Nico is Taking Over The 2020’s

Nico’s Latin musical led him to a world class organization Salsa Team and an intense study of Cuban History. In his music, he combines RnB, The “Hyphy Movement” from The Bay Area, 808 bass elements. He is creating a bridge between Latin and American sounds.

He represents a new wave and persona of Latin American music and culture.

Hi Nico, Welcome to Vocal Media!

Nico you have a really versatile and unique style, how long have you been making music?

Thank you, I definitely attribute that to all the different cultural and musical influences I was exposed to as a kid. It was a lot to take in, especially during my formative years trying to establish what I identified with most, but in retrospect, I appreciate how accepting and open it made me. My entire childhood, I split time between my mom’s and dad’s. Mom is Cuban-Russian-Italian born in Argentina, and loves anything that either “has that rhythm” or wonder at talent, ranging from Afro-Cuban to Italian Opera, respectively. Dad is Armenian-Swedish, born in LA, and is a jazz/alternative/NPR fan-girl (jokes, love you pop). Due to that, I was constantly being introduced to new styles of music and new sounds. Oh and don’t forget, I grew up in the bay, had Eminem, 50 Cent, and other early-2000’s rap that I would sneak around listening to. I went through phases of introduction to latin, funk, country, EDM, etc. With all that, I knew I wanted to be a singer at age 6 and started making my own music at age 9. Definitely have my first recording stashed away on an old backup hard drive somewhere. It all developed over time of course and I was in school learning alto saxophone, piano, and songwriting. It’s been a heck of a ride.

What can you tell us about your latest project?

Perri and I put every ounce of heart and soul into this record. We found a sound and style that represented us both and the statement we wanted to make. Perri’s the 40 to my Drake. He’s been my best friend for 6 years and he was able to produce me in a way that no one else could. He understands who I am not only on a musical level, but on a human level too. We paid and worked with 4 different mixing engineers until we found one that finally understood and believed in our vision. We wanted to create a breakout album that everyone could dance to and laugh along with. We took several trends from modern pop culture and tried to be as clever with the lyrics and play on words as possible; we wanted every lyric to be captionable.

What do you hope your listeners take away from your music?

Live, laugh, love. Feel as much as possible. The world is going through such a dark period and we’re all trying so hard to be so polished that we forget how beautiful imperfections are. Music should unify us and my goal is to accomplish that through both my English and Latin music, regardless of race, gender, language, culture. This album is only scratching the surface, but I really believe it is the best way to introduce myself to the American Pop market. It’s about love,, sex, passion, money, culture, and my favorite moments on the album are the lyrical ones that make you laugh and sing a long as loud as you can.

What is it about making music that makes you so passionate ?

Remember the first time you ever heard your favorite song when you were a kid? When it was socially acceptable to yell your favorite lyrics in the backseat of your car as loud as you could? Every new song I write, it reminds me of that feeling. I get to take all the inspiration from my life, family, culture, etc, and create something entirely new that I’ve never heard before. That high, that rush, that happiness, it’s electric and making music is the only way life has allowed me to achieve that as I’ve grown up. It’s also been my way out. When I was younger and I was first going through anxiety/depression, music was my outlet and the microphone would always listen. Music could make me feel things when I was actively numbing myself to the world around me. Every car ride I’d have my headphones on and computer open, writing and producing. I got so used to having my headphones on, I’d forget I was wearing them in class and my teachers would yell at me to take them off. Music is part of my identity.

What’s your favorite song that you created thus far ?

My favorite vocal I’ve ever recorded is my featured verse on the remix to “You Say” by Aaryn. My favorite Latin track: Ven, Ven (brought together every element that had inspired my musically throughout my life). Favorite English track: Yalla (gets me hyped up more than anything).

What’s next for Nico ?

Putting everything I have into this album. Touring. Experiencing other cultures, people, and musical influences. Learning more about myself and the world. Using my success and influence to bring about social change and justice. Most importantly, representing myself, my family, and my heritage, and making sure to keep the world dancing and laughing through my music.