We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nick Critchlow. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nick below.

Nick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I have always had a “regular” job in addition to being a musician. At one of my previous jobs, I had to do a lot of customer service with clients. One thing that I took away from that job is the importance of building relationships with music venues and booking employees. I started getting to know the employees beer-tending along with the booking managers. Making that connection is crucial for being seen not just as another musician, but as a welcome guest in their space that they want to have back again and again. I even began sending Thank You cards after gigs to show my gratitude for these local businesses giving my music a shot. I often see these Thank You’s still hanging at these venues and get comments on how nice it was to receive handwritten correspondence.

With music, it is more than a business transaction with a venue. It’s important to realize that making connections with people will make everyone’s experience better the next time you play.

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

Absolutely! My name is Nick Critchlow. I’m a singer/songwriter from Fort Collins, Colorado. I have been a local Northern Colorado musician for almost 15 years. My music is best described as indie folk rock, but I always have a hard time pinning it down exactly. I specialize in delivering memorable and energetic live performances with lots of crowd banter, jokes, and a mixture of original tunes and well-known covers. Generally I play with a violinist, Tom Viney. Some of my biggest musical influences are Hozier, Ray LaMontagne, John Mayer, The Lumineers, The Head and The Heart, The Avett Brothers, and Jack Johnson.

Last August, we released our second album, Paper Cranes. The album features six original tunes and one cover song. One reviewer wrote: “An orchestral beauty befalls the entirety of Nick Critchlow’s inherently lovely ‘Paper Cranes.’ The arrangements possess an inherent bloom of life, allowing every single detail to come into focus. Nods to graceful groups like the Fleet Foxes and the whispered intimacy of Iron & Wine emerge from the procession. Best of all are his vocals. Sung with pure positivity, the verses float by like a cool summer breeze. He infuses a sense of pure poetry into his narration, allowing the atmosphere to have this heavenly disposition. Melodies waft into the air, for they go for this brightness, a quality that further endears the album to the listener” (B. Sloth, Twitter reviewer). You can check it out on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you listen to your music!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding thing about being an artist is being able to share my music with listeners. My fondest memory of playing music was performing at a ceremony for a wedding. I played one of my original tunes and had the audience crying as they waited for the bride to come down the aisle. Having that impact and connection with people is really powerful.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Supporting artists, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses various aspects of society. Here are several ways society can support us:

Accessible Spaces and Resources: Providing affordable studio spaces, rehearsal rooms, equipment, and materials enables artists to work and collaborate without financial barriers. Additionally, access to mentorship programs, workshops, and educational resources can facilitate skill development and networking opportunities.

Fair Compensation: Ensuring that artists receive fair compensation for their work is crucial for our livelihoods.

Recognition and Validation: Celebrating the contributions of artists and creatives in the community through local awards, exhibitions, and public recognition helps validate their work and contributes to their sense of belonging and worth. It also helps others learn about new artists in their community.

By implementing these strategies and recognizing the intrinsic value of the arts, society can create an environment where artists and creatives can thrive, enriching communities and contributing to cultural vitality.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nickcritchlow.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickcritchlow/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickcritchlowmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJcHfMGvkqQ&list=PLH5fNgq0g78eumlc51uEqA4sSzrmv3rHt
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1f56ShFa5it2SsRazTN3AV