As a photographer, videographer, and musician, Nicky Nylon is an artist, in every sense of the word. This Jersey-bred multi-talent man studied photography out in San Francisco and traveled throughout Europe before finding himself back on the East coast, studying at Parsons in Manhattan. Enticed? Read on to answer the question, who is Nicky Nylon?
two + seven: Tell us a little about your work. Video, music, photography? You seem to do it all.
Nicky Nylon: My art is my escape. As long I can remember I’ve been intrigued by the creative process. What makes people tick? When I ride the trains, or even walk down the street I scan faces. I’m so curious as to what goes on inside the mind. It’s another world. I want to show people that world. All of my work is heavily influenced on mystery. It gives you something to think about, it makes you wonder.
Photography has always been a great way to project my vision. I am basically creating a memory, a memory through my eyes. Even though the picture is clear, only I know the real reason behind the subject matter. I’m still able to have a bit of privacy, as well as sharing a piece of myself.
I would say those same rules apply to my music. I’ve always kept journals and written to myself. As a kid my friends and I would record demos in my basement over instrumentals and just have fun with it. It wasn’t until about a year and a half ago that I decided I would start sharing my music with the masses. It started as just a personal hobby. I’ll rap on anything honestly. I am influenced by so many types of music. Amy Winehouse, Adele, Gnarls Barkley, AIR, Lupe Fiasco, and The Carpenters, to name a few. I hate calling myself a rapper because I’m also a photographer, I shoot my own album covers and I also direct my own music videos. I am an artist.
2+7: What is your favorite image?
NN: My favorite image is of my friend Kristina. She designed the neckpiece. I did the hair and make-up. We headed out in The Panhandle neighborhood of San Francisco and made magic. The shot come out beautifully. The shoot was super impromptu and it just showed us what we were capable of doing. I also used the shot for my first EP. It will forever be a classic to me.
2+7: Where do you see your work going?
NN: My art will be international. I won’t stop working until that happens. And when I do have recognition, I STILL won’t stop working. Sounds cliche, but its the truth. Some things in this world choose you. Its out of my hands. This is my calling, I’ve been chosen. If i’m not creating, I feel like im not living. Its the ony release I have. I put my heart and soul into everything I do because this is how I would like to be remembered. As an inovator.
2+7: What’s next?
NN: I’m currently working on my third EP which is being produced by a New York based producer by the name of Catamaran. He’s a super great guy, its always great vibes when we are working so I know the end product will be fantastic. Art needs to become present in Hip-Hop. I just feel that there is a lack of creativity, so I stepped in. That’s going to be my mission.
2+7: What has been your favorite project?
NN: I have two. The first one would have to be my latest EP “#nylonmovement.” I love it, its symbolic. The whole CD makes me happy. I lived all over Italy, Spain, and San Francisco, moving around for the last three years searching for something I had the whole time. I was running from home; I didn’t want to go back to New Jersey because in my eyes that meant taking a step backwards. It wasn’t until I came back home that I had the epiphany. I’m supposed to be here. Everything feel into place and the ball just started to roll organically. #nylonmovement is my arrival; I’m letting the world know that I’m here and im not leaving anytime soon. I make music for me. If you can relate and enjoy, great. If not, turn on the radio.
My second project would be the photographs I took while I was in Venice, Italy. It was such a beautiful experience, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. Its something I’ll remember forever, which is why I made my album cover the photo of the church. Both of these changed something in me so I felt it was only right to combine them.
2+7: What three websites do you visit daily?
Nicky Nylon: I’m not really a huge “surfer”. I casually browse the web, but lately I’ve pulled back. I’m a huge fan of anotherfashionbook.com. There’s always good content, and something to catch my attention. I also like gizmodo.com, as well as booooooom.com
2+7: What hobbies do you pursue in your free?
Nicky Nylon: I love cooking!! I really do. When I was in Italy I learned a lot of recipes and different ways to cook. It definitely stepped up my chef skills. I could make a mean cookie! Nature is wonderful. Being outdoors lifts the spirits. I like to walk around. Even if I dont have a destination, its just nice to move. I’m always writing, my iPhone notepad its full of notes! I’m constantly jotting down notes, and ideas. I have to stay busy. The machine never stops, so I embrace it.
Want to learn more about Nicky Nylon?
www.whoisnickynylon.tumblr.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheNickyNylon
@Nicky_Nylon
1 comment
jennifer j says:
Mar 6, 2012
I think this guy is amazing!! He’s got a great sound and look, most impotrtantly I think he has something that music is missing. A fresh face with outstanding creayivity, cant wait to see what Nicky Nylon “cooks” up for the music world!