kansas country music,โ NickelSack, emerges with an unforgettable blend of genres that leaves listeners craving more. Nickelsack showcases his extraordinary talent for weaving humor and satire into his music while delivering an experience thatโs as catchy as it is enjoyable. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
NICKELSACK: Iโm from a little bit everywhere. Texas born, Kansas raised, with a sprinkle of North Carolina. Honestly, it all started because almost none of these artists/singers nowadays are real.ย You got Chad Bradson or whatever from Nashville claiming to be blue collar, with a $500 cooler in the bed of his lifted chevy 4ร4 muddinโ in a mall parking garage or whateverโฆ Meanwhile you got dudes named after the amount of necklaces he has on rappin bout slangin crack, not givin a damn where heโs at. A rainbowed haired snitch, and a stripper goin that went 6x platinum for tellin us about how wet her cat is. Itโs like weโre living in a 3am soft core porn on Cinema in the late 90โs. So I figured why not combine the two?โฆand here we are haha.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
NICKELSACK: No formal training. Just always been singing and eventually learned how to not sound like a deer in heat. Took some time thatโs for sure.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name โNICKELSACKโ?
NICKELSACK: Growing up my biggest idol was Elvis. I had tons of memorabilia, records, movies, and would try to look like him. I would even practice doing that lip thing he did. I was a bit obsessed haha. Because Dimebag Darrell was already takenโฆjk. Honestly, itโs just kind of a troll on the industry. I just found it funny and goes with the whole satire/comedy infused into my music. I meanโฆyou got 50 cent, Nickelback, and Jelly Rollโฆso why not NickelSack?
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
NICKELSACK: For one, It makes people laugh and have a good time. Iโm singing about funny shit, and if you pay attention, I do it quite cleverly. If someone didnโt know better, they might just think they were just listening to another country song on the radio. But Iโm also singing about real lifeโฆ.I feel most people can relate one way or another. I just want folks to get a laugh and have fun.
5. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
NICKELSACK:
Most artists where Iโm from, Kansas, donโt really get much attention outside of their own small circles. So being able to reach thousands of listeners and have some kind of excitement behind my music is pretty dang cool. Especially when I ainโt even really trying. Iโm just having a good time.
6. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as COUNTRY?
NICKELSACK:
This all started out as a joke for me. But when I made that first song, it was like I was meant to do this the whole timeโฆIt just came naturally for me. I think the biggest thing was just having fun.โฆI think if people would loosin up and enjoy themselves, they will have much better results and would find their sound much easier.
7. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
NICKELSACK:
Iโm here for a good time, not a long time. Havinโ a bunch of people sitting around Kum ba yahinโ, twitter twattig, or hootin and hollerin about whatever trending nonsense we weโre told to care about ainโt my thing. Iโll make more impact recycling empty beer cans from a party the night before.
8. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?ย
NICKELSACK: Iโm not expecting anything really. Iโm just having a great time. I just wish I was able to reach more people. I feel like every pontoon boat on a lake should be blasting at least one of my songs. Like, when you open a door to a mobile home my songs should start playing.
9. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
NICKELSACK: Starts with finding the right tune. Iโll just be messing around siging along to different instrumentalsโฆ.and as soon ask I catch a vibe or a hook, I immediately record it. So typically it just starts with me rabbling random sounds and phrases into a melody pattern. Then Iโll start applying the theme/lyrics. Itโs all about having a hook. Something that catches you.
10. What has been the most difficult thing youโve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
NICKELSACK: Iโve lived such a crazy life that I honestly cant pick one certain thing that would hold the title as most difficult. Life is just difficult in general. We all have our own unique perspctives, trials, and tribulations. What really defines you is how you react to those difficulties. I chose to throw back a few cold ones with my friends, kick back, not give a shit and enjoy my life. As cleche as it is to say..You only live once.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
NICKELSACK: I honestly donโt really have haters. The only people that tend to not enjoy my music are ones that completely missed the whole point or โjokeโ. And when thatโs the case It just makes it that much funnier.
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
NICKELSACK: They all bring a different kind of excitement, so I canโt compare them. The rush you get from a small crowd is electrifyingโฆbut at the same time, the excitement of creating a hit song and the anticipation before release is a great feeling as well.
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
NICKELSACK: I want people to interpret it whatever way they want. But I hope the interpetation comes with some knee slappin and smiles on all their beautiful face.
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