Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Kuzmack
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As a music writer and DJ I have had the privilege to interview many artists and review hundred of albums. I am always trying to expand my knowledge of the history of rock n’ roll, doo wop, garage rock, soul, glam, power pop, punk and new wave. Drawing from these subjects I try to write compelling articles and as a DJ weave together this kind of music for every night, party, concert or event I spin for
My goal with writing and djing is to bring the world into the room for either readers of my articles or listeners of my dj sets. I find that through music and a love of subculture that we are all connected and share more similar motivations than differences.
In my writing I seek out groups and artists who have something to say about what’s going on around them. When it comes to the music I select to spin, I want to provide records that will take people on a journey from one part of the world to the other. In my DJ sets listeners might hear punk from the UK, rock n’ roll from the US, garage from South America, glam from Europe and more! I’m always after new sounds that will fit somewhere in my collection and be exciting to share.
My passion for music and writing is very influenced by my dad and mum. My dad showed me a lot of 50’s and 60s music, such as the Beatles, Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Sam and Dave, James Brown, The Animals, The Yardbirds and The Rolling Stones. My mum turned me onto the ideas of journalism since she was the Senior Picture Editor at the Smithsonian Books. My dad brought me up with a key political and pop cultural awareness. Both my parents also grew up during the formations of youth culture. In the US my dad was an original greaser during the 50’s, where he listened to the rock n’ roll DJ’s on the East Coast like Alan Freed and Jocko Henderson. My mum was a mod in London is the 1960s and listened to the pirate DJ’s from Radio Caroline. Naturally this sub-cultural background inspired my path into all things rock n’ roll.
Around age 17. I started a socio-political/ music zine called Salt City Rag. I assembled a staff of writers and published around 19 issues over the course of several years. It was during this time I was regularly traveling to and from the United Kingdom. While abroad I was exposed to all kinds of music and ideas. I went to punk, glam, rock n’ roll and soul clubs to hear bands and dj’s play records. The style and openness of this International community influenced my developing taste in music. I also attended the Rebellion Festival (2009 to 2011) in Blackpool and Glastonbury (in 2011). There I met many who were like-minded, compassionate and were ambitious to make changes in the world.
When I returned to Salt Lake City I started going to school atWestminster College. My undergrad was in political science while also studying history, particularly the development of pop culture in the United States. In between classes I would venture to Sugar House Coffee to play chess or to Raunch Records (and other record shops) trying to find the albums or singles of the music I had heard overseas. I also tried to seek out bands and club nights in SLC that played interesting music.
Occasionally I’d also throw house parties and subject my mates to my record collection. Later in 2012 I was invited to spin punk at a rock n’ roll night at Metro. This experience motivated me to seek more opportunities to DJ.
I started NixBeat in 2013. It is my personal platform for independently pursuing journalism and DJing. As a strictly vinyl DJ I adopted the moniker DJ Nix Beat and began establishing rock n’ roll nights in Salt Lake City. This led to opening for local and touring bands. Over the years, I hosted and guested at events in Salt Lake City and Ogden Utah, Las Vegas, Nevada, Portland, Oregon and London, England. Some bands I’ve spun for includes Protex, The Jackets, The Darts (US), Giuda, The Dirty Fences, The Vibrators , The Night Beats, The Cry and Ex-Cult.
In 2013 I was invited to apply at SLUG Magazine.During my tenure with SLUG Magazine I was further exposed to new and upcoming music from around the U.S. I also have been SLUG magazines dj for numerous events including their annual SLUG CAT award ceremony.
This was also a similar case when working with the London based Heatwave Magazine. While with Heatwave I was introduced to countless bands in the international rock n’ roll underground. I got to work with groups like Miscalculations, Telegram and Giuda. When in London in November 2017 I got to spin records for a Heatwave release party along DJ John The Revelator, with BizNaga and Protex as headliners.
I have been fortunate to collaborate with many fellow DJ’s over the years. Since 2018, I regularly team up with my partner Kady Newland ( DJ_Retrograde_). I currently, enjoy several residencies in Salt Lake City, Utah. Including co-hosting the Rock n’ Roll Discotheque every Wednesday with DJ_Retrograde_ at Willies Lounge. I have also spun records for Utah Rockabilly and guested on DJ Rockin’ Robins Shake Up at Green Room. I also put out a broadcast on Mixcloud once a month called The Freak Out. In addition I still write and publish regularly, however since 2020 I publish exclusively through NixBeat.com. Among the artists I written about are Steve Drewett (Newtown Neurotics), Jeffery McCloy (Fashionism, Transmitors), Reverend Beatman, Sex Organs, The Speedways, Faz Waltz, Jacob T Skeen, Mala Vista, Bad Sex and Protex.
I’m always looking for new bands and artists to write about. Not to mention I have some ideas for future DJ nights. I love doing this and figure as long as I am interested and not complacent I’ll keep on keeping on.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I don’t think it’s been smooth. Progressing never is. However, I’ve learned to get ahead I can’t ever be complacent. If I keep pushing myself and am willing to put myself out there then doors will open.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a writer and DJ with over 10 years of experience in journalism, editing, copy writing, research and djing. During my travels I have been exposed to all kinds of music and culture. While attending Westminster College I studied social justice, pop-culture, youth-culture, environmentalism, politics and music. These subjects continue to inspire my interests and are reflected through my passion for music by an evolving knowledge of rock n’ roll, doo wop, garage rock, soul, reggae, glam, power pop, punk, post punk and new wave.
I try to bridge the generational gap between eras with all my sets and thus always looking for a record that will fit any mood. I select these records as a means to explore over 70 years music. For example with garage rock, I might start out with The Flies “Steppin Stone” to Cherry Slush’s “ I Cannot Stop You” while moving toward the Lyres “ I want To Help You Ann” and ending on The Jackets “Pie In The Sky.”
My hope is not getting stuck in the past and redundancy. With the diverse styles I spin one can hear that evolution of a genre from the past to present. This understanding of the progression of different movements influences my written work ,and as a dj by tailoring together selections to fit every night, party, concert or event I spin for. The result is pushing myself learn more while being proud of the work and shows I have done. All the while looking forward to doing more.
What were you like growing up?
I was always curious about the world around me. This lead me to have a desire for travel and research subjects in politics, pop-culture, music and history. As I continue on my path as a writer and dj I follow the philosophy “you’re only as good as your last article.” This means I always seek to improve my craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nixbeat.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nixbeat/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djnixbeat
- Twitter: https://x.com/NixBeat?mx=2
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-872008582
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/NixBeat/
