Nico Schinco Interview + Exclusive Track Premiere
How did you first get into producing electronic dance music?
Well it all came after I saw my first concert, which was Kaskade at Roseland Ballroom a couple of years ago. I was amazed at how every one seemed to be connected to each other; there was an energy in the air that was indescribable. Ever since then I’ve been awestruck at how dance music can bring people together, it can have such a monumental impact on people’s lives, including my own. But the aspect of production really didn’t come until just under a year ago. I knew that if I wanted to pursue music and reach people, like Kaskade did, I had to learn how to produce my own music. So during Spring Break of last year I completed my first song, which was out of key half the time, had no side chaining and no bass line. But I guess you have to start somewhere right!? haha
That’s pretty crazy, things moved pretty quickly for you I guess! What artists have influenced you in the past and is there anyone that is still currently influencing your production?
I am constantly being influenced and inspired by a large number of artists, plenty of which are outside the realm of dance music too. Depending on what type of song or atmosphere I am looking to create I’ll turn to the likes of Hans Zimmer, Sting & The Police, Ludovico Einaudi, Toby Hedges, Andrew Bayer and Johan Vilborg, just to name a few. However, the one artist that has and still influences me to this day is Pierce Fulton. I am always amazed at the quality of his productions and his ability to continuously top his previous work.
It’s always interesting to hear when producers are influenced by artists who don’t make electronic music. Pierce Fulton is the man though I love his music to! If you could pick one artist to do an album with who would it be and why?
Hmm this is a tough one. But for a whole album I would have to say Hans Zimmer. In my opinion he is one of the most incredible composers of our time. He can create an incredible range of atmospheres in his music, from uplifting and serene to dark and tense. Everything he creates is just pure gold.
I haven’t heard of him before, I’ll have to check him out! What’s your favorite thing to do when you aren’t making music though?
Hanging out with my girlfriend :p
Haha trying to score some points there? Any thoughts on artists who use music that was ghost produced?
I think Hardwell put it nicely when he said ““I’m fine with ghost-producing, but then again I don’t like it when…if you’re not producing your own tracks then just be honest, say ‘you know what, I’m a good DJ but I can’t produce my own songs, I got help,’ I think that’s fair. Because honestly, you can hear it, because every single track sounds totally different.”
What are some things we can expect from you in 2014?
As I said in a previous interview, although my schoolwork is beginning to pile up I’m going to do my best to continue making quality productions at a steady pace. I have another original coming out on Progressive House Worldwide in a couple of months, which I’m beyond stoked for. It features an edit from my pal Hyperbits too, which he’s been playing out in some guest mixes and I’m also finishing up another original right now, which may end up being my first vocal track!
School, always getting in the way haha. Any advice for young producers trying to get their foot in the door?
Although I haven’t been in the scene for very long and have a long way to go myself, the one thing I would say is don’t give up. I know every one says this, but it’s completely true. If you want it bad enough, you’ll get there. Work your ass off, stay in on weekends when every one else is out partying, read everything you can about music whether it’s theory, mastering, mixing or recording. But overall, I think this applies to any line of work, if you are willing to put in the time and work towards whatever dream(s) you have, the possibilities are endless.
Good advice there! What record label would you most like to have a release on?
The one and only, Anjunabeats!
Excellent choice, we just named them the 5th best label in EDM. Which five tracks are on repeat for you right now?
Jacoo- A World Of Peace (William French Remix), Bastille- Pompeii (Audien Remix), Dillon Francis feat. TEED – Without You (Henry Fong Remix), Pierce Fulton – Old Man & The Sea (Original Mix) (replaying this on his podcast Get Weird, since it’s not out yet haha), Ferry Tayle feat. Erica Curran – Rescue Me (Original Mix)
“Cristina” was a very emotional track that you made for your girlfriend, was it hard to produce and what did she think of it?
To be honest it was both hard and easy to produce. Hard because writing a song for my girlfriend and putting her name on it came with a lot of pressure and easy because she is my girlfriend, sort of a Catch 22. I think that first chord is very defining of the entire song; it’s neither happy nor sad. It perfectly reflected my mood at the time and how much I missed being away from her. And as for what she thought of it, well I remember her calling me in tears (of joy…I think haha), right after I uploaded the album cover to Instagram. I think she also realized that even though I told her I missed her every day, there was something about this song that said more than anything I could put into words. ‘Cristina’ is and always will be one of my favorites songs, simply because I feel a little bit closer to her each time I listen to it.
Well Nico thanks for answering all of our questions and we look forward to working with you again in the future! If you like what you read make sure you listen to our exclusive premiere of Nico’s new track “The Draft” and purchase it here.
