In this interview, we chat with Gold Clubb about influences, the newest project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and streams below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Ive always had big ears, and I spent the majority of my teens and early twenties fully mesmerized by hip hop and R&B. It’s in my bones, I can’t describe it very well in words. But being a “rapper” always seemed a little out of my reach, so I taught myself how to play guitar and piano so I could figure out a way to make music from the lyrics that have been swirling in my head since I was a little kid. As I became a better musician the windows in my mind started opening up and the breezes in my subconscious blew into what I was working on. I heard a few of Matt’s tracks and it the lightbulb went off and my weird talk/sing/rhyme flow just came out, it was a surprise to me as well.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
Ive been putting out my little private releases for about 10 years now, but I would say the last 2 years or so Ive hit my stride in terms of taking the ideas to a hi-fi level in terms of aesthetic, sounds, and performances.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Cody Chestnutt, Tom Petty, Marvin Gaye, Ghostface, Tupac…all the classics, new shit like Kendrick and Drake and Frank Ocean…the list is endless. Im motivated by experiencing effective artists executing with taste and skill while opening up the door to that spiritual thing that you just feel. Im sure a lot of people feel like this, but truly great songs/jams/hits are one of my favorite things about being alive, and I hope to be able to add to that pool with my energy and resources.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
To just feel it and make it bang and make it tight, but not to overthink it and get too mired in studio perfectionism
What was the last song you listened to?
I listened to Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place” this morning first thing because I watched Wall Street late last night and I was like oh shit that song is the jam.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I’ll take it how I can get it. Vinyl at home is my fave way to listen though. It’s nice to not have to negotiate with a screen for a minute. CD’s in the car still sound great too.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
It’s all the same I guess, but Spotify is so easy to use, it’s great and the great satan all at the same time.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I think sometimes people are lulled into wanting shit to be background music- it’s the whole Jarvis Cocker “scented candle” metaphor at work. The stuff I do isn’t quite that sanitized and it may require a touch more than a passing listen to get it all.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Im playing in and around NYC intermittenly. I’d love to get out on the road once theres more demand for Gold Clubb.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
My instagram is a great way to keep abreast of all the moves. @nickyfrancisck Also hit Gold Clubb on soundcloud- www.soundcloud.com/goldclubb The full mixtape will be on spotify when it is released in a few weeks
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Love yall. Thank yall so much. Be good to each other and play the hits.