guardin, the solo project of New York-based singer/songwriter Nicholas Kerr has been busy. Following the release of his latest album, Outsider last year, guardin wrapped up 2018 with a handful of tour dates and his new single, “Open House.” Showing no signs of slowing down any time soon, he kicked off the new year by jumping on tour with Gnash, with dates stretching all the way through the end of January and into February.
Guardin’s modern blend of alternative, emo and hip hop touches on a wide variety of subject matter such as mental health, depression, introversion, growing pains, heartbreak and more, making him the perfect fit for the Gnash tour. In anticipation of his upcoming show in Denver at The Bluebird on January 30th, we caught up with guardin to talk about his busy year, new music and big plans for the rest of 2019! Read the full interview below.
Interview by Shannon Shumaker
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for anyone who might not be familiar?
I’m Nicholas Kerr, a 22 year old artist based out of Western New York.
You had an incredibly busy year last year with the release of new music and tour dates. What was the highlight of the last year for you?
Just being able to hit the road & meet everyone who has made this dream of mine possible in the process. It’s only the beginning of 2019, but I’ve already met so many incredible people and have made friendships that’ll last a lifetime and the same goes for the closing of 2018. I wouldn’t change a thing.
You kicked off 2018 with the release of your new album, Outsider! Now that it has been out for a little while, what are some of your favorite things about the album?
I think the album seamlessly reflects on the highs & lows I was facing during the first quarter of 2018. It’s nice to look back at & see how much I’ve grown not only as an artist but as a person since then. The album also includes a rare feature from St. Silver on “Lost Boy”, which is one of my favorites from the track list. I think we harmonize beautifully.
Did you have any major goals in mind when you first began working on the album?
The one thing I kept in mind throughout the creative process of Outsider was to create something fresh & different from my last release, Lacuna. I’ve always wanted to make music that properly conveys my feelings in that moment & I think I did just that with this last project.
You ended last year on a high note too, having just recently released your new single, “Open House.” Can you tell us a little bit about this track? What inspired it?
I actually had written “Open House” back in March & held onto it till the end of the year. I made the mistake of letting a toxic person into my life as well as my home & it really took a toll on me after a few weeks. My mental health was on a steep decline & I felt more lost than ever. I wrote the track almost as if it was a journal entry from hell.
With “Open House” out now, can fans expect to hear any more new music soon?
Yes, I’ve got plenty of new tracks comin’ out very soon as well as another project in the works.
You’re also kicking off 2019 with a run of tour dates alongside Gnash! What are you looking forward to at those upcoming shows?
Just getting out & spending time on the road. I hardly travel, so when I do it’s always a good time. I really look forward to connecting with more friends/fans as well.
If someone is seeing you live for the first time at one of the shows, what would you like them to take away from your life performance?
I just want people to view me as an example of someone who turned nothing into something. If I can turn my dreams into my reality anyone can, especially those suffering with anxiety and/or various mental illnesses.
Do you have any other big plans or goals for the end of 2018 and new year?
Just to keep grinding & making more tunes to vibe out to.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I just wanna thank you guys for this opportunity to speak on my passions. Thank you a ton!
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