Interview: Nice Vice

Tell us about your new single and video for “Bloom.”

“Bloom” is my first single! It’s the first song I wrote in a batch of songs that turned into this upcoming EP. I forgot about it for a while and then ended up coming back to it and here we are! The song just screamed road trip to me for some reason so that’s exactly what the video ended up being, a road trip in an old beat RV. My good friends down at Dirty Shot Clean made a truly beautiful video and we had an absolute blast driving around California to make it.

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I got the rock n roll treatment at a pretty young age from my dad. I became obsessed with the drums and started playing those as a kid. Once I got older, I wanted to write songs which is why I picked up a guitar. If I hadn’t gotten into music, I think I’d be trying to make movies, I’m a big fan of making movies.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love watching sports. Hockey, football, baseball, anything really. I just love being invested in a team and following their every move. I’m not sure it influences me in a creative way but it definitely motivates me to try harder at what I am good at.

Where are you based out of? Did that influence your music?

I’m based out of Toronto, born and raised. I have spent a lot of time in Los Angeles over the last 5 years. I have some family out there and that’s where I met some of my best friends who I’m currently working with today! I think both places have influenced my music in their own way but more so Toronto. I have seen a lot of concerts in Toronto, some really amazing artists.

How did you come up with the name Nice Vice and what does it mean to you?

It came to me out of nowhere. I was trying to come up with something original for a long time and it was tough, I didn’t want to go by my name. I wanted a name that rhymed, and it really doesn’t mean much, I just think it sounds cool. I’m hoping my music can be a Nice Vice for people.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

The Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Done.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band?

Take your time. I’m still taking my time figuring it out. I have spent a long time sitting on my music and just trying to get better, when the time comes to play it for people I know I will be ready.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Don’t stress it. People always want to hear new music and I’m lucky enough to have made something I’m proud of. I spent a lot of time hesitating about releasing my music.

Of all your new songs, which one means the most to you and why?

I think the song “Cheap Revenge” which will be on the EP. I wrote it so long ago. It was one of the first songs I ever wrote and through all of the songs that have been tossed away, this one always stuck with me and I’m happy it’s made it this far!

Which songs are your favorite to play?

I would have to go with “No Ends” and “Procrastination”, you will understand why when they come out!

What is your creative process and what inspires you to write your music?

I always start with the guitar. I play around for a while until I find something I like. Sometimes I’ll sit on riffs for weeks until anything happens, and most of the time nothing does. Sometimes I’ll find something and write the whole song in 20 minutes, It’s quite random. I’m inspired by sound. Just listening to any other music gets me fired up to try something new and hoping it leads to something.

What kinds of topics or themes do you like to get across in your music?

I write about whatever is on my mind at the time. This debut EP definitely centers around a couple of themes. New love, lost love and introspection. It changes on a daily basis.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

The video for “Bloom” will be coming out on Feb 17th! The second single for the EP is called “No Ends” and that will be coming out in a couple months. I’m starting to record my first record and hope to have it out by the summer! I can’t wait to keep on sharing, glad to get this first one out of the way.