Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Rucker
Hi Nick, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
After serving in the Army and enduring deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, I returned home carrying the weight of those experiences. The transition back to civilian life was anything but smooth, and I found myself struggling with a severe drinking problem that quickly spiraled out of control. In a moment of desperation, I attempted to take my own life, which led me to the VA hospital. It was there that I was confronted with a life-altering decision: either continue down the destructive path I was on, which would likely lead to my death sooner rather than later, or take a chance on a 28-day rehab program. Choosing rehab was the hardest yet most crucial decision of my life. During those 28 days, I rediscovered a part of myself that I thought I had lost. I channeled my pain, my memories, and my hopes into songwriting, finding solace and expression in music. I wrote an EP, pouring my soul into every lyric, and had the incredible opportunity to record it with Dan Marsala, the lead singer of Story of the Year. This creative journey didn’t stop there. The process of writing and recording inspired me to put my experiences into words, leading me to write my first book, Timecap, a candid reflection on my journey through war, addiction, and recovery. Now, I continue to write and record music, and I am nearing the completion of my second book, The Last Relic. This new work represents not only my growth as a writer but also my ongoing journey of healing and finding purpose beyond the scars of the past.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to where I am now has been anything but smooth. After coming out of rehab and pouring myself into songwriting, I was eager to share my music with the world. Breaking into the local music scene, however, proved to be a monumental challenge. I wrote hundreds of emails to local venues, trying to get my foot in the door, but each one seemed to disappear into the void without a single reply. With no luck from the venues, I had no choice but to start grinding it out in small bars, often for little to no money. It was a tough balancing act—working a full 40-hour week with a heavy travel schedule, then spending my nights and weekends playing gigs that barely covered the gas to get there. There were countless late nights when I sat there, guitar in hand, thinking, “Is this really worth the $50 I’m going to make?” It felt like a never-ending uphill battle, but I refused to give up. I set a goal for myself: to at least make it to the Omaha Music Awards. It was that goal that kept me going, pushing through the exhaustion and the doubts.
Now, after years of perseverance, I’ve been nominated for the Omaha Music Awards six years in a row. It’s been a long, hard journey, but each nomination is a reminder of why I kept fighting, why I didn’t let the struggles define me. Being in bars late at night, night after night, wasn’t always good for my well-being. The atmosphere often felt like a constant tug back into the darkness I was trying to leave behind. I struggled being around the same people I used to be, surrounded by the same temptations and triggers that had once led me down a destructive path. It was a daily battle to stay focused on my music and not fall back into old habits. The very places I had to perform in to make a name for myself were also the places where I felt the most vulnerable, teetering on the edge of slipping back into that old life. Despite the challenges, I kept pushing forward, driven by the hope that my music could be a way out, a way to heal, and a way to reach the goals I’d set for myself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a country musician with a solid catalog of songs available on all major streaming platforms, showcasing my journey and growth as an artist. My music is deeply personal, reflecting the highs and lows of my life, from my time in the military to my struggles and triumphs afterward. In addition to my music career, I am a published author. My first book, Timecap, dives into my experiences and the challenges I faced, offering a raw and honest look at my journey. Currently, I’m finishing my second book, a fiction novel that combines my love of storytelling with elements drawn from my own life.
Beyond my artistic pursuits, I’m committed to giving back to the community through my work with Operation 22 Til Freedom, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans. This organization is close to my heart, and I’m actively involved in their mission, particularly in their efforts to provide Christmas funds that offer food and gifts to veterans in need during the holidays. Balancing these roles keeps me busy, but each one is a part of who I am and what I stand for—whether it’s creating music, writing stories, or supporting my fellow veterans.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
My work ethic and persistence have been the driving forces behind my success. Currently, I’m training myself for a 100-mile ultra marathon, a challenge that demands intense dedication and discipline. My days start early, at 4:30 in the morning, either hitting the pavement for a long run or pushing myself with strength training and weights. After those grueling morning sessions, I switch gears and manage production teams at my job throughout the day. But my day doesn’t end when the workday is over. In the evenings, I pour my energy into my creative passions, whether it’s writing the next chapter of my book or playing music. Balancing all of these commitments requires a relentless drive, but it’s that same drive that keeps me moving forward, constantly striving for more in every aspect of my life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @ruckcountry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickruckercountry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ruckcountry
Image Credits
aspects and angles photography