"So...You Want To Be A Musician?" Podcast with Nick D'Virgilio’s - Ep. # 1: NDV

[@RonnieLeeDrums]

Absolutely!! Playing LIVE is the best drug ever!!!! I long for it everyday. Touring the world is my dream!

[@DarthDog2015]

I am 14 years old and I have always been interested in the music circle. I play bass and I am probably the only one in my whole school. I always wanted to become a musician even though I just started with Music Theory, this episode of the podcast taught me a lot, thanks Nick.

[@NDVirgilio]

That is fantastic! Thank you for checking it out and I wish you all the very best in your playing. Get with your friends and play music together along with your theory. Use your ears as much if not more than your eyes. Take care!

[@JCM-LedZeppelin-Stories]

Rarely will a Extraordinary musician reveal a Human side at the level of their Music Chops. Thank you for making this video!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for watching!

[@tonyvalenti6614]

WOW! Thank you for your humility and honesty! I’m 67, and played much of my life in different houses of worship. I have never heard any professional drummer share personal stories like you just did! I have great respect for you, you encourage younger musicians to do things in the right way! I miss your Sweetwater videos a lot, but am now a subscriber to your KZbin channel. 😎👍🏻

[@NDVirgilio]

Wonderful! Thank you for taking the time

[@bélalugrisi]

Uncle Nick Show! Out at the hedgerow...

[@NDVirgilio]

Yes!

[@JorgeOstos]

Only one thing to say, Nick... THANK YOU. Thanks for being a real and kind human being.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you Jorge!!!

[@JorgeOstos]

​@@NDVirgilio thank YOU. Happy to have met you in Buenos Aires, and thanks for recommending BBT. I'm stuck listening to your band.

[@ProgSnob14]

Excellent series thus far. Looking forward to more podcasts and of course new music. Speaking of, Mr. Big Ten is arriving tomorrow!

[@spsmith45]

I enjoyed this. Nick talks from the heart. Looking forward to other episodes.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@terrellbrooks6156]

Wonderful show!! Nick, you are such an amazing class act! Thank you so much for all your gifts you have given us over the years. I have loved your solo work and your work with Spock's, Big Big Train, Genesis, Steve Hackett, Kevin Gilbert etc. :) (I can't imagine ANYONE telling you that you were not working out for them, I mean what CAN'T you play??...!!) Looking forward to many more of your "episodes". Thanks again and safe travels on tour with Paul and the boys!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much!!!

[@scottyecora]

Hi Nick, I've been a fan since Spock's Beard V album, which introduced me to Prog Rock. That podcast is a really great idea : as a music enthusiast and amateur musician, I've always been interested to know more about the artistic and professional paths of the artists I follow!

[@NDVirgilio]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@michaelbahr7957]

This advice is so golden, I've been in a lot of bands and I'd have cherished a drummer (or any other position player) who did some of this stuff consistently

[@paulk1]

Nick you are so right about it all!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for watching!

[@paulk1]

@@NDVirgilio you are welcome buddy. I never got a chance to meet you. I've met everyone else in Spock's Beard though... Maybe one day.

[@studiomapleguy]

Great Great advice ... 👍 👏 👌

[@davidsutter1846]

Thanks for being faithful to your wife!!!!!!!!!

[@kevystead]

You're absoultley right Nick. Being a singing drummer myself, It is a massive benefit to the artist/band. It's one of the big reasons we will get the gig over a drummer that just plays. I'm personally excited for your new project. Love and respect my drum brothern :)

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you 🙏 Much appreciated

[@boreanknight]

So excited for this series, big fan of your work!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thanks a ton!

[@JalenRawley]

First of all, I love everything you do Nick. From back to Spock's and with Kevin until now, I'm always happy to see what you're working on because I always feel like you do things the right way: with gratitude, humility, confidence and openness. It's always refreshing to see. What you said in the opening about the adulation of audiences who appreciate the music you play, especially your own original music, there's nothing like that. I remember being on my first real tour in 2010, in the direct support slot with three other bands from the same indie label. We were about halfway through the month long tour and had been playing okay shows and it was going well, but it wasn't big time at all. We were playing a bar in Denton, TX and we were told the show was going to be running late because there was a poker tournament going in. Bumped for a poker tournament. Reality check, right? It's not a very big place, maybe 40-50 people are there, stage is only like six inches off of the ground and I'm playing guitar and we're doing a song from the band's first EP which was self produced and released, and I look out at the audience who are all pretty much eye level to me anyway, and the ten or twelve people directly in front of me that I can see are all singing along with our song at the top of their lungs and I was blown away. How the hell do they even know who we are? How do they know this song? How do they even know the lyrics? I'm not even sure I know all of the lyrics! I can't even properly describe how simultaneously exhilarating and confusing it was to see that, but it's exactly what you're talking about. And then very recently, I've had the privilege of filling in for a band that has a well established, dedicated following. Their bass player had recently left, they're in the middle of a recording project and they had some shows come up so they needed someone fast. That bass player is absolutely the perfect guy for this band in every way, he's beloved by their audience, he's been an integral part of their thing in every way, and here I am trying to fill these gigantic shoes and just try and honor the material and band as much as I can. These guys are all really nice, really great people and my only real concern is that I just don't want to let them all down. I'm expecting a lot of, "Ringo never, Pete Best forever!" kind of stuff, a lot of disappointment of, "Who the hell is this guy?" So I'm nervous and tentative about the whole thing and just keep reminding myself that I've put the work in and to just go do the best that I can do. Leave it all on the stage. There's a few clams, including one blatantly obvious miscue in an instrumental song with a bass solo in it. I got through the bass solo and was like, "Whew!" but there's a rest and I blow it. Big ol honking clam. "BONK" and this guy right in the front row who was just taking it all in with a smile on his face, his arms weren't crossed like the usual musician stance of "Impress me", he was just enjoying it, and when I laid that gigantic goose egg he just says, "Aww." I look right at him say apologetically, "I know" and then we're right back into the song. We finish the set and the band always all go to the merch booth after the show and I'm the last one heading out there, after packing a couple minor things away so they're not in the sound girl's way and at least a dozen separate people all stop me and ask me to sign stuff. Someone got my set list, asked me to sign that. Signed shirts, hats, arms, headbands, all sorts of merch. I finally get out to the merch booth, which is on a patio outside and for the next hour it's a constant crush of people asking me to sign stuff. I'm absolutely NOBODY, these people don't know me from Adam, a replacement player for a beloved band member, and they treated me like I was the king. It's just amazing how much love their fans have for this band. I didn't even have to try to be humble and gracious to them, it was just the natural, honest reaction to how welcoming and supporting they all were to me, it was truly amazing. It's easy to be self centered and insulated, to sit and ruminate over every mistake, every miscue, I should have done this, I should have done that, the sound wasn't right, I couldn't hear myself, my voice was a little rough... but nobody comes to a show just to watch you crash. They have plenty of other things they could have spent money on and they wanted to see your band. And at the higher levels it's easy to see how sometimes that could go to people's heads and make them feel bigger or more important than they actually are. Make them question the adulation, why would you want me to sign something? I'm nobody. I'm just playing music. It can be awkward, it can be ego inflating, it can be self destructive, but in the end... they appreciate what we do as musicians for a million unique, subjective, highly personal reasons.

[@NDVirgilio]

Great story Jalen! It looks like you are going about it all in the right way. Keep it up! All the best to you and thanks for taking the time to listen to the podcast. Cheers!

[@budgetguitarist]

Loved SP, love BBT, and loved it when Nick played with FROST*! I'm also a big fan of Jonatha Brooke, a not very well known awesome singer/songwriter. I found a live video from a club years ago, and there's Nick on drums and bass! Great video as always.

[@budgetguitarist]

PS - would love to hear you talk to any of the SB or BBT musicians, and would really love to hear you talk to Jonatha!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you! Everyone is on the list so stay tuned. Cheers!

[@starquake9162]

great first episode, very much looking forward to things to come - CU MIKEY

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you !🙏

[@joshuajuaire8757]

Thanks nick you are a great drummer and you have a good heart

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you 🙏

[@scottpersson8141]

Love your vibe, man. The positivity is infectious. Thanks for starting and sharing this.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for taking the time to check out the podcast!

[@gerrysturis]

Good stuff Nick.........................Cheers!

[@continumdrums2297]

Hi Nick! I've been a drummer for 50 years. I've been on stage since I was 12. Although only in front of a small audience because I only do it as a hobby, the experiences you shared with us speak from my heart. I enjoyed every minute of your new podcast! I'm looking forward to seeing your other guests. You are a great, down-to-earth person! So great!!!!

[@Jay-Go]

Nick, so great to embark on this journey with you…as a viewer, of course. I hope you read this, but I understand that reading and responding to comments on your own videos can be time consuming. I dig what you’re doing here. I really hope the younger generation of players with heed your words. If it’s true that history moves in cycles, then I hope that we’re in the part of that cycle where younger instrumentalists are wanting to actually “play” their instruments. We’ve had a few years where everybody is consumed with being an “online sensation” that many times it feels like live performance was taking a back seat to being performers and not actual music makers. I’m a 49 year old drummer with 1,000 or so gigs under his belt, and I recently felt my second drum wind kick in. I’m reopening drum books from my days at North Texas State. Practicing with a renewed outlook. Finally admitting to myself that there’s a benefit to playing “good time” music and not just being snobby about how prog and fusion and jazz is worth playing and listening to. Shit….I’m going on and on. Sorry. All this to say: I like this series. Best of luck to you, señor. 👍🏼

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much for watching Jay! It is also great to read that you have found that 2nd wind. Keep playing! Like you, I also feel that we are in a transition period. There are so many amazing young players out there. I just hope that many of them find there way into bands and don't just stay in their music rooms. Cheers!

[@xueadrob]

My new best friend.....see ya in Amsterdam !

[@drumcenternh]

Great stuff, Nick!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!!

[@cavere42]

Great start to what I'm sure will be a wonderful podcast. I'm proud of you for going into some of the struggles so candidly. I look forward to seeing who you talk to next!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much!

[@joeldrummer23]

The relationship portion is so important

[@NDVirgilio]

Yes indeed!

[@carlosclerigadrums]

Hi Nick, thanks for sharing these stories and thoughts. I am currently in a dark stage in my career, in these first 22 years of doing this. Without any projects currently, it is depressing and scary. (Feeling invisible you know?). It's not the first time it happened, but now it has clouded my passion and my health. Listening to these tips and experiences means a lot. I like how you share your experiences with a lot of gratitude and of course hard work behind it. You deserve every drop of success in your life. I really enjoyed seeing you with Mr.Big in Mexico.

[@NDVirgilio]

Carlos, try to power through. I know that is hard to do, especially when things are slow. But try to stay positive and doors will open. Try to get creative too. Maybe try a different approach. Just to shake things up a little. Thank you for the kind words.

[@GiuseppeCristaudo]

I am in the same situation from many years. I'm working on new songs but I miss the stage a lot😢 I feel invisible as you wrote. I hope and pray to come back to the music world and to be ready for that moment

[@MatttMan]

oh boy! This was the definition of enlightening and refreshing…..Im still processing it, and I so look forward to your future guests, I also just watched the Billy Sheehan one…but, you….you, sir, are an incredibly real human being, that has alot to share and you have a way, in sharing that just grabs the listener…..I cant wait for more! Thanks!

[@NDVirgilio]

Oh wow! Thank you so much for those kind words and for taking the time to watch/listen. It is very much appreciated. Cheers!

[@jonashellborg8320]

Hey Nick, great idea for a podcast! I love the questions and anecdotes, deep dives into the relationship side of things, hearing “no” when you try your hardest, what it means to have “thick skin” and “be nice to be around” : you mentioned a ton of concrete stuff there! I have been there too, basically smile and do what people ask for and then some more, so there is nothing to complain about. Loving this series!

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markazinker3212]

awesome video nick ! big fan , i’ve got 8 grand in drums because of your sweetwater commercials, u have great advice!

[@coachcrane6636]

This is going to be great. I am running out of good podcasts to listen to on my hour drive to work. I can't wait to see what is coming. Thanks Nick!

[@blackcreekmusic783]

Thankyou Nick!! Great first show!! I always appreciate any kind of insight into the music world of my favourite musicians. Thank for sharing your experiences and your wisdom. I look forward to the coming episodes!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sonormatt]

This is awesome Nick! Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability, I love hearing you just sit down and talk about stuff. Looking forward to many more!

[@NDVirgilio]

I appreciate that!

Now that was great! The honesty and humility with which you talk about your experiences of becoming a great musician is palpable. And you've got some important words to say to aspiring musicians out there! I will follow your podcast with great interest!! CU in July!! :)

[@NDVirgilio]

Fantastic! Thank you!

[@carterlink]

This is going to be a great series. Really enjoyed your intro podcast Nick. Looking forward to all those upcoming deep-dive conversations.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for checking it out

[@gatherstudio5219]

Thank you for the transparency, huge props to you , I personally can say I could be happy with out music but I definitely wouldn't be fulfilled.

[@jazzpunk67]

Thanks for sharing Nick. Been a fan since Spock’s Beard and was really excited about that first big gig you mentioned. Glad you’re sharing these things. We have millions of videos and lessons on playing, recording, etc. but rarely do we see this kind of info. Glad you are playing and touring again. I saw you with Marcos Band on CTTE and saw most of the pool set on the CTTE 24. Good luck with the series.

[@CornerStoreDrums]

Out here teaching the GOOD word of incredible advice! Indiana Love Nick! 🫡

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!!!

[@jvassalo]

Thank you for your candure and wonderful openess on the struggles and highs of this passion! You are the best Nick!

[@NDVirgilio]

My pleasure. Thank you for listening!

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

great idea for a podcast!..lot of cool insights about playing music and life in general. Thanks for doing this Nick! I'll definitely be following these episodes.

[@NDVirgilio]

Great! Thank you for listening

[@angelasmuth3670]

Loved this first episode! Life lessons for whatever profession you are in! Thanks for sharing! 😊

[@jpyarger]

Awesome stuff here Nick ! Can’t wait for the episode that covers the tour bus “guess the smell” game. ;)

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you !

[@RoeShamBoe]

Music is a performing art. Painting is a fine art. Both art, but different types. Also, hey from O.C.! I went to college in your hometown! In regard to your question about music and happiness... it's as you say, if I'm not playing music specifically on a stage with other players in front of a crowd, something is missing. Honestly, it's hard to motivate myself to practice if there's not the urgency of an upcoming project or show(s).

[@NDVirgilio]

Cheers to you @RoeShamBoe !

[@spsmith45]

I was lucky enough to be in that theatre on the Cruise to the Edge. Nick felt what we felt in the audience. Something very special happened that evening. Thanks!

[@NDVirgilio]

It was an amazing evening. Thank you for being there!

[@sturla75]

Great Nick! Enjoyed this. Looking forward to more.

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MM-kh7nx]

Loved the first episode Nick as well as your drumming/singing skills! For some bonus income, I'll give you a dollar to tell us the name of the artist that disrespected one of my favorite musicians!

[@blackibex]

Thanks for the candor, Nick. Nailed it!

[@NDVirgilio]

My pleasure!

[@XavierRadix]

Some fantastic advice in this video and enjoyable to watch. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@NDVirgilio]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DerekFrampton]

VERY enjoyable, VERY cool Nick. I've learned so much from watching and Listening to you for YEARS. Thank you! I'm lookin' forward to the next video! Blessings!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you for watching!!!

[@stickdrumsnrocknroll]

Love it ! Thanks for sharing these stories with us ;) I can't wait for your next podcast !!

[@yoko_mint]

It was so good!! I'm a Mr. Big fan☺️ Listening to how you have come this far was amazing. I can't wait for the next episode!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much!!

[@helgeheggset3335]

Great stuff! Really looking forward to upcoming episodes 😃

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@tarotmusic]

Excellent from start to finish, thanks Nick!

[@NDVirgilio]

Very welcome!

[@RiffLordExegesis]

Great insight and interview 😎

[@russdurst341]

I'm not a musician, but a huge music fan. Very insightful and interesting podcast. Late to discovering Spock's Beard, but definitely my favorite band. Really enjoy music you write, perform, or contribute to with SB, BBT, DMJ, The Fringe, and all three of your solo albums. You mentioned nearing the pinnacle of your career. Hoping maybe another NDV solo album. (Saw you with Mr. Big at The Agora in Cleveland. Killer show all around. Enjoyed hearing Lean Into It still sounding great live after all these years). Thanks!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you so much! There is indeed a new solo record in the works. I hope you will like that one too :) Cheers!

[@KirkiosEH]

I'm so glad I came across this! What is your advice for a 50 year old? Is it worth even seeking this dream of mine or continue just making music for the sake of the music? This is a great podcast and can't wait to see more.

[@TheProgCorner]

Fantastic episode!!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@DerekFrampton]

CONGRATS ON YOUR 30th!!!!!!!!

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@neilmiller2779]

Nick, you personally replied to an e-mail of mine shortly after I became a SB fan in 2005. Certainly never expected that, and I appreciated it a lot as an impressionable youth! Still my most notable celebrity encounter. Looking forward to the future eps of the podcast.

[@NDVirgilio]

Thanks so much for taking the time to watch!

[@davidgoode7416]

Great stuff man

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you !🙏

[@dennismcmahan632]

Great insights thanks Nick

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you!

[@TessaAnderson]

Big stuff! I really enjoyed this content and how real it was. very fresh and needed to be said. glad you could word it so well and apply your personal experience. I am a lover of drums and I havent gotten too far yet, but it would be so nice to get to play for a huge audience. Mostly just played around bars. but I have been playing for 18 years since I was ten, and seem to find a tad bit more passion about my drums than anything else I do. In terms of being a full time musician, i havent aimed for that yet, but if I could experience that it would be amazing for me. I used to make youtube content but it got to be a little exhausting with various often negative feedback. I was struggling to be the best version of myself. But in general, drumming is life for me. How do I stand out from all of the other drummers? Im not sure how to express that, although I think I am on a unique walk with drums that I am very proud of.

[@NDVirgilio]

Just be the best YOU that you can. That may sound a bit blah but being you is honest and that will make you stand out. You are unique naturally so keep on rockin. Thank you for taking the time to listen!

[@cowboyupdrummer]

Hi Nick Congratulations first of all on your successful marriage. I really appreciate your candid and honest thoughts about your career and the music business. To answer your first question, I do need to play music to be happy. I’ve been at this for well over 40 years. I believe what you said about building relationships, being a good person, doing the job to the best of your abilities…all those things. I’m like you started, Music IS my drug. It’s not easy at times. Often compare it to a marriage…only with 4-5 or more people involved. I’ve had my share of sideline fill-in type gigs my. Some with smaller artists some with cover bands. Some I really liked, some I wasn’t as wide about, but I’ve feel I’ve always treated them the same. Good points Thank you for this. Oh and I guess I’m watching these backwards, cuz I watched #3, first then 2 with Billy now # 1 All great! ✌️❤️🥁

[@NDVirgilio]

Watch them in any order :) Thank you!!!

[@paistekid]

Hello Nick, great Podcast and thank-you for the useful advices! Curious to know if you’re still working with Sweetwater? Thank-you 🙂

[@NDVirgilio]

Thank you! I am on leave from Sweetwater while I am touring.

[@huddysdad]

Nick will you talk more about working with a very long established band, like Genesis, in a future episode?

[@NDVirgilio]

I've got a very cool episode coming on that subject. Stay tuned and thank you!

[@Joe.M]

Nick, have you left Sweetwater?