Meet Nick Irvin | Musical Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Irvin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I started taking producing and DJing seriously, I was so fortunate where success was finding it’s way to me very quickly. I was working a job where I could set my own hours and I thought that would be perfect because it would let me work on music as much as I wanted. I realized that in the long run that this wasn’t going to work. I applied at the most corporate job out there (nothing fits the rebellious style of Electronic music better than working for the man!) and I found out I had to utilize and manage my free time better after how much I was working. When I was working for myself, I was messing around way too much because I had this sense that I had all the time in the world. I made more progress in my music two months at the new job than I had a year at my old one! Also, a tip for other artists… You don’t need to be working on your art every minute when have free time! It’s ok to take breaks. In fact, I encourage it! Taking just a week, or even a few days off can reset your mind and give you clear insight to what you’re feeling stuck on.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I absolutely love to make House and Techno. My House music tends to be more on the chill side but still has some bright and warm flow to it. Think of it like something you’d listen to while cruising during a sunset. That’s what I try to aim for. The Techno side is definitely more intense. Whenever I’m feeling depressed or going through some difficult times, I gravitate towards making Techno that’s at a higher BPM and using dark and and distorted sounds. Whether I’m in a great mood or feeling like I’m going nowhere, I think it’s important to use music as an outlet for my emotions. That’s why it usually takes me a few months to finish a track. I have to make sure everything sounds exactly how I’m feeling so people can resonate. When I turned 13, in ’07, I actually downloaded in cracked copy of FL Studio (shh, don’t tell anyone!) For many years I self-taught most of what I know in the program just by clicking buttons and seeing what they do. Taking years of guitar lessons and being in band class helped tremendously. Having a grasp on music theory isn’t necessary to begin making music but it’s a massive benefit and makes progressing easier.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh man, let’s imagine it’s pre-covid times, I 100% would have to take friends to a Red Rocks show! Like, you pretty much HAVE to. At this point it should be a Colorado law that anyone who visits has to see a show there. Denver also has countless of fantastic restaurants with a massive variety. There’s something for everyone here! I have a list saved in my phone of a bunch of restaurants I want to try out. If I’m with friends that would be a great excuse to explore the city and check off the list. The Botanical Gardens and The Aquarium are also a blast to wonder around.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man, I need everyone to please check out Household Collective / Household Records! They have been there since the very beginning! Household are the ones that pushed me into taking up learning how to DJ and booked me for my first show just a few years ago. Every song I release they share it, hype me up and let me know that I’m on the right path. Every show I play everyone is there front and center, arms up and dancing all night. There isn’t a better group out there and it’s an honor to have them as friends. This group genuinely consists of the best people. No one is fake and no one is doing this for the money. We’re all in this ride together to spread positivity, push each other to achieve our best and just have a banging good time. My whole family and countless friends have done nothing but support me this whole time, also. I’ve gained so much confidence because of them . My parents and even grandparents came to my first show! If that isn’t the coolest family then I don’t know how that can be topped!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnickirvin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/irvin_nick

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnickirvin

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4P1EQJthvLNXm8YgmvDcjt?si=wSgMXw6CSpOoZ-mwMcHVAA

Image Credits
Some images were shot by Amie Kathryn (@amiekrose on Instagram)