We caught up with the brilliant and insightful N. Hail a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nick thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

This is definitely a question I have asked myself. My initial reaction is to say yes, of course I am, because my creative life, especially music, brings me most of my sense of fulfillment, self-actualization, and accomplishment. I feel that by sharing music with others, whether it be through my own music, through teaching, or through sharing musical experiences, I am fulfilling my purpose, although sometimes it’s hard to say exactly what that purpose is. In general, I feel that someone who is gifted and blessed enough to be able to pursue creativity should do so and has a duty to process their inner experience and, through art or some other medium, share that experience or the lessons they’ve learned with others. So many people don’t have the same opportunities I’ve had. Many people experience crippling depression or mental illness. Many are working more than full time just to barely get by. So I’m truly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, for growing up with supportive parents and family, for the friends who have helped me along the way. I strive to be that supportive friend and for my music to be a place of solace and inspiration for the people who can’t muster up the creativity right now. Of course I’ve had and still have challenges and do grapple with my own inner monologue, but ultimately my creative expression has been an outlet for me to process my experience, and I attribute most of my mental stability to my music practice, and to my support system.

My other reaction to this question is one that I think many artists and creatives will agree with: to say I’m happier as a creative would make it seem as if there is any other option. Although art is a privilege and, in the worst of times, a luxury, I feel more and more that the urge to create is closer to a need and not just a desire. Music and art fulfill the human need to connect with those around us, and for those of us who make it, it is how we process and how we get through our trials and tribulations.

Do I sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Well, in a sense, I do have a regular job. My day job is teaching string orchestra for elementary school, as well as teaching private lessons, classes, and ensembles for guitar, ukulele, piano, drums, violin, and cello. Do I think about what it would be like to have a job outside of music? Yes, and I’m thankful and privileged to not have to. I’m very grateful to be able to make my living sharing music with others. However, I think I should add that if you are an aspiring artist or creative, you shouldn’t feel like less of an artist for going out and getting a “regular job.” In fact, you should feel proud that you are still making it happen, doing what you need to do to create an environment where you can thrive, making the opportunity to create and give to those around you. The reality of this world is that making art is a privilege, but if it’s what you want to do you should pursue it no matter what your situation is. Start where you are now, with what you’ve got.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Nick Hailey, and N. Hail is my artistic persona. I independently create music and livestream under this name. You can find me via my handle @n._hail or catch my livestreams/performances at twitch.tv/n_hail and youtube.com/nhail

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Well, I will say I wish I’d had the wealth of resources of today’s internet and technology when I was getting started. I think that a fear of technology and the internet still permeates today, and for good reason. Still, I think that the next generation should have access to both, with supervision and guidance of course, but a kid who wants to be on the internet or the computer all day shouldn’t be seen as a problem. That’s the kid that’s going to start the next Facebook or Amazon or Apple, or become the next social media influencer or YouTube star, or independent musician. With supervision and guidance is the key here, though; lazily scrolling social media doesn’t count, haha.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I think I touched on this a bit already, but ultimately the goal of my creative journey is to give back to others what I’ve already gotten from music, a source of inspiration, solace, and community; to share my experience and pass on the knowledge I’ve gained.

Contact Info:

• Website: nhailmusic.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/n._hail/
• Facebook: facebook.com/n.hailmusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/n_hailmusic
• Youtube: youtube.com/nhail
• Other: twitch.tv/n_hail soundcloud.com/nick-hailey

Image Credits
@lionlens_ @joeadrift