Philly area indie rocker Nick Oriold was gracious enough to be the first spotlight on Star Strategies! Nick is a musician playing shows around Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey. With his latest EP ‘Sending Out My Heart”, following the “Casino Music” album, Nick has proven his place to shine in the scene.
Listen here!
Photo Credit: Connor Rothstein
SS: What does success mean to you as a musician?
NO: To me, success is having the ability to inspire others the way that I have been inspired myself as an artist and musician. The ability to communicate with an audience and reach people with music is very much a spiritual and visceral thing. I have had people come up to me after gigs to tell me that I have inspired them in this kind of way. I am very blessed to have this ability to create art and inspire others with my own creations. I suppose this is what I intended to do with my first cohesive and real piece of art, which was Casino Music. The passing of the flame, an inspirational, symbiotic relationship between the artist and audience, in my humble opinion, is the definition of true success as an artist. If I can inspire someone or give someone hope in their life with what I do, or help someone keep going and keep moving, then that’s success to me — that’s why I do it.
SS: Who are your inspirations, and how did you hear about them?
NO: I have many inspirations from many places, so it’s hard to say tbh! Eight artists that I really love in the present are The Lemon Twigs, Tchotchke, The Beaches, Caroline Rose, Mac DeMarco, Ty Segall, Weezer and John Frusciante. They are all fantastic and captivating artists that have been so inspirational to me in making something of my own. Eight artists that I admire from past generations – Marvin Gaye, Beatles (I love Paul lots), Kinks, Ramones, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Bruce Springsteen, and Billie Holiday. And of course, I gotta mention the man myth legend Jimi Hendrix. Axis and Electric Ladyland are two of my favorite records ever. I deeply admire Hendrix’s work and the significant impact he made on music in a relatively short time frame. As a young boy, I first heard Hendrix on the Woodstock soundtrack performing Star Spangled Banner, which blows my mind, every single time. I’m not sure if I ever came back from witnessing a performance like that, especially when I was still so young. And at that point, I was like, yeah I kinda wanna do that too.
SS: Have you done any press in the past? How was your experience?
NO: Here and there but not too much, to be honest. I have always been very much a DIY (do-it-yourself) kind of artist, meaning I make my own music and art by hand, book the gigs myself, stuff like that. I haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities to discuss my work and influences in press like this. But when I do get these opportunities, it’s fun and I enjoy it !!
SS: Do you have a favorite music magazine, podcast, or interview? What stands out?
NO: In modern times, I really like Creem, Far Out and Shindig Magazines. I think they do a fantastic job covering a lot of cool rock music, including many artists that I love and look up to!! And how can ya not love Nardwuar? That man is a living legend. We are all so blessed to be on this planet with him!!
SS: Do you believe PR plays a role in the success of an entertainer?
NO: Yeah for sure!! PR is a great spotlight and opportunity for artists, especially DIY, local and small label artists who operate mostly on their own means. I greatly appreciate these opportunities as an artist myself! It means a lot to us artists for sure.
Star Strategies is so grateful to Nick Oriold for taking a chance on our website!
Photo Credit: Connor Rothstein
Keep up with Nick!
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Jan. 8, 2025