Nick Rich
I completely fell in love with Nick Rich’s vocals the first moment I listened to his song “Mad”. He’s truly a great vocalist, but not only: he’s also an amazing performer, a brilliant songwriter and overall a promising artist. His newest single “Call If Off” is definitely a great one. A promising artist for sure, so make sure to check him out and stream “Call It Off” now !
Photo credit: Johanne Romez
How Nick, how are you? What's your story?
Hi x I’m well, forgive me if I’m a bit tired I just got back from tour! For those who don’t know, I grew up in the United States, in a semi-small town called Sarasota, Florida. I guess it’s a bit of an artistic town. I started out playing violin in the youth orchestra when I was 8. Once I got to my teenage years, I really wanted to try songwriting.
What did you grow up listening to?
I became obsessed with soul-singers (most of them were British) like Adele, Sade, George Michael and Aretha. I’ve always been so intrigued by their chord progressions, melodic intuition and smokey voices. I never thought I’d be writing music when I was listening to them, but I really dove deep into their respective discographies.
When did you know you could sing? Growing up, what were your favorite songs to sing along to?
I didn’t really know until I turned 16. My close friend and I would drive around listening to our favorite songs and doing our own little “carpool karaokes”. He would always say that I had a pretty good voice. I did a few musicals in school but I was never really encouraged to sing. My all time favorite was “Hello”. I really credit that song to being my musical awakening in a lot of ways. I just never knew music could sound that powerful.
What gave you the confidence to be an artist and release your original music?
Well, I started writing without the intention of being an artist. I just wrote because I felt like I had something to say - a perspective. It wasn’t until I posted an original song online and It started to get a lot of traction. That really surprised me.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you professionally?
Strangely enough a few people. I went to a Raye show a few years ago now, and she spotted me from the audience and gave me a shout out, which was absolutely mad. Even more crazy, James Cordon followed me on instagram which had me jumping up and down. He sent me such a lovely message which has really encouraged me. I think it’s so cool when people you’ve idolized for so long finally recognize you. I used to watch Karpool Karaoke all the time, so it’s nice to be seen by him.
"Mad" is your latest single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
In a way, “Mad” is a sequel to my song “Hot Mess”. I wrote it almost a year ago now, at the beginning of 2024. I had fallen deeply in love with someone I knew I couldn’t have. For some reason I keep doing that! I had realized that it was kind of an unhealthy obsession and that maybe I was a bit mad myself. Obviously, that relationship ended in disaster and that song just never lost its relevance in my life. I like to test the lifetimes of my songs. I know it’s a good one when I still relate to it months later.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
I had known for a while that I wanted a song titled “Mad”. It had some sort of power to it. It’s also even more exciting when I can’t think of any other popular songs with that same title. I had worked on the production with my collaborator/producer Romain Drouet for a while before I finally connected the song title to the music. Sometimes it takes a while for the ideas to come together. One of my favorite parts of my songwriting is the implementation of background vocals in the hook. I’ve always loved songs that feel like a call and response and that was totally the intention when writing “Mad”.
What did you feel when recording "Mad"?
Well, definitely a bit crazy. It was a bit of a psy op to tap into my madness but I’m so proud of the tone and eeriness in the vocal. Sometimes when I listen back I hear a bit of a Thom Yorke impression. I think it was subconscious but I had been listening to some Radiohead at the time. All I know is I like it.
What made you want to release "Mad" as a single?
It took me a while to work up to it. I knew I wanted it to be the first single off of the record but I didn’t know the right time to release it. I finally bit the bullet after waiting for a year cause I loved it so much. It’s definitely the most “pop” I’ve ever sounded but I’m proud of that. Every time I listen to it I can’t seem to get it out of my head.
What message do you want to deliver through this song?
Just the fact that I’m a bit crazy. I don’t really feel ashamed of it. I know I make mistakes in relationships and I’m happy to own up to it. Anyone who thinks they’re immune to causing the problems in their own love lives can shove it. I hear so many people say “well my ex is crazy” yet they never take the time to admit what they could’ve done wrong.
How do people respond to this song so far?
I think they like it. I try not to pay attention to the feedback anymore. It’s so easy to get caught up in the numbers of it all. It’s easy for those things to take your joy away.
What’s the story behind your latest single “call it off”?
I guess it’s really about my fear of finding out that my past lovers have moved on. In a very selfish way, I don’t want them to move on because they are still very relevant in my life. I don’t mean that I’m stalking them hahaha, but rather they still influence the kind of person I want to be with. It’s pretty much my last plea to have them leave their current relationship and come back to me.
What does singing make you feel?
Free. I just feel so much more in control of myself when I’m singing. There’s this confidence that you gain when you’re up there on stage.
As a performer, what lessons have you learned so far? What do you like the most about being on stage in front of an audience?
The best thing I’ve learned is to not worry about perfection. There’s something that connects you to the audience when you acknowledge the bum note or the people going or the bathroom during the slow song. I like to poke fun at myself too, which always helps to get a laugh.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Oh my, I would change so much. I think I just wish there was more focus on the artists who sit down and really plan out their vision for their artistry. There’s too many backflips and fireworks for me. I really respect the artists that can just get up on stage with a microphone and sing. No need for the crazy theatrics. If the music is good enough, you don’t need all of the extra nonsense.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
The first two were definitely 21 and 25 by Adele but most recently it’s been “Older” by George Michael, “Love Deluxe” by Sade, “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves and “Preachers Daughter” by Ethel Cain.
In your opinion, what would make the world a BETTER place?
When I was 16 a mentor told me that “you don’t have to agree but you have to understand”. I’ve always have that mentality when looking at people who live or think differently than me. I don’t think there’s a right or wrong to most things. I wish people could see the world through different perspectives. That type of thinking has also helped me in my relationships as well.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Don’t be bitter.
What can we expect to hear/see next?
My album x
There’s a few more songs I have to show you before I can give you the full record, but I’m so excited to finally put my madness of full display xx
Connect with Nick: