IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nick Cianci

If you go to a Nick Cianci show, chances are, you’ll hear “Sparkling Jenny”. There’s something about Nick Cianci’s music that sparkles. Maybe it’s the voice or the electric guitar, or their encounter to form an indie rock ‘n’ roll sound. Nick Cianci, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, hails from Malvern, Pennsylvania, which is just west of Philadelphia, and is currently based in New York City. This year, not only did he graduate from NYU Tisch’s prestigious Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, he self-released his debut EP High Fidelity Depressed on July 31, 2018 via Bandcamp. He has taken the stage at a handful of local venues, including Pianos, Mercury Lounge, Knitting Factory, Bowery Electric, and Rockwood Music Hall.

He recently treated NYC to a phenomenal show at Sunnyvale in Brooklyn on September 8, 2018. Taking a pause from performing, Nick generously contributed some time and thought to chat a bit about the process behind creating and crafting the EP, his tour essentials, and named spots to eat in NYC and Philadelphia, including where he gets his Philly cheesesteak.

What’s the story behind your talent and passion for music?

When I was nine, my dad showed me the movie The School of Rock with Jack Black. and I vowed to myself afterwards that one day, I would be Zack Mooneyham. He [my dad] is also a huge music fan and introduced me to all the classic stuff growing up...Clapton, Hendrix, Carole King, Joni Mitchell.

What was the first instrument (musical or non-musical) you started making music with?

Geetar.

You released your debut EP, High Fidelity Depressed, on July 31, 2018. What was the process of writing, recording, and producing it?

Thank you! I spent the first 3 years at NYU trying out different styles of songwriting, but I was never too happy with what I was making. I found it very tough to balance out school and songwriting even though I was studying music (more of a business/production-based program). After my junior year, I decided to take the first semester of my senior year off to solely focus on making songs, and I ended up having more fun with it than I ever had before. When my final semester came around in the spring, I had access to some recording studios that the school rented out and I picked four songs out of the big batch that I felt represented where I was at the time. My band and I recorded everything in four days at Studio G in Brooklyn. It was the most fun I’ve had in the studio for sure. Shout-out to my man Ronnie DiSimone for engineering, mixing, and co-producing it with me. He’s a studio wizard.

Who are some of your prominent musical influences?

I’ve always been pretty obsessed with Bruce Springsteen. I was listening to a lot of Pinegrove and The National at the time I was making the record. I’m a proud John Mayer fan. Margaret Glaspy and Father John Misty have also been on heavy rotation the past couple of years.

What are you currently listening to?

I’ve been loving Mitski’s new album...she’s a genius. I got really into Lucinda William’s record called Car Wheels on a Gravel Road this past summer. My friends and I actually covered the whole album at a show back in June. She can make you feel so much with just two or three chord...ultimate story teller.

What’s your favorite restaurant and/or food in NYC you’d recommend? Any places back home in Philadelphia?

There’s this really small Mexican restaurant called El Diablito Taqueria on E 3rd Street. I get the Pollo Burrito. It’s yummy. In Philly you’re probably thinking about cheesesteaks, and if that’s the case, then you must go to Jim’s on South Street. It’s # 1.

What are some of your essential tour items?

My number one guitar, a couple of disposable cameras, and my red Bass Pro Shop hat (acquired on my first tour with my band and worn ironically).

If there were a pizza with the name “Nick Cianci”, what toppings would it feature?

Probably like a couple of locks of my hair...maybe a couple of toenails clippings.

What’s a question you have wanted to get asked in an interview, and what’s the response to it?

Q: What’s it like being married to Jennifer Lawrence?

A: *hypothetically married to Jennifer Lawrence* It’s amazing.

A tremendous thank you to Nick taking the time and thought to respond to the questions!

Be sure to check out his amazing sound, and follow him on Twitter (@ncianci96), Instagram (@nick.cianci), and like him on Facebook (/nickciancimusic)!

Check out more shots from the show below!