Photos in this article are by Nicky Cieri
As we soon reach a year adapting to life within the COVID-19 pandemic, we at Ascribe found ourselves wondering what we can do to bring you — our readers — content that’s fun and engaging, as well as what we can do to create content that’s exciting for artists to take part in.
With that in mind, I’d like to welcome you to our first Artist Spotlight. There are many artists of many sizes whose work we love, and that we feel deserve to have an opportunity to connect with our readers on what makes them unique. In these weekly interviews, you’ll find a little introductory letter from one of us in the beginning (just like you’re reading right now!) all about why we think that week’s artists should bask in the spotlight for a moment.
That being said, I’m excited to say that our first ever Artist Spotlight is with none other than Nicolas McCoppin. If you were following along with our coverage last fall, then you already know that McCoppin’s Loverboy was the album that made me fall in love with pop music again, and was also named an honorable mention for our top albums of 2020.
As I said in our Loverboy review, Nicolas McCoppin is a storyteller first and foremost. The journeys he brings listeners along for are carefully crafted, with small details and strong imagery woven into the lyrics that make it impossible for anyone to not become invested in the events McCoppin recalls.
As you read about McCoppin’s inspirations and creative process, I encourage you to give Loverboy a listen. We’ll be featuring a track from the album on our playlist tomorrow, but the entire record is truly something special.
– Caitlyn McGonigal
Head/Founder of Ascribe
What inspires you to create?
“I’ve gotten inspiration in so many different ways. Most of my inspiration comes from life experiences. When I was writing Loverboy, all of the concepts and lyrics came from a past relationship of mine. I fell in love for the first time when I was 19 and making music about it was the only way I knew how to express my emotions. Music is the language I know best. When I need to say something, that’s how I do it. I wrote a lot of the beginning ideas on the train in New York. There’s nothing better than people watching and writing.
I also get very inspired by music. I love listening to music when I need a spark of creativity.”
Can you guide us through a typical day in the studio for you?
“My studio days look very different now because of the pandemic. Believe it or not, I love it so much more. When I was about to begin recording my debut EP, Loverboy, was during the first lockdown here in New York. My studio closed with no planned reopen date and I had no idea what to do. It forced me to create an at-home studio! It was the best thing to ever happen to my music. I built a vocal booth in my room and everything. I’d have my producers and co-writers all on Facetime and we would just create for hours. I had the absolute best time. Recording vocals might be my favorite part of recording a song. I feel like I get to bring my ideas to life in this part and it’s so much fun. I usually have my executive producer who’s like one of my best friends (Nick Trapani) on FaceTime. We had so much fun recording vocals for the EP.
But to answer your question- I’d start my morning by steaming my voice and drinking throat coat tea. It’s my recipe for a great vocal day. I can’t record anything without doing that, haha!”
If you were alone on a deserted island, which album would you bring with you to listen to?
“Hmm, that’s so hard! There have been so many different albums throughout different eras of my life that I’ve loved. I’d have to say E•MO•TION by Carly Rae Jepsen. That album truly shaped my teenage years. I always go back to it for different emotions and feelings in my life. It’s also been such a huge point of inspiration for me musically as well. Listening to Carly’s lyrics makes me challenge myself in my writing.
I also have to say Strangers / Lovers by Dagny is a close second. It’s the only album in recent years that has made me feel that same type of emotion listening to it. Dagny releasing it during quarantine was the best thing I could’ve ever asked for. It was my album of 2020 for sure.”
Which artists have inspired you?
“I’ve been inspired by so many different artists through the years. I grew up on the powerful women of the music industry. The beginning of my music career came from vocal training as a young kid, so I’ve always been so drawn to vocalists. Ariana, Mariah, and Xtina were the first three for me. I’d practice runs and belts by listening to their music and live performances.
I’ve also been super inspired by the up-and-coming queer artists that have been blowing up in the last few years. I grew up watching Troye Sivan so it’s been so cool watching him take over the world. As a young gay kid, it was so nice to have someone like Troye to look to. I’ve also been obsessed with FLETCHER. I discovered her music over a year ago and she instantly became one of my most listened to artists. She’s so honest in her music and it’s so refreshing listening to queer stories that I can relate to.”
Is there a dream collaboration or dream tour you’d like to be part of?
“Oh my god, there are so many! There are so many producers and writers I’d love to work with in the future. If I had to pick one dream collaboration, I’d have to say Troye Sivan. It would be such a full-circle moment for me. I feel like we’d be able to tell the coolest story together. To tour with him would be the sickest experience too. Maybe this is me manifesting it haha!”
Is there an anecdote from your creative process that you’d like to share?
“One thing about me in a studio session is that I will spend the most time recording adlibs. It’s my favorite part of a session and I’m so picky with them. I have a running joke with my friends who I made the EP with. The end of every song is me belting and we always have to go through them all and cut more than half of them haha! I always get sad cutting them but there are just literally way too many sometimes.
‘For Years’ is one of my favorite stories of this. That song has like 11 or 12 demos and the earliest demos had double the amount of adlib belts. That’s why I love performing live! I can belt as many adlibs as I want, haha!”
What can we expect from you next?
“I can’t exactly share it yet but I’ve been working on so much new music! More music than I ever have before. I found the team that I creatively work the best with and I’m so happy. I learned so much about myself by releasing Loverboy and I’m so excited to elevate it. One thing I will say is that the story isn’t over yet. The music I released last year is just a piece to a bigger picture. I’ve been creating a universe for my music to live in and I’m so excited to expand it. Definitely be on the lookout for new music this year!”
You can keep up with Nicolas on Twitter and Instagram. You can also stream Loverboy below.
