We recently connected with Nico Lembo and have shared our conversation below.
Nico , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?
One of the biggest trends I’ve noticed is the transition to the independent studio. Most of my studio work comes from smaller studios with many producers and engineers who work in larger studios. I am a big fan of this trend and it is a goal of mine to write and produce more music and artists. Another trend I’ve noticed is online booking and collaboration through websites like Gig Salad and Air Gigs. Having access to a decent home studio opens many possibilities for collaboration and a different income stream.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a professional musician, which is kind of a loaded description. I play and teach drums and piano, I write music with my team and on my own, I maintain a student roster of 25 or more on average of all ages and skill levels, so I definitely keep busy in all aspects of music. Recently I have been making a bigger push into writing and producing my own music and music for others at Underground Attic with my team consisting of Jared Munday and Brad O Neal. I am debuting a new project soon called Lost Causmonaut which focuses on LoFi and instrumental type music with me playing live drums along to instrumental songs I write. Jared and I also have been writing and recording songs that we are excited about releasing in the new year, and I am especially proud of these songs as they are more personal. Jared has a really clever way of writing lyrics and I enjoy bringing him source material where we both have a hand in shaping the song.
I have maintained a very active student roster in both piano and drums for the last 15 years and I currently have around 25 students. I’m mainly in the Gwinnett area and I provide in home lessons where I come to you. The unofficial name for this business is Lembo’s Lessons, and I and my teachers provide fun music lessons to kids and adults of all skill levels. I’m all about having fun in music, and that is the goal for me at Lembo’s Lessons. I like to provide a stress free environment where the student feels comfortable to learn at their own pace. I just signed a piano teacher, so I have even more scheduling possibilities. I am looking forward to also providing guitar lessons in the very near future.
As a drummer, I have a very active playing schedule, playing original shows and the occasional bar gig with Jared, and playing weddings and private parties with several bands in and around town. I am also in a local original band called Iron Rain with members Lefty Williams on guitar and Rory Landt on bass. We are a mix of many different styles but it is heavy on improvisation. When I started playing drums in middle school, I started playing jazz (at the request of my grandfather, himself a drummer in his younger years), so having this outlet is a lot of fun for me musically. We opened for Duane Betts and Palmetto Motel on Halloween this past year, and look for us this year around Atlanta and the surrounding areas. I also have been in the studio with singer/songwriter Stratton James and will be playing gigs with him in the new year.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
As far as a reputation, I think it’s pretty standard for most small businesses; be on time, be professional, know a lot about what you do, etc. To expand a bit, being professional means a lot. It means you are going to show up with good gear, dressed accordingly with a positive attitude, having learned all the songs on the set list. It also means that as a player, you must be able to blend well and “Play well with others” so to speak. These skills are shaped over many years and many mistakes being made and are always improving. As a drummer, I play with a solid groove and I provide a fun atmosphere to play and create. I think these things have helped my reputation as a solid drummer around town. I am constantly working to improve and bring something new to the table on every gig.
As a teacher, it’s the above mentioned qualities, plus the ability to relate to children and parents. I have many long time students who have been with me for several. years and I cherish those relationships. Parents feel confident that I will teach their children correctly and in a fun way.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
It is very rewarding to work in a field I am interested in every day, and something I’ve loved since I was young. I get to see the fruits of my labor every lesson when I notice small improvements in my students and I love the reaction I get from the audience at my gigs. I am able to support my wife and daughter on my earnings alone and it is incredibly difficult at times, but it is worth the struggle to do something that matters. It also really helps to have a supportive partner who understands the business as it can not be the most family friendly career in the world and my marriage to my wife Melissa is a wonderful byproduct of my rewarding work. My daughter is really interested in music too, and it’s incredibly rewarding to share my knowledge with her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolembomusic.com
- Instagram: nicolembomusic
- Facebook: nicolembomusic
- Youtube: nicolembomusic
Image Credits
Valerie Payne