Singer-songwriter Nick Tabron recently released his new single, “Brown Eyes,” a heartfelt ode to a girl who provided an unexpected jolt of optimism to his life.
Speaking about the song, Nick says, “I originally wrote “Brown Eyes” when I was 16 years old, and it’s evolved and changed somewhat throughout the years. I’m super excited to finally be putting it out into the world. And hope that it can go on to mean as much to you as it does to me.”
Blending elements of folk, R&B, and hip-hop, “Brown Eyes” highlights contagious percussion, glossy guitar riffs, and Nick’s evocative vocals, imbuing the lyrics with quixotic passion.
Nick began his journey into songwriting and musicianship at just 11 years old. Growing up a Jehovah’s Witness in Raleigh, North Carolina, Nick’s family wasn’t supportive of his pursuit of a music career at first, as they feared the music industry due to its treatment of Michael Jackson, another Jehovah’s Witness. But as Nick grew as an artist, he was always inspired to use his music as a form of activism.
The visualization of his single “Swing” by film producer Michael Montasouri inspired Nick’s live fundraising for the American Society for Suicide Prevention, the success of which sent him on a five-city tour shortly after.
Nick was named one of 20 artists who will be part of OnRamp’s inaugural class – a new collaboration between The Academy of Country Music and the Black Music Action Coalition that provides guaranteed income to young Black members of the Nashville music community.
CelebMix caught up with Nick Tabron to talk about his unique sound, the OnRamp program, and his creative process.
What three things can’t you live without?
Music, of course, my dogs, and my friends and family.
What inspired your new single, “Brown Eyes?”
I wrote the original version of ‘Brown Eyes’ as a teenager and while it’s evolved over the years, I think some of the original feelings of a teenager falling in love emotion are there. It’s about the emotions you feel when your eyes lock with someone who’s going to be special to you.
Walk us through your mindset as you entered the studio to record the song.
I try to be as open as possible. While I had the original idea, I wrote on guitar I like to really give off an open energy to the people I’m working with. I want them to feel free to express their own creativity as well. The songs always benefit from this in my opinion.
How did you get started in music?
I’ve been writing songs ever since I started teaching myself guitar at 11 y/o; it wasn’t until 2017 when I entered and won an ASCAP-sponsored songwriting competition in Brooklyn, NY that I gained the confidence to try my hand at music. I’ve been striving at this ever since.
Where are you from?
A small town about an hour outside of Raleigh, NC called Louisburg.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
In a way it did. Just because there wasn’t much of anything to do, so you find ways to entertain yourself. I did that by teaching myself guitar and writing songs.
Please explain more about The Academy of Country Music/Black Music Action Coalition’s OnRamp program and how you were fortunate enough to be inducted into their inaugural class this year.
I just applied. My manager Roberto emailed me the link and told me this is something I should do. I’m so fortunate to be chosen. It’s an incredible program full of super talented artists, musicians, entertainment lawyers, and upcoming A&Rs. They pair each of us with mentors to help us along our journey and also provide access to events we wouldn’t normally have like the ACM honors coming up next week where incredible artists like Tim McGraw will be honored. I’m so excited, it’s my first red carpet event. I’m so thankful to the Academy and to the Black Music Action Coalition for including me.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
Smokey Robinson, Ed Sheeran and John Mayer, Leon Bridges, The Neville Brothers, Stevie Wonder, Green Day, Lewis Capaldi, and a bunch more.
What kind of guitar do you play?
I have a few guitars but the one I play on stage is a Taylor 214ce.
What is your definition of tone? And is your tone evolving?
Like your pitch. As I listen back to old performances, it definitely has, and I’m super determined to strengthen it and become just as good a performer and singer as the artists I look up to.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
I draw inspiration from everyday life. Maybe I see an interesting interaction on the street or a sunset while I’m out walking my dogs or it can be any of those things you mentioned; if a poem, lyric, or scene in a show makes me feel something, I find myself running to my guitar and trying to chase that emotion and see where it leads I’ve even woken up from dreams and felt inspired enough to have a melody pop into my brain.
What can you share about your writing process?
I try to be a conduit for emotion in my music. I want It to pour through me. And if the song isn’t making me feel anything, I usually shelve the idea. As I write I want to bottle up and capture whatever emotion I’m feeling and then try my best to share that with the world in hopes they feel something too. It’s a funny thing writing a song with hopes of putting it out into the universe one day – you know it will go on to mean different things to different people if you’re lucky! I just hope that it does make them feel something. That’s what I’m going for.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
There are so many incredible artists on the scene here in Nashville. Artists like Angie K and Denetia who I’ve had the chance to hear live are such incredible performers and songwriters. Then there are artists like Jelly Roll and Iam Tongi who I’m also so blown away by and would love to meet one day. I could name a bunch more. So many great artists doing their thing right now.
How do you define success?
I define success as being able to support myself and the people I love just through my music. To make a better life for my loved ones using my creativity and songwriting. That’s my goal, and I’m determined to work at this every day until I get there.
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