Doc interviews Fairhope singer-songwriter Nick Gill after the release of his new eponymous EP.

Doc: What influences did you have to lead you into music ?

NG:  I began playing the piano at a young age. Everyday after school I would play Christmas carols and classical tunes. When I was in the 5th grade I took up the guitar and drums and started a band called The GB’s. We were the coolest band in all of the 5th grade! But we got in trouble for selling our debut CD on the campus and had to refund all the money we made back to our fans.

 In the 8th grade I began recording my first solo album, “‘Cause it’s True Love”. After that completed, I went on to record “Through the Straight and Narrow” and played a 50 show tour around the Mobile and Baldwin county area. It was at this point where I became fully engulfed with my music and spreading it around to the masses. Music has always been what I wanted to do and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. In August, I headed to Fudge Recording Studio in New Orleans to record my latest record. It was a really, really eye opening experience and a fun one as well!

 Doc: How did you get hooked up with producers in New Orleans?
NG:  One year ago I got in contact with amazing radio dj/program director Gene Murrell from 92.1 ZEW. He invited me to play the “2nd Annual All Star Christmas Bash” at the Blue Gill which featured local band Peek. After an amazing show, I contacted John Hamilton (drummer for Peek) about helping me rerecord some tracks off of my debut album “‘Cause it’s True Love”. After production on that completed, it was time for me to begin work on my new album. He recommended Fudge Recording Studio to me. A couple months later, John, Garrott Hall (relative of Jimmy Hall) and I headed to NOLA to work with producers, Jack Miele (The Molly Ringwalds) and Jacques DeLatour. John played the drums while Garrott played bass. Jacques and Jack were very good at pointing my music in the right direction and I couldn’t have done it without them!

  Doc: What are your plans – music full time?

I plan on going on another 50 show tour around Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Gulfport, Mobile, Fairhope, Daphne, Tuscaloosa, Auburn, Pensacola and Tallahassee to promote my new record. After that I will be moving to Nashville to continue my career in music.

Doc: Any upcoming appearances or new projects?
I have a 2nd Tuesday in the works for March of 2010. And will be playing a lot locally in and around Baldwin County and Mobile at places like Serda’s Coffee Company in Mobile and Windmill Market in Fairhope.

For more upcoming shows you can go to www.myspace.com/nickgillmusic  or www.nickgillmusic.com .

We hate to hear of another talented local musician leaving the area – but we wish him well.