Nick Vivid has it going on! He’s a rock star in the best sense of the word, as well as a sonic wizard, dreamer, and fearless innovator. In addition, he’s cerebral and, most importantly, capable of articulating his ideas in a comprehensible fashion.
Vivid’s latest album is called Blissed Out and corresponds to a travelogue of his imaginative musical journey, enveloping elements of pop, rock, funk, hip-hop, electronic, and neoteric music.
The music video for “Ricochet,” a song from Blissed Out, depicts retro-flavored kaleidoscopic dynamics full of surging disco-esque savors, tightly soaring guitar tones, and exquisitely subtle extravagances of iridescent resonance.
Interviewing Nick Vivid was a pleasure. Not only is he eloquent and thoughtful, but he’s also unreservedly open. We discussed his influences, his background, and his quest for what he calls “the blue sound.”
How would you describe yourself?
I’m just a weirdo. I like catchy song hooks, dancing like a fool onstage, and making sure everyone in the audience knows they’re adored.
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Oh damn. Out of the gate with that question. To be perfectly honest, getting into trouble implies that I got caught.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
My dad was a DJ on WBLK in Buffalo NY, where I grew up. He always played lots of soul music and blues in the house. My mom plays piano. She loves Bowie and Queen. I started playing drums, then I moved to guitar, bass, and keyboards. I wrote my first album when I was 10 — all in my head — the full production — all the parts and arrangements — before I knew how to play anything. So I was a writer and producer first. I got a 4-track when I was 15 and discovered I could make my own recordings and sell them at local stores. The idea of having my own little business with my music as the product appealed to me from day one.
