Nicole Sanzio is a music industry authority when it comes to media licensing, rights, and clearances. She’s the owner of InDigi Music and its parent company, Multi Music & Media Group, LLC, and has single-handedly placed various styles of music and compositions in film, network television, and other multi-media platforms. Her unique accomplishments in media licensing and success as a business owner have made her a sought-after expert in the fast-changing worlds of licensing, publishing, royalties, and copyright.
On top of all this, Nicole is also a Composer and Pianist, who recently released her neo-classical debut album, In Transit. She has also placed some of her own pieces and collaborated pieces with her Writers/Artists in TV programs like Meet The Press (NBC), Love & Hip Hop (Vh1), Keeping
Up with the Kardashians (E!), True Life (MTV), and VMA!s Revealed (MTV).
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Nicole about the In Transit project, dream collabs, musical memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What is your favorite song of all time?
Wow, that’s a really tough question to start off the bat with (ha!). I have one for every genre since I get so much from all kinds of music. The one that I can listen to multiple times daily and sing at the top of my lungs with, is Whitney Houston’s “I Look To You”. I find it sentimental, yet profound, given my spirituality.
Talk more about your decision to partner with the National Coalition for the Homeless. Who are they, what do they do, and why did you choose them to partner with?
It’s an organization that is close to my heart because homelessness and the in tandem issues hit close to home for me. While I’ve been more fortunate than others, I have a personal connection to this issue that goes back to my pre-adoption days.
The second track on my album, ‘The Beginning,’ is dedicated to my parents, who gave me a life that my biological mother, Mona couldn’t afford; mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. My biological mother was homeless, mentally ill, and addicted to drugs. She was a double amputee eventually, and her life was a constant struggle. She lived out of a suitcase, and the only thing she managed to hold on to was the hospital bracelet given to her during my birth.
I chose the NCH to partner with because of their efforts towards housing for the homeless and pushing for assistance in social programs that could help the impoverished, the displaced, unsheltered, mentally ill, unsupported, and many other humanitarian issues that are directly impacted due to homelessness (or vice versa).
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
I compose based on emotions, and since life has its ups and downs, the track goes through a few transitions in formatting. I decided to release an album based on my life’s journey so far, and In Transit encompasses a bit from each track, each of which has its own meaning behind it.
I actually named “Florence’s Theme” (3rd track on the album) after my best friend who could play a piece of sheet music at first sight. She was in awe when I was composing this piece which in turn was some of the encouragement I needed at the time to continue creating it. I have other people in my life that help me to keep going at certain times in my life, but the list is too long. For this album specifically, it took just a few words of encouragement from some highly-talented and well-respected people in the industry (Shout out to Just Blaze, Milad Nazeri, Phillip Lewis, and Timid MC to name a few) that helped me bring this one home. There are many others that God placed throughout my journey, so as long as I have God in my life, I will always be motivated to keep going towards whatever is next.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?
I’m sure that collaborating with many of the GOAT’s would be cool, but I own a music company that is made up of incredible independent Artists, Writers, Composers and Producers; I hope to collaborate with more of these Creatives on future projects.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
Last song – Baraye (Because Of) by Shervin Hajipour #WomenLifeFreedom
Favorite all-time bands/artists – Irma Thomas, Otis Redding, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, Prince
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Instagram @indigimusic
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolesanzio
I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?
Right now I’m just focusing on bringing more awareness to the horrific homelessness issue in America and praying that the more fortunate people with good hearts are doing what they can to bring awareness towards other humanitarian issues.
