If you find yourself battling something right now, you are not alone. You are still worthy of being loved, and New York-based singer-songwriter Nick Deutsch is here to remind us all of that with his new single “Monsters”.
Nick grew up in Illinois, and started singing when he was ten years old. Over the years, he truly carved his own path, embracing the artist he was instead of the one others wanted him to be. Nick moved to New York City, and checked out The New York Songwriters Circle, where he ended up meeting singer-songwriter and vocal coach Tina Shafer. Soon, Nick was booking shows at CBGB’s, The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, Café Vivaldi, and Ella Lounge!
“Monsters” tells a story of how mental health can affect a relationship, and how even though we all have our monsters, they don’t define our hearts. Today, Nick unveiled a really cool lyric video for the track, and we got to chat more about the song and his journey as an artist. Check it out below!
Hi Nick! To kick things off, in your own words how would you describe the meaning of “Monsters”?
The entire lyrical narrative of Monsters is 100% from life. I’d just started dating someone pretty seriously and things imploded on a street corner where a lot of emotions about self-worth, baggage, mental health, and depression were brought up. The more I looked into it, the more I realized that there are almost no conversations about dating with depression or mental health in greater popular culture. We all want to appear to “have it together” when in reality we don’t. The song for me is about saying we all have monsters. While they might vary, they are not a barrier to love and romance.
I really think many people will be able to resonate with “Monsters” the moment they hear this song. Songs that speak of mental health are extremely important, especially during these times! Do you find it easy to be open and honest in your music?
I’ve always been super open and honest in my music. It’s one place where I can present things in a very truthful way and really connect with people. Music has the ability to amplify and connect human feelings in a special way outside of the typical day to day conversation.
You’ve been performing since you were a kid! How was growing up in the spotlight like, and what are some of the most important life lessons you’ve learned because of it?
Fundamentally all humans share the same needs. Just because someone has material success doesn’t mean they don’t have bad days or feel frustrated and lost. So many musicians currently – even the most successful have completely been decimated by not being able to tour. The spotlight comes and goes.
Secondly, I would say, finding and staying true to your vision as an artist and not competing. The world does in fact have space for as many artists as possible.
Besides the piano, do you play any other instruments?
Sadly no! I tried but because I was having so much formal training growing up I really didn’t have the time to dive into another instrument.
So you moved to NYC and got to link up with the New York Songwriter’s Circle – how was that experience like?
It was life changing. There’s really no other community organization supporting songwriters in NYC like the Circle. It’s very hard for writers in NYC because there’s not really any formal areas of study in music schools for songwriting. You have to build it and study the craft yourself. Thankfully, the Circle brings together artists from so many genre’s it’s like a masterclass in listening. Every contact I’ve made in New York was through working with and performing at The Circle.
I heard this summer you’ll be releasing a new album called Modern Love. Can you give us a little hint on what we can expect from the album?
Every song on the album chronicles some type of modern issue within dating. I’ve been a big fan of the NY Times column, Modern Love, and how real it is. There’s so many more choices and expectations these days and I really wanted to share my experiences with listeners.
I noticed you’ve been doing tons of live stream performances during quarantine! Was it easy to adjust from playing live on stage in front of crowds to playing for audiences virtually?
The most difficult thing for me is missing the exchange of energy. Musicians are used to clapping, or hoots and hollers, and pulling strength from an audience. While some of that happens through the chat feature – I know artists on all fronts miss the live exchange of support and conversation. I am super thankful that we have any outlets – and I’ve made a lot of new fans from all over the world through live streaming!
Finally, to wrap things up ~ if you could have a writing session with two other artists (dead or alive), who would they be? (As for me, I’d go for Lennon/McCartney lol!)
Definitely Shane McAnally and Amy Winehouse. Shane is probably the best narrative storyteller alive and Amy to me encapsulated where the jazz tradition could’ve gone. No one has picked up the mantle yet!
Check out “Monsters” below, and keep up with Nick on Instagram @nickdeutschmusic! As you listen, Nick encourages you to support The Trevor Project and the Transgender Legal Defense Fund.
