Interview w/ Nick Santino & The Northern Wind

We're catching up with an exclusive chat with Nick Santino from his solo project called Nick Santino & The Northern Wind. You may remember him from the Artist Spotlight feature I did with him a couple of weeks ago, and he was kind enough to do a quick interview with the site so that we could get the opportunity to know him better. His music has the tendency to transcend conventional boundaries, and delves into more deeper and concentrated songwriting that has completely altered the musical path that he was on previously. Here is the transcript of my chat with him as he was returning from a tour in the Philippines:

Give us your name and what instruments you regularly play?

Nick Santino. Guitar mostly but a little of everything. 

At what age did you first become interested in music?

All my life. I started actually playing at age 11. 

What are some of your musical influences that still have an effect on you to this day?

Everything. The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Ryan Adams. 

Most people may remember you from your old band, A Rocket To The Moon. Why did you guys decide to part ways?

Just felt like the right time for some change. 

How does your music with The Northern Wind differ from your prior musical endeavor?

This one is all me calling the shots. Writing the songs. Playing the instruments. It's more personal. 

Take us behind your songwriting process, what themes and/or elements typically are comprised within your songs?

I write about real life situations. I like to let the listener really feel the song and feel like they can relate to it. 

If you weren't involved in making music, what do you think you would be doing for a living?

Something in the graphic design or fashion worlds. 

Being from the Boston area right in Braintree, what is your favorite thing about your home city?

I think what I like most about it is that it's home. There's not much to the Braintree but it's a place to call home and it's comforting to know I have that. 

What's coming up next on your radar, planning to play any shows in the near future?

Hopefully some touring this year. I’m planning to do a full length record. 

Lastly, how much has music played a role in the person you are now?

It's everything I do, see, create, feel. It's the world.

Thanks once again to Nick Santino for taking some time out of his schedule to do this interview. It's refreshing to hear a musician make a conscious decision to change the type of music he used to play, and cater to a different audience who are very rooted in the genre of music he is playing now, but the devoted fanbase he acquired previously is more than willing to take a listen and follow him on his musical journey anyways. For more information on Nick Santino & The Northern Wind, 'Like' him on Facebook here and follow him on Twitter here.