We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nick Villeneuve a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nick, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
As an artist and DJ, my mission is to create raw, high energy music that empowers people to release their emotions, break through limits, and connect through sound. I’m not just here to make noise. I’m here to move people, mentally and physically.
This mission matters to me because I know what it’s like to feel unseen, unheard, or overwhelmed by the chaos of life. Music was the one thing that helped me process it all, it gave me a place to exist unapologetically. Now, I want to give that same experience back to others.
When I perform or drop a track, I want the crowd to feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves, something wild, alive, and honest. I believe music should be an outlet for expression and a source of healing, even in the heaviest, most chaotic forms. That’s why I push boundaries with my sound and energy, to help others break free, feel something real, and walk away changed.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
About Me & My Journey
From a young age, music was ingrained in my life. My dad was in a rock band all his life, so I was always around instruments and live performances. But it wasn’t until I got my hands on FL Studio. Thanks to a friend who downloaded it for us, I discovered the magic of creating music and sounds for myself. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked, and I fell in love with producing music.
Since 2010, dubstep has been my passion. The heavy bass, the intricate drops, the intensity it’s a genre that speaks to my soul. Over the years, I’ve evolved from being a music producer to a high-energy DJ and performer, where I get to share that love for music with others. When I’m on stage, I want the crowd to go crazy. My performances aren’t just about the music; they’re about the energy I bring, creating a space where everyone can leave their problems behind and be their authentic selves. That’s what sets me apart. When I perform, I’m not just DJ’ing, I’m creating an experience, a collective moment with the crowd.
What Makes Me Stand Out
What sets me apart is the energy and connection I bring on stage. I don’t just want people to watch me perform; I want them to feel it. I want my crowd to experience the music on a visceral level, to forget about everything outside and just release. Release the rage, the energy, whatever they’ve been holding inside. I believe that everyone should be able to express themselves freely, and when I’m on stage, that’s exactly what I encourage.
My goal is simple: to create an environment where everyone feels accepted and welcomed. Whether you’re dancing in the front row or chilling in the back, I want you to know that you are part of something real, something raw, and something genuine. I’m 100% myself at all times, and I want everyone in the crowd to feel like they can be 100% themselves too.
Proud Moments
What I’m most proud of is the incredible community that has supported me along the way. Over the past year, I’ve made huge strides in my journey. Opening for artists I’ve looked up to for years, supporting fellow creators, and growing as a performer. The progress I’ve made, both on and off stage, is something I cherish deeply. Every performance, every crowd, every connection has been a step forward, and I’m excited to keep pushing forward with all of you by my side.
Message to My Fans & Followers
I want my fans to know that when they come to see me, they’re not just coming to hear music. They’re coming to experience a moment of pure freedom. Whether you’re front and center or just vibing from the back, you’re accepted here. You’re part of the family, and I’m grateful for every one of you.
So come, release your rage, let go of whatever you’re holding back, and let’s have an unforgettable time together. I’m here, 100% myself, always. You should be too.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The Pivot That Fueled My Brand’s Growth
Like many artists, the reality of being a DJ wasn’t as glamorous as it may have seemed from the outside. Early on, I realized that making a sustainable living off of DJing alone wasn’t going to cut it, especially as I was just starting to build my brand and fanbase. The gigs don’t always pay enough to cover the expenses that comes with running a serious music career. But instead of letting that hold me back, I decided to hustle even harder.
I knew I had to invest in my craft to level up. The dream was always to create the best experience possible for my audience. Better sound, better visuals, better everything. But I don’t have the financial cushion to make those upgrades with just DJing income. So, I have taken on multiple side jobs to fund my vision. I worked late hours, juggled jobs, and sacrificed a lot of personal time, all so I can invest in things like new equipment, a professional logo, high-quality visuals, a photographer/videographer to capture the moments, and travel expenses for shows.
It isn’t easy, there are times when it feels like I am running on fumes, burning the candle at both ends just to make things happen. But every penny I earn goes straight back into my brand. I know that to build something lasting, I have to think long-term, and that means making sacrifices in the short term.
The real pivot came when I realized that in order to truly excel and deliver the experience I want, I had to commit to this grind. The extra work isn’t just about paying for things, it is about building my brand, my community, and most importantly, making my audience feel like they are part of something bigger. From upgrading my gear to creating visually stunning content, every step I take is meant to make the experience for my fans something unforgettable.
And slowly, it’s starting to pay off. The energy I bring to the stage, combined with all the new elements I can offer. From the visuals to the improving sound, elevates everything. My fans can feel the difference, and I can see the way they respond. It isn’t just about the music anymore; it is about creating an experience, a journey that they want to be a part of.
The hard work pays off in more ways than just financially. It has helped me build stronger relationships with my audience, grow my brand, and eventually land bigger gigs and opportunities. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about the hustle. It shaped who I am as an artist and as a person, and it made me appreciate every moment I get to perform for the people who support me.
It’s not just about the music. It’s about doing whatever it takes to make sure that every show, every track, and every connection with my crowd is the best it can be.
How did you build your audience on social media?
Building My Audience on Social Media: The Power of Authenticity and Community
When it comes to building my audience on social media, it’s all about getting out there, making connections, and staying active. For me, the real magic happens when I’m engaging with people at festivals, raves, and through networking. It’s about more than just playing music; it’s about connecting with the crowd, sharing those raw moments, and spreading the energy that defines who I am as an artist.
One of the biggest ways my social media has grown is through the support of my friends and fans. A lot of them share my content on their stories, and that word-of-mouth approach has been one of the most powerful tools for funneling new followers to my page. When people share a video of me on stage, a clip of a crazy drop, or just a moment from a show, it brings in fresh faces who might not have discovered me otherwise.
But it’s not just about getting others to share my stuff. It’s also about staying active and present on platforms like Instagram. I make sure I’m posting regularly about the things that matter to me: raving, my shows, the music I’m working on, and, of course, moments captured on stage. People want to see the real you, not just a highlight reel of your best moments. So I share the highs and lows, the energy and excitement, the behind-the-scenes footage, and even the personal side of my journey.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best way to build an audience is to be 100% yourself. Whether you’re sharing a new track, a live performance, or just a casual moment, stay true to what feels right for you. Authenticity speaks louder than anything else. Post what you’re passionate about, what excites you, and what connects with you, and chances are, it’ll resonate with others too.
My Advice for Building an Audience
Get Out There – Whether it’s attending festivals, networking with other artists, or just interacting with fans in person, putting yourself out there is key. The more connections you make, the more opportunities you’ll have to grow your online presence.
Leverage Your Community – Friends, fans, and fellow artists can help spread the word. When they share your content on their stories, it brings in new followers and expands your reach. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.
Stay Active and Consistent – Consistency is important. Make sure you’re posting content regularly. Whether it’s related to your shows, music, or just your journey. Keep your feed alive and engaging so your audience always has something fresh to interact with.
Be 100% Yourself – The most important piece of advice I can give is to be yourself. People connect with authenticity. Share what you feel, what excites you, and what matters to you. When you’re genuine, your audience will connect with you on a deeper level.
By combining real life connections with active engagement online, staying true to your passions, and sharing the highs and lows, you can build a strong and supportive social media presence that keeps growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shleepmusic.com
- Instagram: @itshleep
- Facebook: Shleep
- Twitter: @itshleep
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/itshleep
Image Credits
Diffracted Media
DigiClicks