SWNY: How long have you been doing Spoken Word Poetry and what made you begin?
NICK: I’ve been in the Spoken Word game for about two years and working professionally in the scene for about one. Doors keep opening. Trying to keep my head down. I’m blessed.
SWNY: YES! So very blessed! Keep DOING what you do FOR THE PEOPLE — Stay blessed!
SWNY: Who are your biggest influences that do what you do? Who inspires you?
NICK: In addition to the artists I mentioned earlier (shout-out to Lin-Manuel, Danny Hoch, Lemon, and Reg E), big ups to Eric Bogosian, Aja Monet, Biggie Smalls, Anna Deavere Smith, Kendrick Lamar, Mo Browne, Saul Williams, John Leguizamo, and of course The G.O.A.T. – Bill Shakespeare. Just to name a few. I could go on… I am such a fan and I’m unashamed to say it. I always told myself: the second you become too cool to be a fan of the work, it’s time to go home.
SWNY: That last line… Good advice!
SWNY: What drives you to do what you do?
NICK: In a society that pumps people full of fear, I believe deep down in my heart that art is the antidote. Art is a conduit of truth – truth leads to understanding, empathy, and imagination. That is the side I want to be fighting on… And you know what they say, if you love what you do, you never have to work a day in your life.
SWNY: What are some of your goals and aspirations for your Spoken Word Poetry career?
NICK: Feed my family with my art. Travel the world and share my work with the planet. Inspire others to find themselves and compassion for others. Fight injustice by spreading truth. Oh… and win a Tony. That would be nice, but that’s just the selfish side of me.
SWNY: You sound like the modern-day Superhero. He travels the world – inspiring, fighting injustice – and still makes it home to spend quality time and put food on the family. [LOL]
SWNY: What would you like to do for the Spoken Word community? What do you bring to it?
NICK: Hard work. Honesty. Integrity. Striving for greatness daily. All I can do is give my best and stay true.
SWNY: YES, to all of that!
SWNY: What do you think/feel about Poets and Artists using their voices to help make a difference in today’s society?
NICK: It’s a must. If you’re only in the game for yourself… then you’re in it for the wrong reasons.
SWNY: How do YOU plan to create change to better art for the people and to better the Art community?
NICK: My solo-show “The Last Hipster in Brooklyn” addresses the plight of Brooklyn in the year 2016. Brooklyn made me the man I am today. Brooklyn is my home and is my heart. It’s no secret that Brooklyn is going through a time of tremendous change and turbulence. The injustices of post-gentrification Brooklyn demand we recognize and confront them – we have no choice. And as a Brooklyn transplant, I have to recognize my own role in those changes.
