Michael Nicosia, owner of Relic Music in Red Bank, New Jersey, shares his journey as a tone aficionado. He discusses humorous pedal disappointments and dream collaborations, while highlighting innovations like the EHX POG3. The heart of the conversation centers on his beloved HiWatt DR103 amplifier, detailing its vintage allure and role in shaping his sound over two decades. They explore the crucial interplay between amps and cabs, reflecting on the evolution of music retail and the emotional connections formed through gear.
Michael Nicosia emphasizes the emotional connection between musicians and their gear, particularly with his Hiwatt DR103 amp shaping his sound over the years.
The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration among musicians and pedal manufacturers, potentially leading to innovative products in the music industry.
The podcast explores how specific tones and effects evoke memories and emotions, influencing creative expressions and shaping individual musical identities.
Deep dives
The Role of Intangible Creativity
The podcast explores how intangible elements in our lives inspire creativity in tangible ways. The hosts, Dan and Andy, discuss their experiences with music and sound, illustrating how certain tones and effects evoke memories and emotions. They highlight how specific sounds, like those from their favorite bands, can resonate with listeners and influence their own creative expressions. This connection between the intangible and the tangible serves as a reminder of the deep impact that art and sound can have on individual creativity.
The Importance of Sound and Tone
Dan shares his obsession with a specific guitar tone he associates with Limp Bizkit, describing the unique sound of a tuned ring mod effect that continues to inspire him. He reflects on how this sound influenced his understanding and appreciation of music as a young person. The conversation emphasizes the significance of tone in shaping one’s musical identity and creativity, illustrating that even a single sound can spark a lifelong passion. The exploration of sound serves to highlight the intricate relationship between musicians and the gear they use.
Collaboration in the Music Industry
The hosts engage in a thoughtful dialogue about collaboration among musicians and pedal manufacturers, with guest Mike discussing the potential for new partnerships in the industry. He mentions his excitement about working with different builders to create unique products. This collaborative spirit is presented as a vital component of innovation in music technology, showing how such interactions can lead to groundbreaking creations. The conversation reflects on the evolving landscape of the music industry where collaboration can often yield impressive results.
Personal Connections with Gear
Mike discusses his emotional connection to specific gear, especially his HiWatt amp which has significantly influenced his playing style. He recounts the journey of acquiring it and the satisfaction it brings him during performances and recordings. This personal narrative illustrates how instruments and equipment can become integral to a musician’s identity and creativity. The hosts agree on the sentimental value of gear, recognizing the memories and experiences tied to their favorite equipment.
Running a Music Shop
The podcast delves into the realities of running a music shop, with Mike sharing insights into customer interactions and the challenges faced in the retail space. He reflects on how the dynamics of music retail are shifting, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming atmosphere for musicians. The importance of knowledge, passion, and personal connection in sales are highlighted, showcasing how a dedicated approach can set a shop apart from larger retailers. This discussion reveals the nuanced relationship between retailers and customers within the music community.
The Evolving Nature of Music Production
A discussion arises about the evolution of music production techniques, particularly around using analog versus digital equipment. The hosts share their experiences with various devices, noting the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. They emphasize the importance of understanding and mastering one's equipment to achieve desired sounds. The conversation underscores the continuous innovation in recording and production, encouraging musicians to explore both new technologies and traditional methods to enhance their artistry.
Today we're joined by Michael Nicosia, purveyor of incredible tone and owner of one of our favorite brick and mortar shops: Relic Music in Red Bank, New Jersey. We start with some of our most disappointing pedal purchases, talk about dream collaborations and the new EHX POG3, then get to Mike's object: the Hiwatt DR103. We talk about his journey toward finding a vintage example, pairing it with various cabs and speakers, and how it's been a central part of his sound for the last two decades. This one's about good gear and good people - get into it!
