The Artist Interrogations podcast. Hey, Nick. How are you? Good. How you doing?
Doing good, man. It's weird to talk to you because I'm so used to seeing you on YouTube and all that. It's weird to actually be able to talk to you 1 on 1, you know? I I I I feel that. Yeah.
It's I'm yeah. I'm sorry for the videos existing though. Why is that? I love your videos. Oh, thank you.
Yeah. No. I love watching them. I discovered new bands that way too because I know you're heavily into all those, other types of subgenres of metal and, you know. Yes.
Yes. Usually, I I like to get, called out for it not being a true kavalt enough because the bands I listen to usually have more than a 100 monthly listeners. So it's always fun watching some of those comments. Oh, I bet. Yeah.
I'm sure there's a lot of gatekeepers hating on you for that. That was one of my questions today too was to ask, like, how do you deal with all the hate comments and that sort of thing? Usually just laugh. I figured. Yeah.
Right? You You already have the 600,000 subscribers and all that, so you must be doing something right. You know? Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. Well, thank thanks for having me, man. I'm excited to chat. Oh, of course. Yeah.
Thank you for joining. I mean, it's crazy that, like, I know I've I started watching you last year, and then I started watching your videos of with famous musicians and all that. And I get so nervous doing these types of things. I'm like, how do you have some one of these, like, famous metal musicians sit down with you and watch TikTok videos and actually vibe with them. You know?
Oh, that's something that yeah. I have to get used to it. Like, you know, it's not like, oh, now I just have every, you know, big musician on my show every week or anything. It's just like it's something I you know, being in this field, you people tend to put other people on these bigger pedestals and that's, you know, that's natural. That's just what happens.
I mean, you know, you go to shows, you see your favorite band, your band member and you're like, oh my God. And you like flip out and you're awkward is, you're really awkward and you know, and you try to just kinda even just say like, hi, basically. So yeah, like that's something I had to just be like, all right, look, like this person's coming on my show. All right, like I'm gonna interact, like, you know, I want them to be comfortable. That's always my mindset is number 1.
Let's make them comfortable. Let's make them have a good time because I feel like that's even sometimes like a rare thing when it when it comes to even just like whatever, a podcast or like that type of like live streaming, medium. So with that in my mind, I'm like, okay, Nick, shut up, chill, focus, and just make sure the guest has a good time. So just just have fun, be chill. And it seems usually it's so funny.
I always ask guests to come, like, 10 minutes before her soundcheck. And, it's for soundcheck, but also to, like, break the ice. It's like always that first 10 minutes, no matter who it is, it's always kinda weird and awkward. You don't really know how to, like, vibe each other. And then after 10 minutes, like, they're comfy and they're chill.
I'm like, okay. Well, this is easy. I'm just talking to a person who I'm a fan of, but, like, you know, likes this stuff. They're just they're just a person that does this like anyone else, you know. Yeah.
No. Exactly. When you think about it, it's kinda crazy that, like, pretty much all metal musicians are just in fact nerds that can scream really aggressively. People are are really introverted too. Like, I'm an introvert too.
So that's why it's, like it's very rare. I'll have, like, a very, like, extroverted, like, very loud and, like, talky and, like, very you know what I mean? Usually, everyone's, like, pretty chill and reserved. And then when they when they're starting to feel comfortable, then they'll they'll, you know, talk more and have a good time. And, again, just like you're hanging out with them, like, after the show, like shooting the Like, that's that's kind of the mentality I always wanna put it in.
And that's also why when I, like, do it, I don't sometimes call it even, like, an interview. I'm just like, hey, come hang out, listen to music. Because then even that, like, kind of sometimes puts them in that mindset at ease where they're not like, oh, like, when are they gonna put the gotcha questions? You know? They're they're less on guard, and then it's just easier to talk with them usually.
Absolutely. I know when I was talk I actually got the chance to talk to Chris Motionless for the first time 2 weeks ago, and it's so weird to hear him speak and just be, like, so soft spoken and that sort of thing. And then you see him on stage, and you're like, what is going on? But you also had a Will Ramos not only on your video, but also in a track with you. What was that like?
You know? Oh, it's great. Will Will is like he is such a he he is such a sweetheart of a dude. Like, he is so nice. I mean, having him on the stream was great because I was just a fan of what he was doing.
And then from there, you know, just getting to talk with him a little bit more. And I think it literally just started with him making a tweet or or an Instagram post of like, yo, like, looking for group for, like, being an instrumentalist to do some covers with. And I'm like, like, I so fast. I was just like me. I mean, that's that's what I do.
That's the thing I've done before. People don't even know I play guitar sometimes, which is funny, but, yeah, like, that's all I did forever. So I was like, me. Like, let's go. And he was like, oh, okay.
And I showed him what I can kinda do, and he was like, oh, sick. So, yeah, just getting on that level and starting with the cover and then also continuing to do more now, we're just finishing up the next one, Has has been really cool. Just getting to know him, shoot the shit, talk with him. Like, he's just he is one of those dudes that are just really chilling down to earth, and, like, he knows he's, you know, he he he's definitely aware. He's he he knows he's good at what he does, but he has zero ego.
And I'm like, really dude? Like, you're really good. Like, you have no ego. And he's just like, yeah. Like, he has no ego.
He's really chill. He's just he's just like this wholesome dude that like is a crazy metal fan. That's that's basically what I got from him. He seems like the type of dude that, like, you he'd he'd be the last person you'd wanna upset because that would be, like, the worst thing possible. It it's yeah.
It would be like her hurting like a small little cute animal. Yeah. Absolutely. He's like Yeah. Yeah.
When do you start learning to play guitar, though? Because I know I noticed, like, you've done your riffs and you've done amazing songs so far. I love the industry song. Of course, we can't play that because, you know, all the cuss words. You know?
Cuss. Yes. There's a lot of cuss words. Thanks. Yeah.
I started playing guitar when I was, like, 9, so it's been oh my god. Almost 17 years. Damn. Yeah. It's been a minute, with guitar and, you know, songwriting few years after, and then everything else just came necessity out of YouTube like learning how to I had electronic here for a while.
So I do know how to play drums like kind of electronic here and also I know how to program drums pretty decently based. Know, I do like to say, I just you just learn as you are, like, well, I need new content, and I need to do new things. And vocals right now was kind of the last thing I learned out of all of that to kinda complete the picture of instrumentalist, plus I can do stupid, animal noises. I was gonna say, how did you develop that scream? Was it a lot of, like, shower sessions?
You're like, okay. Here we go. And you started screaming like that? Or what, like, what got you into that? Because I know some of my friends are trying to learn themselves, and I'm afraid they'll they'll hurt their, you know, vocal cords and all that.
Yeah. It was a lot of just trial and error. And once once I understood the psychology a bit behind it of, like, okay, your voice can do this. You just have to understand how to activate the right areas. Like, it's you have to activate the right muscles of muscles of of what to do, and you have to understand what you're controlling and how to control it and how to control airflow.
Once I that that's the same thing with anything I do. Once I start learning, I'm like, what's happening? And then once I kind of compartmentalize things and start to understand what is actually creating this thing, then it's just the grind. For me, that pure, like, practice part has never been an issue. Like if it's even when it came to guitar, it was like, oh, I wanna learn sweep picking.
Well, it's always like understanding the technique that, like, is, like, deadly for me. But then as soon as I understand the technique, it's like, oh, I just need to do it faster now or I need to do it better. Okay. That's just reps. I've never had problems with reps.
So that for me was not a problem with vocals where I feel like it's the opposite for a lot of people learning things. It's always, you know, techniques like, oh, there's like, okay. And then they just don't wanna put in the reps to, like, get to where they wanna go. But, yeah, it's it's just controlling airflow. It's understanding what you're doing when you're constricting things and holding things and, you know, what's actually going on in your throat.
That will be the best way to understand if something is safe. And also it just feels, it should feel okay. You know, like, it it should feel like you're working out. It shouldn't feel like you're getting stabbed. Right.
Yeah. No. I was watching your, review videos, and I kinda see, like, how you dissect the song really, and you can listen to it as a musician. Is that sort of, like, a skill to have or a curse as well because you don't like a certain part of the song? For me, like, when I listen to a new middle track, I'm like, I like the sound of this.
It sounds great. But you actually listen to, like, the riff and the drumbeat and the way the like the lead singer go, like, you know, does his thing and all that. I came and come up with the proper verbiage for it, but, you know. Yeah. I think it used to and then I just started I everything I did start to shift from because I started as a guitarist.
It was like I had a guitarist mindset. It's like I need I can't listen to a solace, there's like fun guitar work in it, you know, it's like that, like I'm very guitar focused. And then I was more musician focused in general, just like, you know, caring about the instruments and some some of the technical ability. And then I just as I got older, I shifted to just like a cons like a consumer. Like, do I like like I'll I'll I'll throw on lo fi, then I'll throw on random breakdowns that have you know, it's easy to play, but I don't really care because it sounds good or gets the energy out and connecting through things in a lot of in more of an emotional way, you know, even if something's heavy, like, that's emotionally heavy.
Like, it's it's different than just being heavy for the sake of it. So ever since I started kinda doing that more, I do just listen to things, like, on a very basic ground level. And then when I'm like, alright, let's analyze, that's when I'm able to then go back and be like, okay, let's pick this apart now, which is like it's almost like a change of mindset in the in the moment where it's like, alright. Listening as a consumer. Alright.
Now reevaluating as a musician and being able to actually understand those things because I mean, I've been doing this stuff for a while. Right. Yeah. No. That's crazy because I I I watch your videos, like your review videos, of course.
And one of the more recent ones is Parkway Drive's Glitch, and I was reading the comment section, and it was like, Nick, you can be negative sometimes if you want to be, but what I'm thinking about in your case because, obviously, like, even with me, like, I don't wanna be too negative because next thing to know, I'm interviewing, like, one of the guys from Parkway Drive, and I just completely bashed their song. Do you do you have that in mind as well for when it comes to your review videos? No. So this is my mindset. I know a lot of people think I'm just, like, always positive, but, like, I've tried the, this sucks as this sucks route.
I've done that like in the past. I'm like, this didn't add anything. The van for the no one did the van doesn't even know what to take from that. They're just like, okay, this person doesn't like it. Like, who cares?
Right. It doesn't actually add anything constructive. So once I realized that basically now I am decent about negative with some things. I'm just constructive with how I present the negativity. I'm like, same thing with parkway.
That's a great example. It's like, as soon as I'm like, okay, I'm listening to this. Okay. They're not doing metalcore anymore. Okay.
I'm out of that mindset. I'm not listening to this as a metalcore fan right now. I'm listening to what are they trying to go for? And that's more so when I'm judging when I'm doing a reaction. It's like, what are they going for?
Are they going for, like, a radio song, like, with replay value? Okay. I'm gonna judge it as is this a good radio song with replay value? I'm not gonna try to be like, is this a game changing song? And that's what I say very frequently.
Like, even with that song, I was like, this is good. This is for festivals in Europe. Like, that's what this song was made for. This will go harder than any other song they have live in a festival in Europe. Like, once I kinda see that vision, I get it.
I'm like, okay. This is objective. This is really good for what they're going for. Right? Now is it game changing?
But now it's just a solid festival core song, and that's kind of the way I analyze things and critique it in that sense. That's me being like, yeah, they're going for what they do. It's not something I'm gonna have, like, always on repeat. It's a it's a chill song. It's like an you know, it's an easy replay song, but it's not something I'll be listening to probably, like, 2 years from now.
Yeah. Right? That's how I usually present it. So that's just kinda how it goes for me. And I know some people are like, Nick, you need to be more mean.
And I'm like that the bands won't why why would I do that? Because then the band just says what the fuck. You know? Like, what is this? Right?
No. I get it, man. It's funny. When I come when I was listening to the new Electric Callboy song and the whole thing, I was like, this is kind of a unique twist they're doing because I know they're just, like, a more like a comedic band sort of thing. Like, they just kinda do what they wanna do.
But I was laughing at your reviews on that. And, plus, even the Spotify videos make me laugh just because you're just completely ranting about the playlists and saying how they're combining these 2, deleting the this other, like, playlist. And, yeah, Spotify, like, I know I can't mention that because I'm in radio, and it's, like, the s word. You know? Spotify's are Spotify's are big enemy here.
But people do use it nowadays just because they like the convenience, but at the same time, they kinda just downgrade the metal genre to the lowest point because you you have to scroll a little bit, like what you've pointed out before, to get to metal. Yeah. They don't. And that's just you know, it it is what it is. Metal is not the biggest thing, you know, in the world.
It's getting bigger, and and there's more mainstream outlets that are caring about this stuff. And just feel like the younger generation, like, is just into it. Like, it's weird. Like, this new generation of kids on TikTok and stuff, they're, like, their parents are growing up listening to suicide silence with them and, like, you know, like, it's it's I feel like in the next, like, 20 years, there's gonna be, like, a dumb amount of metal heads, like, way more with the next generation. But, yeah, it's you know, it gets valued how it's valued, and that's that's just how it is.
And it's fine. People want aggressive music or, you know, it doesn't just have to be aggressive. I mean, metal is very broad, but, you know, they they have to scroll a little bit and find it and it it is what it is, but it does keep kinda growing. And as long as there's things in that space that keep growing that make a stance and make a statement and go through these different mainstream ways. Like, even if a band metal band gets big on TikTok, like, that's awesome.
Right? Because it's like you can't ignore what's happening. It's just that's what you get to the point of. It's like, here's what's happening. Mainstream can ignore it as much as they want, but they won't because they want viewership and they wanna monetize and they need to go where things are popular in order to do that.
So, you know, it's it's something that I'm very aware of and it's it sucks, but, like, I'm not too worried because I do think within, like, the next 10 years, it's just now it's just gonna go, like, oh, like, just grow and grow and grow. Yeah. That's another thing too. Because I know, like, there's resurgence of, like, sort of pop punk right now with some of these artists out there. But then you also have the show like Stranger Things with Eddie Munson doing the Master of Puppets riff, and all of a sudden kids are in Metallica nowadays or now now and, you know, they're going crazy on into Metallica.
And hopefully, at some point, they go into Lorna Shore, you know. Like, that that band could defeat Vecna immediately. Yeah. You know? I I, I started with and not a lot of people know.
I I started with, punk. It was, like, my first intro to, like, music. Like, that's what my cousin would play, like, Rancid, no effects, and, like, Blink 182. Like, that's that's and I almost think to dumb things, like, you know, like the dumb, heavy, and audible things. Like, the the trail just has to start somewhere, like and then there's the gateway bands, which get get, you know, such bad reps, but they are so important and people just dog on them all day.
But they're the ones that are the ones like, oh, like for me, like, I went from punk and then it was like under oath, and now it's like, oh, now it's actually dying. Now it's Skill Switch Engage. Now it's heavier stuff. Now it's heavier stuff. Right.
It's like same thing, like Breaking Benjamin 3 days all 3 days grace. Like, that's all those are all bands that get just completely doggoned in the metal scene. But, like, most people grew up listening to not metal and then one of those bands and now listen to metal. Yeah. Definitely.
And do you have, like, do you have, like, those guilty pleasure artists? Like, you wanna say, like, okay. I'm gonna stick away. I'm gonna go away from metal for a little bit, come back in a in a little bit of time. But do you have, like, a band like Walk the Moon that you like or something?
I I mean, prospectively guilty pleasure. Because, like, for me, I don't really like, I'm like I listen to weird stuff. Like, to me, memes are stupider than listening to, like, the trap country or whatever. Right? But in terms of perspective and what people would assume in the metal scene is, like, guiltier things.
Oh, Nick, the auto just cut out for some reason. Hold on. I lost about, like, what most of you just said. Oh, no. There we go.
Now you're back. Jack Jack. Can you hear me? Yeah. I can hear you now.
Sorry. For some reason, you were going, and then it just, like, did a sound and stopped. Oh, yeah. Anyways, yeah. It's, like, low low fi stuff is awesome.
Like, every the math rock scene stuff, which, again, like, it's it's not really frowned upon in metal scene. It's just, like, not metal. Right? And, trap stuff, you know, definitely definitely some trap stuff. You know, there's Corpse, Scarlet, Ghostmane, and then there's I'm I'm definitely into Scythe, Scythe 666.
They're they're pretty cool. Because they're again, these guys, they're all metal kids. Like, all of these people do with the strap metal. So they're all metal kids. Just like doing something fun and different.
And I feel like that's probably the guiltiest pleasure because of the messages that seem to be usually upfront, which is, you know, money, girls, you know, that kind of stuff, which I don't really care for that either, but the music pops. So, yeah, I guess that or, like, just some old school pop, like, pop in, like, eighties, nineties stuff. Like, I'll throw on George Michael Careless Whisper any day. Like, that's part of my, like, stream ritual because it just, like, goes so hard. So It does.
I don't know. I'm weird. No. I'm the same way. Like, I'll listen to anything really because, I'm I'm midday's here, and then I go to afternoons in the Hawk, which is country.
So I have to, like, like, change my personality sort of and become, like, you know I'm the sarcastic guy here, which is what I normally am, but then when I'm over there, it feels like I'm talking to my mom. You know, that sort of, like, that sort of thing. You know? Just to make sure I'm kinda nice nice and PG and all that. You kinda develop a multiple personality disorder when you're in radio and you do different stations and the whole thing.
But, like, you know, when it comes to your Nuance on, translucent from terminal and all that, who who do you have as the lead singer again on that one? Was it from Monuments? Yeah. Andy Syzyki, we were we were doing stuff before he even joined Monuments. Mhmm.
But, yeah, Andy from Monuments. He's also in Makkari and Wander and 50 other projects and YouTube. Right. Yeah. No.
It's crazy because I was listening to it. I just I have never really been into, like, the crazy, crazy extreme metal, but I was I was listening to it. I'm like, I like this a lot now. You know, I like the breakdown at the end. Did you write that all yourself?
Oh, yeah. We we don't have a producer, like, at at most, and, so it's me, Andy, you know, that's I'm the instrumentalist. Andy is then vocalist. And that was for for album 1. That's all we did.
Like, literally everything, even self mix and self mastered, like, everything. And turned out how it turned out. It was great. We were happy with what it went, but we're like, k. We got it.
We gotta level up now. So now we have Chris Turner from Ocean's Day Alaska doing drums. So he's he's writing all the drums, like, completely and recording them. He also helped a little bit with production in the sense of, like, he'll do drum parts and then this one part he'll be like, hey, Nick, like, with the guitars, like, maybe lo fi left, right. So he had, like, a few moments like that which are really cool too.
So I gotta give Chris also, like, that those those little credits. And then, Zach Cervini mixing who's mix who's mixing everything. Like, I don't even understand how he has time because every week I'm checking out new releases, and I'm like, mixed by Zach Cervini. Alright. Well, that makes sense, you know.
So, but, yeah, even him, like, you know, like, he's doing, like, light production in the sense of, like, hey, add a swell here. Hey, add, like, an impact here. But, like, everything production wise is me and me and Andy mainly, like, 95%. So did you learn did you learn a premiere and audition and that sort of thing to kinda, like, learn that software and produce it a certain way? Or did you learn that over time, or did you just already kinda have a background in production?
Or it's just yeah. It's I mean, it's all writing. Right? Like, it's it's I my life is listening to music and understanding the little nuances and what what's happening and covering songs and learning songs and dissecting them has really helped me understand what's what's going on, what's the bare bones, and then what's, like, what what does a producer do. Right?
If it is the extra stuff or even just on a songwriting basis. But I myself have been writing, since I was, like, 13, 14, I think. So 10 plus 10 plus years, like, before I ever released anything on YouTube, I have, like, a whole US video, like, really bad demos and stuff like that of just, like, instrumental music and and learning and figuring it out and doing research and trying to basically trying to get the sound of what I hear, what I like so that I can get excited from something I created. And then as soon as I started getting that feeling, that's when I was like, okay. I would I love writing and that's yeah.
Yeah. It was just it was a very natural progression of learning. Like, I didn't go to school or anything for this or, like, we I've never worked with an actual I I actually now work with a producer, which is dead weight on the Nick Knox stuff. He's he's incredible. But other than that, I've never worked with a producer in my whole life.
Like, it's just it's just been me and then a vocalist usually. So have you gone to school, like, since, you know, because I I think we're the same age. We're both 25. Is that correct? Oh, yeah.
So I think, like, have you gone to school for something different and just, like, stuck with YouTube along with it, or how did you develop this channel over time? Yeah. So I was supposed to be an accountant, which, you know, people don't really expect that. But, that was all I was going for. YouTube was just a side thing, like, for fun.
Like, I that didn't make money for the 1st 3 years doing YouTube. I just did it for fun when I was in high school. And then I went to, I went to university to to get an accounting degree. And, you know, I just went through it halfway. I didn't like it.
I just knew it. But, like, I was just finishing it because, like, well, I gotta do something. Like YouTube wasn't like a job really thing. You know, it wasn't like, hey, go be a YouTuber, go be a streamer. Like, it's like, no, you have to get super lucky and do all this stuff.
It wasn't like, you know, a viable path. But I got to a point in university where I was like drawing polymeters on my sheet and I like I literally, one day I got I've got sent to the counselor's office because they're like, hey, dude. So, like, you're doing okay in, like, all the commerce side, but, like, your specialization accounting, like, you're almost failing all your accounting courses. Like, why are you here? And, like, I got kicked out of my accounting program because I was doing really poorly in the accounting portion, which was really funny.
And I just know as soon as they told me that, and all I could think about was going home and covering a song, that's all I cared about. It was like, yeah. I probably need to, like, think this is probably not for me. And then I, you know, just grinded YouTube still and finished my degree. And then when I finished, I basically was like, okay, I have my piece of paper.
Like, let's click. I want to do YouTube. Let's try this for for real. Like, this is the only time in my life I'll have a chance. I just went all in, and I never looked back really.
And your parents, like, were your parents, like, okay with that, you know, sticking to the YouTube channel? The paper, and they were like they were like, okay. Go go do it. You know? It's like, just don't be homeless.
You know? I'm like Absolutely. Yeah. I know. I've heard mister b's story about his mom dragging on him from doing YouTube, and now he's, like, the most subscribed to guy.
So it's crazy how, like, YouTube can work out for people. And at the same time, like, people don't start with it. They just kinda, like, get it over a certain amount of time, which is cool. But it was even weirder because I was talking to my boss, Victor, and he was saying, like, for some reason, radio DJs hate talking to people who do YouTube for some reason. And I'm like, well, why is that the case?
Sometimes. Yeah. Yeah. It just does suck. That's that's fair.
Right. Yeah. No. It's funny. It's just the radio DJs, the way that, like, things work.
It's like you gotta adapt to the modern times. Like, we're a station here that plays, like, you know, Baba Yaga, Slaughter to Prevail at 7 in the morning and kinda, like yeah. We play a whole bunch of wake up? Right. Yeah.
No. Like, our boss, Victor, has the middle morning wake up call. He plays, like, drone corpse aviator and plays those types of songs at 6 AM and wakes everybody up. That's why I think, like, rock radio as a whole is not doing so well because we were listening to a station in Utah when we were down there for a concert, and they took out the little scream from I Will Not Bow from Breaking Benjamin, and it just went straight back to the the drumbeat. And I was like, this is the reason why rock radio is kind of, like, becoming this joke.
But it's so funny to be able to play, like, your song on here because I have this little thing called Peach's Pit. My last name is Peach, and I go by Peach's on KBR. And it's called Peach's Pit, open with the mosh pit and all that. And, yeah, it's just kinda fun to, you know, do this sort of thing. But I but thank you again for, you know, joining me today and all that and sitting down with me and talking to me about your new music and YouTube career and all that.
And I hope the let's see if the what's what would you say would be your next dream guest to have on the show? Oh, the last gonna come on the show. It's so I already did just so much music, I'm sure. You know, coming up this fall. Yeah.
Like, it's dumb. Yeah. It's like, fall's always busy, but this one is it's like, what happened? What did they why? Why did they do this to themselves?
So, we got some we got, like, you know, some pickings, and, we got we got some big ones coming. Like, basically, July has been rough just because, like, July, June is just like everyone just is at festivals, and for some reason, they don't wanna release music. I was like, okay. August, September, and October, every Friday is just a huge guest. And I'm like, just like, I'm laughing because it's just dumb.
Because it's just and on those days too, I I have sometimes double bookings because there's too many albums. On the August 26th, I have 2 guests, which, I I don't know if I can announce yet, but I have 2 guests for the bands releasing the albums out there. And it's just like, I just thought I also like to do. I had to double book, you know, like, put 2 at once. So, like, there's they're gonna be on the show.
Oh, perfect. I cannot wait for that, man. Because that's I'm excited to see because I was thinking about it. I was like, who could Nick have that's, like, crazy? Like, I think I was thinking, like, Matt Haeffy from Trivium.
I was thinking, like, Howard Jones too. Like, those guys would be cool to actually, like, hear you speak to them. Oh, you have them? Because I haven't seen those past videos yet. Few times, and I had Howard Jones when, Jared for Scion, actually.
Jared. Scion. Yeah. I feel like that was a big thing with Jared Dines and that whole thing. I was I played that whole I played one of their songs from that album because I just love that whole collaboration.
But even, like, Matt Haffey, I feel like he'd be, like, one of the nicest dudes to do pretty much anything on YouTube. He's the like, literally, he's the we've done a YouTube video together, which was 2 thousand's Battlecore, which was fun. We've done a couple of Twitch streams together, which, again, is just I just have him on the show. We just talk, hang out, because, like, he's just such a nice dude. That's right.
I remember that video now. I remember that video. I was, like, thinking about him. Like, when did he have it was, like, that different levels of riffs. Yes.
They that's when he had him on. Okay. I'm sure that was pretty crazy to have him do, like, those riffs with you. And I I was laughing at his face because he's just concentrating the entire time, and you're just, like, kinda casually funny because, like, when he's doing that, he's streaming. Right?
Like, because he's a busy dude. So, like, he streams on Twitch, and then he has, like, the segment of, like, oh, damn. I gotta get this done. So, like, he takes 10 minutes and, like, he's there streaming, like, just just tracking this stuff. And he's just tracking 1 and then it's doubling.
So, like, that's why he just focused so hard on getting the right one take so he can just get it all done within, like, 10 minutes, which was great because that's all I needed. Because then I did the drums, I did the bass and everything, and it it's and then, that video has, like, 400 k views, and it's it's a dope video. And and Matt commented, he's like, oh my god. I'm so sorry. I look like I'm, like, like, so I I look like I'm having 0 fun, but, like, it's like I'm so focused.
Right. Yeah. No kidding. Well, thank you again, Nick, for joining me today, man. It's awesome to get the chance to talk to you, and I can't wait for all the you know, what you said, all the new releases coming out, and then you to have those people on the show and all that.
It's gonna be pretty crazy. Yeah. Thanks for having me, man. I appreciate it. Of course.
Yeah. And, also, can you do one more thing before you go? We always try to have this. Can you just say who you are and you're listening to k Bear 101? KBear 101.
Alright. I'm Nick Nocturnal, and you're listening to kBear 101. Perfect. And then can you also just do, the pretty much the same theme, but say you're listening to Peaches on kBear 101? Okay.
Yeah. I'm Nick Noct oh, god. Okay. I'm Nick Nocturnal and you're listening to Peaches on k 101. K Bear 101.
K Bear. Alright. Here we got it. You got this. Yes.
Peaches on k one one. Alright. I'm Nick Nocturnal and you're listening I'm Nick Nocturnal and you're listening to Peaches on KBear 101. Perfect. It's kinda like that buttery flaky crust moment.
Yeah. The buttery flaky keep messing it up. That's the thing. Like, I can stream for, like, 5 hours and, like, I'll be dumb and stuff, but, like, I'll never have, like, many of those. But then as soon as I have to, like, think of what I'm saying, it's, like, instantly my brain is just, like, nah, fam.
No. When I when I'm on the air, it's, like, the most nerve wrecking thing when you go live and what there's been a few times where I've eaten, like, Hot Cheetos on the hock, and you'll hear me, like, kinda, like, kinda pant. And I'm, like, hey, guys. But, you know, it's it's I don't know. I don't understand how, like, guys who are veterans of, like, 40 years doing this sort of thing can just talk so eloquently and so fast and so quickly.
And in a certain way, like, it's just nuts to think that, like, that can happen with people who are live that can just no mistakes. And Yeah. Yeah. At least radio is turning now where it's like you get those people with the cool personalities that are kinda, like, nice and normal people because no one listen to, like, hey. This is, you know, like, the whole deep boomer voice and that sort of thing.
With the whole pukey radio sound from back in the day, like, that type of thing. But yeah. Well, thank you very much, Nick, again for joining me today. I'll try to play your new song, you know, translucent and all that and and get all those, because I was trying to play, I think was it or or that one? Oh, yeah.
It's because it's a cover, so they're so it's the whole Mhmm. So we've had our own headache with the with that. Oh, no kidding. Cover it. Encore owns the, licensing as far as I know.
So, yeah. We had our own head there for that. Yeah. It covers Sal and I do have we do have new Nick not coming soon. No swears in the song.
And we have a new terminal as well. So yeah, it's all it's all going. It's all going. But yeah. Thanks, man.
I appreciate it. And if you need anything, always feel free to, you know, hit hit me up, email, or hit up hit me up through Nicky, whatever works. Absolutely, man. Well, thank you very much. Awesome.
Thanks. Have a good one. You too. The artist's interrogations podcast is a production of Riverbend Media Group. For more information or to contact the show, visit riverbendmediagroup.com.
Doing good, man. It's weird to talk to you because I'm so used to seeing you on YouTube and all that. It's weird to actually be able to talk to you 1 on 1, you know? I I I I feel that. Yeah.
It's I'm yeah. I'm sorry for the videos existing though. Why is that? I love your videos. Oh, thank you.
Yeah. No. I love watching them. I discovered new bands that way too because I know you're heavily into all those, other types of subgenres of metal and, you know. Yes.
Yes. Usually, I I like to get, called out for it not being a true kavalt enough because the bands I listen to usually have more than a 100 monthly listeners. So it's always fun watching some of those comments. Oh, I bet. Yeah.
I'm sure there's a lot of gatekeepers hating on you for that. That was one of my questions today too was to ask, like, how do you deal with all the hate comments and that sort of thing? Usually just laugh. I figured. Yeah.
Right? You You already have the 600,000 subscribers and all that, so you must be doing something right. You know? Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. Well, thank thanks for having me, man. I'm excited to chat. Oh, of course. Yeah.
Thank you for joining. I mean, it's crazy that, like, I know I've I started watching you last year, and then I started watching your videos of with famous musicians and all that. And I get so nervous doing these types of things. I'm like, how do you have some one of these, like, famous metal musicians sit down with you and watch TikTok videos and actually vibe with them. You know?
Oh, that's something that yeah. I have to get used to it. Like, you know, it's not like, oh, now I just have every, you know, big musician on my show every week or anything. It's just like it's something I you know, being in this field, you people tend to put other people on these bigger pedestals and that's, you know, that's natural. That's just what happens.
I mean, you know, you go to shows, you see your favorite band, your band member and you're like, oh my God. And you like flip out and you're awkward is, you're really awkward and you know, and you try to just kinda even just say like, hi, basically. So yeah, like that's something I had to just be like, all right, look, like this person's coming on my show. All right, like I'm gonna interact, like, you know, I want them to be comfortable. That's always my mindset is number 1.
Let's make them comfortable. Let's make them have a good time because I feel like that's even sometimes like a rare thing when it when it comes to even just like whatever, a podcast or like that type of like live streaming, medium. So with that in my mind, I'm like, okay, Nick, shut up, chill, focus, and just make sure the guest has a good time. So just just have fun, be chill. And it seems usually it's so funny.
I always ask guests to come, like, 10 minutes before her soundcheck. And, it's for soundcheck, but also to, like, break the ice. It's like always that first 10 minutes, no matter who it is, it's always kinda weird and awkward. You don't really know how to, like, vibe each other. And then after 10 minutes, like, they're comfy and they're chill.
I'm like, okay. Well, this is easy. I'm just talking to a person who I'm a fan of, but, like, you know, likes this stuff. They're just they're just a person that does this like anyone else, you know. Yeah.
No. Exactly. When you think about it, it's kinda crazy that, like, pretty much all metal musicians are just in fact nerds that can scream really aggressively. People are are really introverted too. Like, I'm an introvert too.
So that's why it's, like it's very rare. I'll have, like, a very, like, extroverted, like, very loud and, like, talky and, like, very you know what I mean? Usually, everyone's, like, pretty chill and reserved. And then when they when they're starting to feel comfortable, then they'll they'll, you know, talk more and have a good time. And, again, just like you're hanging out with them, like, after the show, like shooting the Like, that's that's kind of the mentality I always wanna put it in.
And that's also why when I, like, do it, I don't sometimes call it even, like, an interview. I'm just like, hey, come hang out, listen to music. Because then even that, like, kind of sometimes puts them in that mindset at ease where they're not like, oh, like, when are they gonna put the gotcha questions? You know? They're they're less on guard, and then it's just easier to talk with them usually.
Absolutely. I know when I was talk I actually got the chance to talk to Chris Motionless for the first time 2 weeks ago, and it's so weird to hear him speak and just be, like, so soft spoken and that sort of thing. And then you see him on stage, and you're like, what is going on? But you also had a Will Ramos not only on your video, but also in a track with you. What was that like?
You know? Oh, it's great. Will Will is like he is such a he he is such a sweetheart of a dude. Like, he is so nice. I mean, having him on the stream was great because I was just a fan of what he was doing.
And then from there, you know, just getting to talk with him a little bit more. And I think it literally just started with him making a tweet or or an Instagram post of like, yo, like, looking for group for, like, being an instrumentalist to do some covers with. And I'm like, like, I so fast. I was just like me. I mean, that's that's what I do.
That's the thing I've done before. People don't even know I play guitar sometimes, which is funny, but, yeah, like, that's all I did forever. So I was like, me. Like, let's go. And he was like, oh, okay.
And I showed him what I can kinda do, and he was like, oh, sick. So, yeah, just getting on that level and starting with the cover and then also continuing to do more now, we're just finishing up the next one, Has has been really cool. Just getting to know him, shoot the shit, talk with him. Like, he's just he is one of those dudes that are just really chilling down to earth, and, like, he knows he's, you know, he he he's definitely aware. He's he he knows he's good at what he does, but he has zero ego.
And I'm like, really dude? Like, you're really good. Like, you have no ego. And he's just like, yeah. Like, he has no ego.
He's really chill. He's just he's just like this wholesome dude that like is a crazy metal fan. That's that's basically what I got from him. He seems like the type of dude that, like, you he'd he'd be the last person you'd wanna upset because that would be, like, the worst thing possible. It it's yeah.
It would be like her hurting like a small little cute animal. Yeah. Absolutely. He's like Yeah. Yeah.
When do you start learning to play guitar, though? Because I know I noticed, like, you've done your riffs and you've done amazing songs so far. I love the industry song. Of course, we can't play that because, you know, all the cuss words. You know?
Cuss. Yes. There's a lot of cuss words. Thanks. Yeah.
I started playing guitar when I was, like, 9, so it's been oh my god. Almost 17 years. Damn. Yeah. It's been a minute, with guitar and, you know, songwriting few years after, and then everything else just came necessity out of YouTube like learning how to I had electronic here for a while.
So I do know how to play drums like kind of electronic here and also I know how to program drums pretty decently based. Know, I do like to say, I just you just learn as you are, like, well, I need new content, and I need to do new things. And vocals right now was kind of the last thing I learned out of all of that to kinda complete the picture of instrumentalist, plus I can do stupid, animal noises. I was gonna say, how did you develop that scream? Was it a lot of, like, shower sessions?
You're like, okay. Here we go. And you started screaming like that? Or what, like, what got you into that? Because I know some of my friends are trying to learn themselves, and I'm afraid they'll they'll hurt their, you know, vocal cords and all that.
Yeah. It was a lot of just trial and error. And once once I understood the psychology a bit behind it of, like, okay, your voice can do this. You just have to understand how to activate the right areas. Like, it's you have to activate the right muscles of muscles of of what to do, and you have to understand what you're controlling and how to control it and how to control airflow.
Once I that that's the same thing with anything I do. Once I start learning, I'm like, what's happening? And then once I kind of compartmentalize things and start to understand what is actually creating this thing, then it's just the grind. For me, that pure, like, practice part has never been an issue. Like if it's even when it came to guitar, it was like, oh, I wanna learn sweep picking.
Well, it's always like understanding the technique that, like, is, like, deadly for me. But then as soon as I understand the technique, it's like, oh, I just need to do it faster now or I need to do it better. Okay. That's just reps. I've never had problems with reps.
So that for me was not a problem with vocals where I feel like it's the opposite for a lot of people learning things. It's always, you know, techniques like, oh, there's like, okay. And then they just don't wanna put in the reps to, like, get to where they wanna go. But, yeah, it's it's just controlling airflow. It's understanding what you're doing when you're constricting things and holding things and, you know, what's actually going on in your throat.
That will be the best way to understand if something is safe. And also it just feels, it should feel okay. You know, like, it it should feel like you're working out. It shouldn't feel like you're getting stabbed. Right.
Yeah. No. I was watching your, review videos, and I kinda see, like, how you dissect the song really, and you can listen to it as a musician. Is that sort of, like, a skill to have or a curse as well because you don't like a certain part of the song? For me, like, when I listen to a new middle track, I'm like, I like the sound of this.
It sounds great. But you actually listen to, like, the riff and the drumbeat and the way the like the lead singer go, like, you know, does his thing and all that. I came and come up with the proper verbiage for it, but, you know. Yeah. I think it used to and then I just started I everything I did start to shift from because I started as a guitarist.
It was like I had a guitarist mindset. It's like I need I can't listen to a solace, there's like fun guitar work in it, you know, it's like that, like I'm very guitar focused. And then I was more musician focused in general, just like, you know, caring about the instruments and some some of the technical ability. And then I just as I got older, I shifted to just like a cons like a consumer. Like, do I like like I'll I'll I'll throw on lo fi, then I'll throw on random breakdowns that have you know, it's easy to play, but I don't really care because it sounds good or gets the energy out and connecting through things in a lot of in more of an emotional way, you know, even if something's heavy, like, that's emotionally heavy.
Like, it's it's different than just being heavy for the sake of it. So ever since I started kinda doing that more, I do just listen to things, like, on a very basic ground level. And then when I'm like, alright, let's analyze, that's when I'm able to then go back and be like, okay, let's pick this apart now, which is like it's almost like a change of mindset in the in the moment where it's like, alright. Listening as a consumer. Alright.
Now reevaluating as a musician and being able to actually understand those things because I mean, I've been doing this stuff for a while. Right. Yeah. No. That's crazy because I I I watch your videos, like your review videos, of course.
And one of the more recent ones is Parkway Drive's Glitch, and I was reading the comment section, and it was like, Nick, you can be negative sometimes if you want to be, but what I'm thinking about in your case because, obviously, like, even with me, like, I don't wanna be too negative because next thing to know, I'm interviewing, like, one of the guys from Parkway Drive, and I just completely bashed their song. Do you do you have that in mind as well for when it comes to your review videos? No. So this is my mindset. I know a lot of people think I'm just, like, always positive, but, like, I've tried the, this sucks as this sucks route.
I've done that like in the past. I'm like, this didn't add anything. The van for the no one did the van doesn't even know what to take from that. They're just like, okay, this person doesn't like it. Like, who cares?
Right. It doesn't actually add anything constructive. So once I realized that basically now I am decent about negative with some things. I'm just constructive with how I present the negativity. I'm like, same thing with parkway.
That's a great example. It's like, as soon as I'm like, okay, I'm listening to this. Okay. They're not doing metalcore anymore. Okay.
I'm out of that mindset. I'm not listening to this as a metalcore fan right now. I'm listening to what are they trying to go for? And that's more so when I'm judging when I'm doing a reaction. It's like, what are they going for?
Are they going for, like, a radio song, like, with replay value? Okay. I'm gonna judge it as is this a good radio song with replay value? I'm not gonna try to be like, is this a game changing song? And that's what I say very frequently.
Like, even with that song, I was like, this is good. This is for festivals in Europe. Like, that's what this song was made for. This will go harder than any other song they have live in a festival in Europe. Like, once I kinda see that vision, I get it.
I'm like, okay. This is objective. This is really good for what they're going for. Right? Now is it game changing?
But now it's just a solid festival core song, and that's kind of the way I analyze things and critique it in that sense. That's me being like, yeah, they're going for what they do. It's not something I'm gonna have, like, always on repeat. It's a it's a chill song. It's like an you know, it's an easy replay song, but it's not something I'll be listening to probably, like, 2 years from now.
Yeah. Right? That's how I usually present it. So that's just kinda how it goes for me. And I know some people are like, Nick, you need to be more mean.
And I'm like that the bands won't why why would I do that? Because then the band just says what the fuck. You know? Like, what is this? Right?
No. I get it, man. It's funny. When I come when I was listening to the new Electric Callboy song and the whole thing, I was like, this is kind of a unique twist they're doing because I know they're just, like, a more like a comedic band sort of thing. Like, they just kinda do what they wanna do.
But I was laughing at your reviews on that. And, plus, even the Spotify videos make me laugh just because you're just completely ranting about the playlists and saying how they're combining these 2, deleting the this other, like, playlist. And, yeah, Spotify, like, I know I can't mention that because I'm in radio, and it's, like, the s word. You know? Spotify's are Spotify's are big enemy here.
But people do use it nowadays just because they like the convenience, but at the same time, they kinda just downgrade the metal genre to the lowest point because you you have to scroll a little bit, like what you've pointed out before, to get to metal. Yeah. They don't. And that's just you know, it it is what it is. Metal is not the biggest thing, you know, in the world.
It's getting bigger, and and there's more mainstream outlets that are caring about this stuff. And just feel like the younger generation, like, is just into it. Like, it's weird. Like, this new generation of kids on TikTok and stuff, they're, like, their parents are growing up listening to suicide silence with them and, like, you know, like, it's it's I feel like in the next, like, 20 years, there's gonna be, like, a dumb amount of metal heads, like, way more with the next generation. But, yeah, it's you know, it gets valued how it's valued, and that's that's just how it is.
And it's fine. People want aggressive music or, you know, it doesn't just have to be aggressive. I mean, metal is very broad, but, you know, they they have to scroll a little bit and find it and it it is what it is, but it does keep kinda growing. And as long as there's things in that space that keep growing that make a stance and make a statement and go through these different mainstream ways. Like, even if a band metal band gets big on TikTok, like, that's awesome.
Right? Because it's like you can't ignore what's happening. It's just that's what you get to the point of. It's like, here's what's happening. Mainstream can ignore it as much as they want, but they won't because they want viewership and they wanna monetize and they need to go where things are popular in order to do that.
So, you know, it's it's something that I'm very aware of and it's it sucks, but, like, I'm not too worried because I do think within, like, the next 10 years, it's just now it's just gonna go, like, oh, like, just grow and grow and grow. Yeah. That's another thing too. Because I know, like, there's resurgence of, like, sort of pop punk right now with some of these artists out there. But then you also have the show like Stranger Things with Eddie Munson doing the Master of Puppets riff, and all of a sudden kids are in Metallica nowadays or now now and, you know, they're going crazy on into Metallica.
And hopefully, at some point, they go into Lorna Shore, you know. Like, that that band could defeat Vecna immediately. Yeah. You know? I I, I started with and not a lot of people know.
I I started with, punk. It was, like, my first intro to, like, music. Like, that's what my cousin would play, like, Rancid, no effects, and, like, Blink 182. Like, that's that's and I almost think to dumb things, like, you know, like the dumb, heavy, and audible things. Like, the the trail just has to start somewhere, like and then there's the gateway bands, which get get, you know, such bad reps, but they are so important and people just dog on them all day.
But they're the ones that are the ones like, oh, like for me, like, I went from punk and then it was like under oath, and now it's like, oh, now it's actually dying. Now it's Skill Switch Engage. Now it's heavier stuff. Now it's heavier stuff. Right.
It's like same thing, like Breaking Benjamin 3 days all 3 days grace. Like, that's all those are all bands that get just completely doggoned in the metal scene. But, like, most people grew up listening to not metal and then one of those bands and now listen to metal. Yeah. Definitely.
And do you have, like, do you have, like, those guilty pleasure artists? Like, you wanna say, like, okay. I'm gonna stick away. I'm gonna go away from metal for a little bit, come back in a in a little bit of time. But do you have, like, a band like Walk the Moon that you like or something?
I I mean, prospectively guilty pleasure. Because, like, for me, I don't really like, I'm like I listen to weird stuff. Like, to me, memes are stupider than listening to, like, the trap country or whatever. Right? But in terms of perspective and what people would assume in the metal scene is, like, guiltier things.
Oh, Nick, the auto just cut out for some reason. Hold on. I lost about, like, what most of you just said. Oh, no. There we go.
Now you're back. Jack Jack. Can you hear me? Yeah. I can hear you now.
Sorry. For some reason, you were going, and then it just, like, did a sound and stopped. Oh, yeah. Anyways, yeah. It's, like, low low fi stuff is awesome.
Like, every the math rock scene stuff, which, again, like, it's it's not really frowned upon in metal scene. It's just, like, not metal. Right? And, trap stuff, you know, definitely definitely some trap stuff. You know, there's Corpse, Scarlet, Ghostmane, and then there's I'm I'm definitely into Scythe, Scythe 666.
They're they're pretty cool. Because they're again, these guys, they're all metal kids. Like, all of these people do with the strap metal. So they're all metal kids. Just like doing something fun and different.
And I feel like that's probably the guiltiest pleasure because of the messages that seem to be usually upfront, which is, you know, money, girls, you know, that kind of stuff, which I don't really care for that either, but the music pops. So, yeah, I guess that or, like, just some old school pop, like, pop in, like, eighties, nineties stuff. Like, I'll throw on George Michael Careless Whisper any day. Like, that's part of my, like, stream ritual because it just, like, goes so hard. So It does.
I don't know. I'm weird. No. I'm the same way. Like, I'll listen to anything really because, I'm I'm midday's here, and then I go to afternoons in the Hawk, which is country.
So I have to, like, like, change my personality sort of and become, like, you know I'm the sarcastic guy here, which is what I normally am, but then when I'm over there, it feels like I'm talking to my mom. You know, that sort of, like, that sort of thing. You know? Just to make sure I'm kinda nice nice and PG and all that. You kinda develop a multiple personality disorder when you're in radio and you do different stations and the whole thing.
But, like, you know, when it comes to your Nuance on, translucent from terminal and all that, who who do you have as the lead singer again on that one? Was it from Monuments? Yeah. Andy Syzyki, we were we were doing stuff before he even joined Monuments. Mhmm.
But, yeah, Andy from Monuments. He's also in Makkari and Wander and 50 other projects and YouTube. Right. Yeah. No.
It's crazy because I was listening to it. I just I have never really been into, like, the crazy, crazy extreme metal, but I was I was listening to it. I'm like, I like this a lot now. You know, I like the breakdown at the end. Did you write that all yourself?
Oh, yeah. We we don't have a producer, like, at at most, and, so it's me, Andy, you know, that's I'm the instrumentalist. Andy is then vocalist. And that was for for album 1. That's all we did.
Like, literally everything, even self mix and self mastered, like, everything. And turned out how it turned out. It was great. We were happy with what it went, but we're like, k. We got it.
We gotta level up now. So now we have Chris Turner from Ocean's Day Alaska doing drums. So he's he's writing all the drums, like, completely and recording them. He also helped a little bit with production in the sense of, like, he'll do drum parts and then this one part he'll be like, hey, Nick, like, with the guitars, like, maybe lo fi left, right. So he had, like, a few moments like that which are really cool too.
So I gotta give Chris also, like, that those those little credits. And then, Zach Cervini mixing who's mix who's mixing everything. Like, I don't even understand how he has time because every week I'm checking out new releases, and I'm like, mixed by Zach Cervini. Alright. Well, that makes sense, you know.
So, but, yeah, even him, like, you know, like, he's doing, like, light production in the sense of, like, hey, add a swell here. Hey, add, like, an impact here. But, like, everything production wise is me and me and Andy mainly, like, 95%. So did you learn did you learn a premiere and audition and that sort of thing to kinda, like, learn that software and produce it a certain way? Or did you learn that over time, or did you just already kinda have a background in production?
Or it's just yeah. It's I mean, it's all writing. Right? Like, it's it's I my life is listening to music and understanding the little nuances and what what's happening and covering songs and learning songs and dissecting them has really helped me understand what's what's going on, what's the bare bones, and then what's, like, what what does a producer do. Right?
If it is the extra stuff or even just on a songwriting basis. But I myself have been writing, since I was, like, 13, 14, I think. So 10 plus 10 plus years, like, before I ever released anything on YouTube, I have, like, a whole US video, like, really bad demos and stuff like that of just, like, instrumental music and and learning and figuring it out and doing research and trying to basically trying to get the sound of what I hear, what I like so that I can get excited from something I created. And then as soon as I started getting that feeling, that's when I was like, okay. I would I love writing and that's yeah.
Yeah. It was just it was a very natural progression of learning. Like, I didn't go to school or anything for this or, like, we I've never worked with an actual I I actually now work with a producer, which is dead weight on the Nick Knox stuff. He's he's incredible. But other than that, I've never worked with a producer in my whole life.
Like, it's just it's just been me and then a vocalist usually. So have you gone to school, like, since, you know, because I I think we're the same age. We're both 25. Is that correct? Oh, yeah.
So I think, like, have you gone to school for something different and just, like, stuck with YouTube along with it, or how did you develop this channel over time? Yeah. So I was supposed to be an accountant, which, you know, people don't really expect that. But, that was all I was going for. YouTube was just a side thing, like, for fun.
Like, I that didn't make money for the 1st 3 years doing YouTube. I just did it for fun when I was in high school. And then I went to, I went to university to to get an accounting degree. And, you know, I just went through it halfway. I didn't like it.
I just knew it. But, like, I was just finishing it because, like, well, I gotta do something. Like YouTube wasn't like a job really thing. You know, it wasn't like, hey, go be a YouTuber, go be a streamer. Like, it's like, no, you have to get super lucky and do all this stuff.
It wasn't like, you know, a viable path. But I got to a point in university where I was like drawing polymeters on my sheet and I like I literally, one day I got I've got sent to the counselor's office because they're like, hey, dude. So, like, you're doing okay in, like, all the commerce side, but, like, your specialization accounting, like, you're almost failing all your accounting courses. Like, why are you here? And, like, I got kicked out of my accounting program because I was doing really poorly in the accounting portion, which was really funny.
And I just know as soon as they told me that, and all I could think about was going home and covering a song, that's all I cared about. It was like, yeah. I probably need to, like, think this is probably not for me. And then I, you know, just grinded YouTube still and finished my degree. And then when I finished, I basically was like, okay, I have my piece of paper.
Like, let's click. I want to do YouTube. Let's try this for for real. Like, this is the only time in my life I'll have a chance. I just went all in, and I never looked back really.
And your parents, like, were your parents, like, okay with that, you know, sticking to the YouTube channel? The paper, and they were like they were like, okay. Go go do it. You know? It's like, just don't be homeless.
You know? I'm like Absolutely. Yeah. I know. I've heard mister b's story about his mom dragging on him from doing YouTube, and now he's, like, the most subscribed to guy.
So it's crazy how, like, YouTube can work out for people. And at the same time, like, people don't start with it. They just kinda, like, get it over a certain amount of time, which is cool. But it was even weirder because I was talking to my boss, Victor, and he was saying, like, for some reason, radio DJs hate talking to people who do YouTube for some reason. And I'm like, well, why is that the case?
Sometimes. Yeah. Yeah. It just does suck. That's that's fair.
Right. Yeah. No. It's funny. It's just the radio DJs, the way that, like, things work.
It's like you gotta adapt to the modern times. Like, we're a station here that plays, like, you know, Baba Yaga, Slaughter to Prevail at 7 in the morning and kinda, like yeah. We play a whole bunch of wake up? Right. Yeah.
No. Like, our boss, Victor, has the middle morning wake up call. He plays, like, drone corpse aviator and plays those types of songs at 6 AM and wakes everybody up. That's why I think, like, rock radio as a whole is not doing so well because we were listening to a station in Utah when we were down there for a concert, and they took out the little scream from I Will Not Bow from Breaking Benjamin, and it just went straight back to the the drumbeat. And I was like, this is the reason why rock radio is kind of, like, becoming this joke.
But it's so funny to be able to play, like, your song on here because I have this little thing called Peach's Pit. My last name is Peach, and I go by Peach's on KBR. And it's called Peach's Pit, open with the mosh pit and all that. And, yeah, it's just kinda fun to, you know, do this sort of thing. But I but thank you again for, you know, joining me today and all that and sitting down with me and talking to me about your new music and YouTube career and all that.
And I hope the let's see if the what's what would you say would be your next dream guest to have on the show? Oh, the last gonna come on the show. It's so I already did just so much music, I'm sure. You know, coming up this fall. Yeah.
Like, it's dumb. Yeah. It's like, fall's always busy, but this one is it's like, what happened? What did they why? Why did they do this to themselves?
So, we got some we got, like, you know, some pickings, and, we got we got some big ones coming. Like, basically, July has been rough just because, like, July, June is just like everyone just is at festivals, and for some reason, they don't wanna release music. I was like, okay. August, September, and October, every Friday is just a huge guest. And I'm like, just like, I'm laughing because it's just dumb.
Because it's just and on those days too, I I have sometimes double bookings because there's too many albums. On the August 26th, I have 2 guests, which, I I don't know if I can announce yet, but I have 2 guests for the bands releasing the albums out there. And it's just like, I just thought I also like to do. I had to double book, you know, like, put 2 at once. So, like, there's they're gonna be on the show.
Oh, perfect. I cannot wait for that, man. Because that's I'm excited to see because I was thinking about it. I was like, who could Nick have that's, like, crazy? Like, I think I was thinking, like, Matt Haeffy from Trivium.
I was thinking, like, Howard Jones too. Like, those guys would be cool to actually, like, hear you speak to them. Oh, you have them? Because I haven't seen those past videos yet. Few times, and I had Howard Jones when, Jared for Scion, actually.
Jared. Scion. Yeah. I feel like that was a big thing with Jared Dines and that whole thing. I was I played that whole I played one of their songs from that album because I just love that whole collaboration.
But even, like, Matt Haffey, I feel like he'd be, like, one of the nicest dudes to do pretty much anything on YouTube. He's the like, literally, he's the we've done a YouTube video together, which was 2 thousand's Battlecore, which was fun. We've done a couple of Twitch streams together, which, again, is just I just have him on the show. We just talk, hang out, because, like, he's just such a nice dude. That's right.
I remember that video now. I remember that video. I was, like, thinking about him. Like, when did he have it was, like, that different levels of riffs. Yes.
They that's when he had him on. Okay. I'm sure that was pretty crazy to have him do, like, those riffs with you. And I I was laughing at his face because he's just concentrating the entire time, and you're just, like, kinda casually funny because, like, when he's doing that, he's streaming. Right?
Like, because he's a busy dude. So, like, he streams on Twitch, and then he has, like, the segment of, like, oh, damn. I gotta get this done. So, like, he takes 10 minutes and, like, he's there streaming, like, just just tracking this stuff. And he's just tracking 1 and then it's doubling.
So, like, that's why he just focused so hard on getting the right one take so he can just get it all done within, like, 10 minutes, which was great because that's all I needed. Because then I did the drums, I did the bass and everything, and it it's and then, that video has, like, 400 k views, and it's it's a dope video. And and Matt commented, he's like, oh my god. I'm so sorry. I look like I'm, like, like, so I I look like I'm having 0 fun, but, like, it's like I'm so focused.
Right. Yeah. No kidding. Well, thank you again, Nick, for joining me today, man. It's awesome to get the chance to talk to you, and I can't wait for all the you know, what you said, all the new releases coming out, and then you to have those people on the show and all that.
It's gonna be pretty crazy. Yeah. Thanks for having me, man. I appreciate it. Of course.
Yeah. And, also, can you do one more thing before you go? We always try to have this. Can you just say who you are and you're listening to k Bear 101? KBear 101.
Alright. I'm Nick Nocturnal, and you're listening to kBear 101. Perfect. And then can you also just do, the pretty much the same theme, but say you're listening to Peaches on kBear 101? Okay.
Yeah. I'm Nick Noct oh, god. Okay. I'm Nick Nocturnal and you're listening to Peaches on k 101. K Bear 101.
K Bear. Alright. Here we got it. You got this. Yes.
Peaches on k one one. Alright. I'm Nick Nocturnal and you're listening I'm Nick Nocturnal and you're listening to Peaches on KBear 101. Perfect. It's kinda like that buttery flaky crust moment.
Yeah. The buttery flaky keep messing it up. That's the thing. Like, I can stream for, like, 5 hours and, like, I'll be dumb and stuff, but, like, I'll never have, like, many of those. But then as soon as I have to, like, think of what I'm saying, it's, like, instantly my brain is just, like, nah, fam.
No. When I when I'm on the air, it's, like, the most nerve wrecking thing when you go live and what there's been a few times where I've eaten, like, Hot Cheetos on the hock, and you'll hear me, like, kinda, like, kinda pant. And I'm, like, hey, guys. But, you know, it's it's I don't know. I don't understand how, like, guys who are veterans of, like, 40 years doing this sort of thing can just talk so eloquently and so fast and so quickly.
And in a certain way, like, it's just nuts to think that, like, that can happen with people who are live that can just no mistakes. And Yeah. Yeah. At least radio is turning now where it's like you get those people with the cool personalities that are kinda, like, nice and normal people because no one listen to, like, hey. This is, you know, like, the whole deep boomer voice and that sort of thing.
With the whole pukey radio sound from back in the day, like, that type of thing. But yeah. Well, thank you very much, Nick, again for joining me today. I'll try to play your new song, you know, translucent and all that and and get all those, because I was trying to play, I think was it or or that one? Oh, yeah.
It's because it's a cover, so they're so it's the whole Mhmm. So we've had our own headache with the with that. Oh, no kidding. Cover it. Encore owns the, licensing as far as I know.
So, yeah. We had our own head there for that. Yeah. It covers Sal and I do have we do have new Nick not coming soon. No swears in the song.
And we have a new terminal as well. So yeah, it's all it's all going. It's all going. But yeah. Thanks, man.
I appreciate it. And if you need anything, always feel free to, you know, hit hit me up, email, or hit up hit me up through Nicky, whatever works. Absolutely, man. Well, thank you very much. Awesome.
Thanks. Have a good one. You too. The artist's interrogations podcast is a production of Riverbend Media Group. For more information or to contact the show, visit riverbendmediagroup.com.
