‘Nick Eng comes out of nowhere –Reno, Nevada, actually – to give us a seriously good debut album appropriately titled Nick Eng. The cover photo may have consciously attempted to channel the early John Lennon look – also appropriate. The songs contained within have a distinctively 60’s vibe to them. Most importantly, the requisite pop hooks are present and accounted for.’, wrote PowerPopNews.

 

All true! Sweet Sweet Music talked to Nick Eng about “All I Want To Say”, The Beatles and girls.

 

 

 

 

At what point, during writing, rehearsing, recording, did you knew you were on to something special?

 

 

Probably when I was writing “All I Want To Say.” That one doesn’t get as much attention or plays as “The One For You Is Me” or “Reminiscing”, but I think it’s one of the best things I’ve written. I wrote it about someone who meant a lot to me, and it was a painless and natural song to write. I’m proud of my more popular songs, of course, but that one carries a weight that’s really impacted my way of writing.

 

 

 

 

The music industry has changed a lot (or so they say). What did it bring you? And what not?

 

It’s great that the industry is now an open playing field. Anybody can record a professional album and it has the potential of getting super popular without any big label backing it. But it’s a double-edged sword. Every independent artist and band got the memo, so there’s a lot of competition for fans, venues, and internet space. I’m happy to say that it’s been working out for me though. And there’s still a lot to be said for honest, hard-working musicians who put out quality content and know how to play live. You still need major chops in this field.

 

 

Can you still recall the moment music became important to you? What happened?

 

I can’t recall a single moment, but I know that the Beatles, girls, and money all had an influence! The Beatles were the ones who really turned me on to playing and writing music, so I have them to thank for that. Then as I got older, I realized that playing music gets you attention from girls, which is a plus. And then people actually started paying me for what I do, and I decided to just go all in professionally. I was never a star athlete or a stellar student, but I had two good ears and a voice, so I think it was a good choice.

 

If you could tour the world with 2 other bands, who would you ask to join?

 

Definitely Dr. Dog and Cake. Rayland Baxter too, but that’s three and I don’t want to cheat!

 

What’s up for the rest of the year?

 

We’re planning a spring and summer West Coast tour of the U.S. and a brand-new album is dropping right before that. We’ve also got some new music videos in the making. Other than that, eating and sleeping would be nice.