Post by niko blackwood on Apr 24, 2024 1:09:12 GMT
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AGE: Twenty-six HOMETOWN: Indianapolis, IN FORMER BAND: Killswitch CURRENT BAND: Cat's Cradle NICKNAMES: Niko, Youngblood MUSICIAL INSTRUMENTS: Drums, piano, guitar  AN INTERVIEW WITH NIKO BLACKWOOD "The most basic question to ask a musician but we're still going to ask - how did you get started?" My dad. He was constantly working on things in the garage, he would listen to Nirvana, RHCP, Pearl Jam, Metallica, Beastie Boys. All the classic 90's rock. I remember sitting on his work bench and picking out what CD we'd listen too. He would play the air guitar and I would mimic his actions, but with the drums. I begged him for a drum set every month when I was thirteen years old. We didn't have a lot of money at that particular time because my dad had gotten laid off, but they still pulled off the best surprise Christmas morning. I didn't want to even finish up "So what was the first song you played on the drums?" That Christmas day, I taught myself how to play Paradise City by GNR. It was a little rough at first but I listened to the song probably 500 times. I was down in the basement and had my headphones in, just repeating the song over and over again. Then doing the same thing with the drums. My parents and brother had to be so annoyed with me. My dad likes to tell the story, how he heard me playing and would be like 'Oh hey, I think that's Paradise City, and then I think that's Dani California?" That's the next one I tried. I wanted to upgrade myself from playing that on Rock Band. "You left an up and coming band in Indianapolis to come play for the boys in Cat's Cradle. Is it true that Taylor convinced you?" Yes. Indy has a really good punk and screamo scene. Before Killswitch, I jumped around a few other bands and genres. I hate to say "I was pretty well known in the music scene" but it's true. I filled in for a lot of bands when they needed drummers, I had amazing connections everywhere. For a local band too, I was sponsored by a company and they gave me a free drum kit - picked out to my liking. I loved playing with them don't get me wrong, the music just wasn't what I loved. They've been crushing it, I wish them nothing but the best but how could I pass up this opportunity to play with THE Cat's Cradle. "Where does Taylor fall into this then?" He was sent to check me out. Guess they thought that the original Indy boy needed to come check out the other. The guys were pretty hesitant. I'm younger, hence my nickname Youngblood. Killswitch had just played at super cool venue called The Healer. They rotate local artists through the venue and so it's constantly changing decor. If you ever get a chance, check it out. I'm helping the band and crew load up the van when all of the sudden this guy in a black hoodie is asking to talk to me. Who was it? Taylor Fucking Maitson. We grabbed a drink, he talked to me about their need for a new drummer after the Greg incident. I've always been a huge fan. Honestly? I was trying so hard not to fan girl that he was talking music with me. So then I flew out to LA to meet with Zac, and Joey, wanted to make sure that we all vibed well. Obviously super important for a band. I came on a little strong once I officially joined. I regret that at times, I idolized them from a far for so long that I just wanted to jump right into things. Where I definitely needed to prove myself to the incredible musicians they were. Things are obviously better now. You always quote Taylor Hawkins as your favorite drummer behind John Bonham. There is a picture of the two of you backstage and you look incredibly happy, this was taken right before he died. Did you take his death hard? He was a phenomenal drummer and person. I was so honored to get the chance to meet him a few times. I went to a Foo Fighters show and went back stage. That's where the photo I think you're talking about is from? He actually texted me Happy Birthday once and I freaked the fuck out. Even before I knew him, I used to soundcheck to My Hero. I still do sometimes. Miss him and still think he's one of the inspirations to my music career. "One more question. In light of the latest drama. Do you think Lily McCarthy is hot?" Ok. Weird question. But I'm not trying to be punched by Joey.  LATEST NICO BLACKWOOD NEWS
GRATITUDE LIST I started making one of these after my suicide attempt. I make one once a week, it used to be every day but life gets a little bit busy sometimes. It really makes me think about what I have and how much in my life is precious. That was a really dark moment in my life.. don't really talk about it much just with my therapist. Even my parents tip toe on this line. I was nineteen, I decided not to go to college like my parents wanted me to, it was very much my rebellious stage. Like I said, I don't talk about it much but something held me back that night. Call it an epiphany or a very vivid trip, something told me that the best was yet to come. WEEK OF APRIL 21 LIST Music, Mom, Dad, Damien, freshly rolled joint, my first drum set, Chipotle, Cat's Cradle, Draftkings, Guinness, brand new pack of Marlboros, Van Morrison, 4/20, an everything bagel with plain cream cheese, my parent's cat Reese's Puff  I only got her first name. It fit her perfectly too. It was just a typical day for me. Just came from meeting my therapist again in person and I opened my doors that lead out to my balcony because it was such a beautiful day. I do this thing to unwind especially after something that's so soul bearing like therapy is - strip completely down naked and play my guitar. Why? I don't know, it's always felt therapeutic. Me and music. I had my guitar plugged into my amp, but it was turned down. Usually I have it at maximum volume. I wake up every day with a song stuck in my head and today's choice was Come Back by Pearl Jam. I'm not much of a singer, can play anything else but I wouldn't be volunteering for Zac's position. So there I am, naked in my living room just strumming along to the song and singing quietly. My eyes are closed, focused on making sure I'm hitting all the right notes. Drums are my baby, but I'm not bad at the guitar either. A soft gasp stops me in my tracks and there she is. Doe eyed, scrambling on her feet and a gash in one of her knees. She's apologizing, tears rolling down both cheeks and won't make eye contact with me, that's when I realize I'm naked and yell 'oh fuck'. The guitar luckily covering some bits of me and I dash away, telling her to stay there. Now that I'm dressed she tells me that she got locked out, she's house sitting for my neighbor and the cat jumped on the balcony. The sassy cat went back into the house and bumped the door, locking her out in the process. We talk, she recognizes me immediately and says she's always been a big fan of Cat's Cradle. It's not awkward like it could be. She has to wait until a friend of a friend can come and unlock the apartment, since the one girl is on vacation. She asks if I could give her the cliff notes on playing guitar, she's always wanted to learn but never had the time, so I teach her. She makes me a grilled cheese sandwich, something I haven't had in years. More talking and it's like I've known her longer than a few hours. It's dark by the time we wind up in my bed, her soft moans panting in my ear and my calloused hands gripping her hips. And then she was gone, swept away by her friend and all I have is a name. Oh and a neighbor who's never fucking there for me to ask who the hell she is. |
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