In this podcast episode, Nick Granville, a talented guitarist from New Zealand, talks all about his journey playing blues, rock, and jazz music. If you want to know what it’s like to be a full-time musician in New Zealand, this is a great episode to listen to! Here’s an easy-to-understand summary that’s perfect for a school report or anyone new to music.
Who is Nick Granville?
Nick Granville is a professional guitarist who lives in New Zealand. He started learning piano when he was just five years old, then switched to guitar at age ten. Nick’s stepfather played guitar too and loved folk, jazz, and blues music, so Nick grew up listening to and playing all sorts of styles. He didn’t just stick to one type of music—Nick loves everything from rock and blues to jazz.
Getting Started With Music
Nick says he always knew he wanted to play guitar for a living. When he was a teenager, he started playing gigs and got paid to perform! He never had a regular day job or worked in an office. Nick graduated from music school and by the time he finished, he was already busy playing at concerts and recording with other musicians. In New Zealand, being a full-time musician is hard work, but Nick believes if you want something badly enough and work hard, you can make your dreams come true.
Playing Blues, Rock, and Jazz in New Zealand
Nick talks a lot about the music scene in New Zealand. He says every city, like Wellington and Auckland, has its own vibe. Blues, rock, and jazz aren’t always the most popular music styles, but there is still a special group of people who love to play and listen to them.
- Blues music in New Zealand is special because people play together in clubs and at events without always having a rehearsal. It’s about “feeling the music” and being able to improvise (that means making up music as you go).
- Jazz music is more complex, with different scales and harmonies. Jazz in New Zealand is influenced by musicians from America and all over the world, but has its own local style.
- Rock music is very popular too, and a lot of famous rock bands started out playing blues music. Even New Zealand bands like Fat Freddy’s Drop have their own way of mixing different styles, including rock and jazz.
Nick explains that he enjoys mixing these genres. For example, his earliest gigs included metal and rock, but he also enjoyed playing blues and jazz. This helped him become a very versatile musician.
Making a Living as a Musician in New Zealand
Nick says it’s important to be versatile and able to play lots of different music styles if you want to work as a musician in New Zealand. Sometimes, he teaches guitar lessons, works in recording studios, or plays live shows. He also talks about recording albums—he’s made five or six of his own and played on many others!
Nick does a lot himself, including marketing his music. He uses social media, YouTube, and plays live concerts to share his music and connect with fans. Record labels used to be more important for musicians, but now more artists, including Nick, can do things by themselves. He also talks about how tough it can be when local music venues close due to noise complaints or lack of support, but encourages musicians to keep being creative and find new ways to play, like online concerts or house gigs.
Advice for Young Musicians
Nick gives some great advice to anyone in New Zealand who wants to start playing blues, rock, or jazz music:
- Start by taking lessons. A good teacher can help you learn the basics and set you on the right path.
- Be open to all kinds of music. Don’t be afraid to try blues, rock, jazz, or even funk and country.
- Practice a lot and play with others. The best way to learn is to jump in and play, even if you make mistakes.
- Have fun and don’t give up. Music should make you happy. If you enjoy what you play, you’ll want to keep going.
The Future of Blues, Rock, and Jazz in New Zealand
Nick believes that music in New Zealand has a bright future, especially for blues, rock, and jazz musicians who work together and support each other. He suggests that musicians should use technology, like YouTube and social media, to find new fans and build music communities. Even though live venues may close, music will always find a way to thrive.
How to Find Nick Granville
If you want to hear Nick play blues, rock, or jazz guitar, you can find him on his YouTube channel, Facebook, and Instagram. He also has a website where you can learn more about his music and upcoming gigs in New Zealand.
Conclusion
This podcast with Nick Granville is a fantastic introduction to blues, rock, and jazz music in New Zealand. Whether you’re a young student or new to music, it’s inspiring to hear how Nick followed his passion—and how you can too, right here in New Zealand!
Where to find Nick
https://www.facebook.com/nickgranvillemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@NickGranville
You can watch the video here: