Following your dreams can be daunting at times. It takes a big leap of faith to fully commit to pursuing your personal passion and an even bigger leap to transform that passion into a livelihood. For musician Nick Potters, he took that chance. Today, he’s pursuing what he loves — music — and making the most out of it every day. As this week’s Hoboken Guy of the Week, find out what inspires him, what has been the highlight of his career as a musician thus far, and more. Keep reading to learn more about Hoboken Guy of the Week, Nick Potters:
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a drummer, pianist, producer, music teacher, and audio engineer. I play for recording sessions, live shows, and in various bands all over NJ/NY. My main project is The Fuzz, a five-piece rock band from Jersey; it’s super high energy and a ton of fun. We also just released a new album called Pretty Demolition! It’s available on iTunes and Spotify {and in-person if you come to one of our shows}.
“I get to share my love for music with them and when they get excited about learning something, I feed off of that excitement like it’s brand new for me too.”
What is your biggest source of inspiration?
My inspiration comes from many things! The music I listen to, the people I surround myself with, even my students. I teach drums and piano to students of all ages and it’s incredibly rewarding. I get to share my love for music with them and when they get excited about learning something, I feed off of that excitement like it’s brand new for me too. I’m also inspired by whatever I’m listening to in a given moment; it usually fuels the ideas for how I write and play. I also play with so many different {and amazing} musicians that it keeps me motivated to always better myself in music and in life.
See More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Erica Li {of Grooming by Erica}
What are your goals for this year?
My goals for this year are to make more music with more people, play more shows, and tour the world playing music. Last year I got to play in the Midwest, along the East Coast, and even California. I love traveling, and ideally, I’d like to go on tour abroad.
“The highlight of my career is my career itself.”
What does a typical day look like for you?
I work multiple jobs, so there isn’t really anything typical or routine about my day. Half the week I wake up early and practice the drums/piano for a few hours — either learning songs or working on my own things — and prep for any upcoming events I have, until I go teach lessons for the rest of the day, followed by a band rehearsal at night.
The other half of the week, I wake up early and head to the city where I work at my other job — recording audiobooks. That’s more of a nine-to-five type of workday, but I usually have a gig or rehearsal somewhere in the city afterward. Then it’s gigs on the weekends. So, in short, a lot of driving, and never a dull moment.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight of my career is my career itself. I’m incredibly fortunate to make a living doing my favorite thing in the world — music — nearly every day.
Tell us about another business in the area you admire?
A business I really like around here is Garden Street Music in Hoboken. They provide music lessons for all types of instruments, and they have an excellent recording studio in their space with a great team of people to work with. These are both parts of my job, so I really admire the work they do and the fact that they keep it all in one spot — makes things a lot easier!
Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Jersey City?
Fox + Crow, JC.
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
Tunes, Hoboken.
What do you love most about the area?
There’s always something going on. I thrive on activity, so Hoboken + JC are a perfect pace for me. Also, the community is great. A lot of my friends live around here too, which makes jam sessions even more fun!
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
Either to play music with other local musicians or just go for a walk. You’re never too far from a great view around here.
Read More: Hoboken Guy of the Week: James Calleo
How long have you lived in the area?
I’ve lived in Jersey my whole life and have always loved and spent time in Hoboken. I moved to the Heights in February 2017, so I’ve lived here for just over two years.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
The park on the water in Hoboken or just anywhere around Hoboken in general.
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
I honestly just exercise in my apartment. Plus, I get my cardio in every day behind the drum set!
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
My go-to spots are Finnegan’s in Hoboken and Barcade in JC. I love a good plate of chicken wings and some video games.
What is something you think needs to come to the area?
A music venue! I was disappointed when Maxwell’s closed and I think the area could benefit from another music venue that really caters to all types of music the way Maxwell’s did.
Keep up with Nick on Instagram at @pottersmusic or @thefuzznj, Facebook at The Fuzz, and for any business inquiries he can be reached at pottersmusic@yahoo.com
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