Nick Van Breda
Nick Van Breda is a fantastic Aussie singer songwriter who has been in bands and now doing the solo thing. I wanted to know more so he answered my questions so read on.
http://www.facebook.com/NickVanBredaMusic
1. How are things different for you now being solo and not being in a band?
The big difference is that all the decisions are mine now. This adds to the pressure of it all and means a lot more work for me but it’s also a really good thing. It also means I can get to a gig on public transport!
2. What did you learn from being in a band?
I suppose the big thing is interpersonal relationships with other people and how important they are. Playing music with someone else can be a very intimate thing and you are forced to spend a lot of time together. This brings out the best and worst in everyone.
3. Are you happy how people have received your music?
I guess so? It’s always hard to tell isn’t it. People keep asking me to play shows so i suppose you could say it’s been received well!
4. What inspires you now when writing music?
Inspiration can be anywhere and in anything. You just have to pay attention to what’s going on around you. Sadly, my guitar is all too often out of arms reach when inspiration strikes!
5. What does it mean to connect with your fans?
It means a lot. It’s always great to connect with someone who considers my music worth listening to. I’m always a little surprised when it happens as well. At my recent show at The Workers Club in Melbourne, a bunch of guys who had seen me play in New York nearly 2 years ago came and saw me and told me how they hadn’t stopped listening to my cd since that show. They braved a cold Melbourne sunday night, just to see me play and say hi.
6. How does social networking help you?
It’s a great way to get my music heard and to keep people up to date with my upcoming shows and releases. I get a lot of inspiration from listening to other music and social media has made it easier than ever before to find bands. The other day, I spent all morning listening to a band from Philadelphia called The Hundred Acre Woods i’d discovered that morning. This kind of thing wasn’t possible all that long ago. I still remember making mix tapes when there was no irony involved!
7. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Jen Buxton. She’s an amazing singer/songwriter from Newcastle who i’ve had the pleasure of sharing the stage with a few times recently. We’re heading to Brisbane together so maybe something could happen!
8. What does 2013 mean to you?
Write, record, release, tour, repeat.
