(May 2008) - PCM's Melissa spent an afternoon talking to British rock/pop/acoustic singing sensation, Nick Howard. He took a huge risk moving to NYC on his own to pursue his music career. He started booking shows for himself and performing around the City, grabbing the attention of big-name musicians and producers. Now, his songs have been featured on MTV's The Hills and he's grown quite a fan base. He was such a nice guy and we encourage you to support his music! His cute accent doesn't hurt too much either! To learn more about Nick and sample some songs, visit his MySpace page. Go ahead, don't be shy! Check out the interview transcript below and a video of Nick performing in 2007.

Melissa: You started singing and playing guitar when you were ten, what got you interested in music?

Nick: My family, my mother and father! I went to a musical school, too. Music was always around me. I was always involved in it! It became part of my life.

M: Do you play any other intruments besides the guitar?

N: I play the piano as well.

M: Cool. What made you decide to relocate in NYC?

N: I was blown away by New York, the atmosphere and culture, the first time I ever visited. I knew that I wanted to come back and get my career started again and it seemed like the right place and time in 2004 to do that.

M: How would you classify your sound?

N: I describe it as honest and passionate. Very melody-minded. Sincere. That's the best description I can think of (laughs).

M: Who are some of your musical influences?

N: Well, my parents were from the 60s generation. So definitely, The Beatles, The Who. I got into a lot of American mo-town and soul. Earlier Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye, too. I love indie rock, too. I liked Oasis when I was younger. I'm keen to explore different types of music. I listen to as much different stuff as I can.

M: Your first full length album was released, what's the feedback been like so far?

N: It's been great. We had a CD release party here in NY, which was great! I had some good industry people come down as well and check it out. Reviews have been good.

M: You have a number of performances lined up in the future, how does performing live compare with recording?

N: I think recording in a studio is a great process, but I don't think there are too many comparisions. The studio is where you are being creative and writing and producing as best you can. When you perform it live, you are going back to what inspired you to write the song in the first place. It all comes out in 4 minutes and it's an amazing feeling. Can't be replicated anywhere else. I would say that they are separate things, I think performing live is the most rewarding experience you can have.

M: How was it to have your song featured on The Hills?

N: It was definitely my biggest thing to date. It was a surreal experience. A lot of people watch that show. Hearing your own song on a show with that popularity. It opened up a lot of doors for me at that time. Definitely cool.

M: I read that you also opened for Jack Johnson, what other musicians would you like to work with?

N: It's an interesting question, the one person I'd love to sit down with would be like Paul McCartney. It's a dream and a stretch but he's the living person I'd love to play with. I really enjoy collaborating with any musician though, you can learn a lot from any one you work with. Right now, I'm a fan of Coldplay. I am a huge fan of theirs. I really like a lot of music that's been coming out in the U.K. right now. I like Kate Nash and Duffy a lot, too! I am always listening to older music too, Abbey Road, atleast three times a day! (laughs)

M: Do you maintain your own MySpace page?

N: I do! I think you always have to find time to communicate. I love it. I like to try to message fans back when I get messages. I've been getting more feedback on it lately. It's so nice. It's an amazing platform to gain exposure for an independent artist like myself. It's a powerful promotional too. Facebook, too.

M: Have you had any crazy fan experiences yet?

N: (laughs) I've had a couple! It's so strange - when people come up to you and assume they know you! It's so flattering though, you can't be mad about it!

M: Do you play any sports?

N: I definitely do. Club football. Soccer, as you guys call it! I'm a fan of any team that I'm locally affiliated with, I love everything.

M: Well, thanks so much for your time, Nick!

N: Thank you, Melissa!