Eclectic PDX based musician and producer Nick Arneson recently released album ‘MidLifeCrisis’. As a 30-something singer-songwriter, producer and media creative, Arneson is unusually enthusiast towards the unconventional, and has set some bold plans into play to promote his album. The 7.5 track release will be followed-up by a recently announced series of invite-only “Live From The Barn” shows that can also be streamed online for those outside the PDX region. As Arneson’s favorite place to write and record, ‘MidLifeCrisis’ was also produced and mixed inside The Barn located in the Portland area.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Nick about challenges, motivations, his latest release and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
First off, the below is likely my Sistine chapels of interviews. It got pretty long, and a little weird, but it’s bullshit free. Thanks for the opportunity.
My name is Nick Arneson, and I’m from Portland, Oregon. Stylistically the music I make is my interpretation of a well-structured, interesting rock song. I love layers, depth and keeping it interesting; so there are a lot of little sonic nuggets through all of my songs. Drums were my first instrument, so my music always has a steady, head nodding groove. That’s the foundation. I love to experiment without sounding like I’m experimenting. Most of all I love, love, love the process. Time disappears. I can tell you feel the same way by reading the MTM About page, so thanks for taking the time to conversate with a fellow music junkie/nerd.
Marketing terms, you know, for SEO purposes are Indie Rock or Indie Pop depending on the track number. It’s such a grossly overused term though. It’s been used for everything from the Stones’ Dead Flowers to Janelle Monet. Not wrong, just a pretty wide catalog if you’re trying to pin down a sound or vibe.
What led you down this path in your music career and what motivates you to keep going?
I’ve been playing music since I was 4. I started on piano (I kinda lied on the first question but let me explain). I hated piano and didn’t like music until playing drums (the explanation). I played in some punk bands, emo bands, and some really killer rock and roll bands – had a great time doing all of it. However, the deep, insatiable thirst didn’t start until I began writing my own songs and recording them. That happened in the last 5 years or so. I actually wrote a note to myself on the day I first heard a recording back of myself that I didn’t vehemently hate. It was around that time that I secretly decided that regardless of what else what going on in my life, this (music) would be my life’s work and passion. When I go, it will be my creative legacy. Haha, I take it pretty seriously. I also allow it to completely consume me and provide me a creative outlet like nothing else.
To be honest, being motivated to make music is never an issue. I love staying up late and heading down the rabbit hole. The motivation to succeed at other parts of life are what continually challenge me. I have a somewhat successful career. I don’t ever really stop moving and have a real concern that if the law of inertia were to suddenly fail, I’d never be able to get off the couch. I know that scientifically that doesn’t make a lot of sense, but science isn’t really my area.
I have always had a lot to say, am very opinionated and like being in charge of my own shit – so the fact that this whole message is mine is also a huge motivating driver. Like a lot of people my age (and any age) I’m pretty fucking terrified with the direction of the human race and feel this might be my best forum for getting that relatable anxiety out there. Maybe my music brings some like-minded people together to help make something better somewhere? That’s the dream right there, one step at a time though. I do all of this with the deep understanding that it may not ever bear fruit, if the fruit is throngs of sweaty fans. I’m not sure why they need to be sweaty in this metaphor but stay with me. My music has resonated with some people. I jokingly refer to my email list as the “most exclusive email club in the world” but that isn’t really as true. It’s not just my mom anymore. Point is this – every time, without fail, someone expresses that MidLifeCrisis has made them feel something, my fire burns stronger. I’m cherry picking fans, one at a time, and I’m likely as loyal to them as they to me. I can barely comprehend the fact that people are digging this album and hope that they stick with me because the journey is going to be good.
I was at a concert with a buddy the other night, Jason Isbell (sort of your neck of the woods?). I made him bet me $100 that in 10 years I wouldn’t have crowds like we were looking at. He obviously jumped at the lucrative opportunity, though people telling me I can’t or won’t do something is all I’ve ever needed as motivation.
Long story long, if I was a betting man…. Well let’s just check back in ten years.
How is your latest release ‘MidLifeCrisis’ different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this album?
I consider this my first real release. I put out a 3 song EP last year, but almost immediately after putting it out felt like I could have done better. Editing is sloppy and I didn’t spend enough time learning my craft before putting it out. MLC was a huge learning process and I didn’t settle. It was a sound representation of what I’m capable of as a musician and producer. I’m interested to see how it ages, both with me and with the public. I like to think that my music has enough happening, while still being accessible, that it will be a nice discovery for people for a while. A slow burn. It’s how I prefer it, as I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.
What was the last song you listened to?
Luis Cole’s Weird Part of the Night – it’s a watch / listen thing really as he’s on YouTube. He’s so fucking talented and weird, it’s crazy. I laugh until I’m basically sobbing when I watch the video, he does this crazy fucking leg dance that is so stupid it’s amazing. When I show other people they don’t agree though, so it might not be as viral as I think – I strongly encourage you check it out. Might be another up and coming David Byrne type.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? Cassettes? MP3s?
Ha – cassettes. I understand the Vinyl thing – album’s before a certain year (in my own opinion of course) sound so much better on Vinyl. Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds – for example, sounds so beautiful with the slight crackle of the record player floating every so subtly throughout all the rich analog tones. Not sure if it’s because they were recorded with Vinyl as the medium in mind, or what, but after the 80’s I prefer digital hd music. I don’t have a high end stereo system setup to play vinyl either so that may be the reason. I’m not as snobby about it as I likely should be. At the end of the day, I really just want the fucking music in my head, you know? The vehicle matters to a point, but at the end of the day I’m just after the feeling.
Cassettes – you know the reason cassettes are selling so well is because they’re the only audio vehicle allowed in prison? You apparently can’t turn a cassette into a weapon the way you can with a CD. If they really are trending, it seems silly to me. They sound worse than vinyl and are a huge pain in the ass. Having grown up with them, I’m not going back. My guess is that it’s a generation that didn’t have to suffer through actually using cassettes that are clamoring to make them trendy again. Sounds like they might have a little too much free time on their hands.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’m all Spotify, out of laziness. They’ve built this new musical ecosystem in such a way that you can’t really port it around. It’s fucked up, because if Spotify goes away tomorrow I lose all my playlists, saved albums, etc. This is for listening of course. Spotify has one of the worst artist interfaces in the game and tell you almost nothing. Using Spotify for Artists always makes me feel guilty for being a small artist. If only I had the pull to get the verified whatever, or the ability to see whatever data thing – it’s fucked up and they know it. I suppose it’s fine, as it makes the stuff that does rise to the top more legit – there does need to still be that separation between all the music and the shit that is actually decent. Soundcloud can be overwhelming in that regard, because I’m pretty sure even my mom has a SoundCloud page (she doesn’t, I’m just being funny – she’s a wicked pianist though so she should).
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
Challenge #1: Getting people to hear my music. However, this is always the challenge, so the digital age hasn’t changed that.
Challenge #2: Swimming against the current of my demographic and continuing to make my own music, and not as a hobby. Also not digitally related. People my age aren’t supposed to still be doing this, unless they’ve “made it” by now. I got started both early and late, so I’m in a weird spot. I get a lot of “why aren’t you drumming anymore” and “oh cool you’re still doing this” – with a slight emphasis on the still.
Technology is everything. Without it, I’d be done – I can’t afford to go to a studio, and I don’t want anyone else to have any control over my sound. My band is me, so without multi track, I’d be fucked. Music is the same as it ever was, good shit rises to the top. That won’t ever change, just the medium through which it’s delivered – the democratization of music is a blessing to humanity and it should be seen as such. It’s the only thing I disagree with Neil Young on, as he has always rallied against the digital music age. I hesitate to even write that, as Neil Young is the coolest mother fucker to have lived (top 15 at least) – so if you read this Neil, nothing but love. Let’s get high and talk it out. My treat, it’s legal up here.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Anything else before we sign off?
Everything about everything I do is no bullshit. It’s important to stress. What you see is what you get, always – that’s my promise to all of you the listeners. If you feel like I’m bullshitting you, I expect and demand that you call me out. It’s this mentality, I believe, that the world needs more of right now. Less bullshit, more doing good things. Everyone just be cool for fucks sake. Stop lying, cheating and stealing and we’ll all be a lot better off. Thank you good night.
