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Meet Nicki Tedesco

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicki Tedesco.

Nicki, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been playing bass since I was in my teens and have always had a passion for songwriting. It was always my dream to be a songwriter and perform my songs! It took years to develop the skill to really put songs together. We all remember those terrible first songs we’ve written! Am I right?

With the help of a skilled producer and engineer, I learned how to run my own studio and record my own songs so I can demo them out.

My workflow takes an idea, record all of the bass, guitar and program the drums. Then I’ll work on the song forms and make sure they are at their best. Once the demo is fully vetted, I’ll rerecord everything and have an incredible guitarist come in and elaborate with their style on my parts. I’ll send it out to be mixed and mastered and there it is: I have an album!

I started under the name: Nicki Tedesco because…that’s my name. I wanted to create a band vibe so I rebranded myself as Frantic Ginger. This way I get incredible LA musicians to play the songs live with me and be part of the band. My 3rd album is about to drop.

However (here comes the sad part), the music industry is not what it used to be and I’m only one person. I don’t have a huge crew behind me. So, I started my own company The Strands L.A. Under this company, I put out my own albums and also record others, as well as have had the chance to have songs placed on film and TV.

It wasn’t easy though, being a female in the industry is BETTER than it used to be, but I remember the days when I could not even get an audition because of my gender. I’m only mentioning this so that anyone who is ready to hire thinks twice when they have decided already on a particular gender. For this reason because the ratio is so out of balance, my band is all female. Yes, it’s one-sided, but someone has to strike a balance, and I don’t mind having opposition to this opinion!

As you read this and think: Oh that’s wonderful, she’s so successful, let me make it clear: it’s still hard work, it’s not smooth, it’s all hours of the day and night and there is a lot of disappointment. The monetary return is not what one would hope and yes, I know this sounds sad! The real thing for me is that I love it, and I will continue, and I don’t need monetary validation to continue what I love. If money weren’t a thing, I would still do it. If money were a thing, I would still do it. So it’s a no brainer.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Lol, I think I just went through that, YES It’s a struggle. If you don’t have the right contacts, if you’re not at the right BBQ with the right agent with the right talent, you’re gonna stay in your bedroom and write songs! You have to get out there and meet people.

If I could say anything, it would be to get anywhere, you have to build a strong network with like-minded people.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
The Strands LA is a collaborative songwriting team that has had placements in film and tv as well as main theme song placements. An amazing songwriter was historically part of the team: Alex Guadagnoli. I am most proud of the songs that came out of the time of collaboration with this incredible producer. The Strands LA are focusing at this time on developing new female artists songwriting skills as well as HOW TO videos for Nicki Tedesco’s Youtube channel.

What sets us apart is that we are not money-driven, meaning, I don’t have to work with an artist because I believe their music is trendy and timely and will sell. I work with someone because I see potential and feel I can help them increase their songwriting skills. I had someone do the same for me and I’m passing on the favor. It doesn’t mean I work for free, but the artists need talent and ambition, rather than money potential for me and my company.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
This is such a question! I feel it changes for me! Some days I want validation from the masses, others, I am satisfied that I have released any albums on my own! Success to me is as long as I’m progressing in all areas of my life and can be kind while doing it, that is success to me.

Pricing:

  • Bass/Vocal Lessons: $45/hour
  • Songwriting lessons: $50/hour
  • Recording: $45/hour with bulk pricing available

Contact Info:


Image Credit:
TourBusLive

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