Nick Bisanz – Thanks for Asking!
Written by Staff on March 4, 2026
Nick Bisanz – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.
RRX: We have to play somewhere, and sometimes those places have more going for them than a stage and a power outlet. What is a memorable place you played, and bonus points if it’s not a well-known place.
NB: Three years ago. Old Dutch Church in Kingston,NY. A memorial service for my former band mate and friend John deVries. Beautiful old building. The stage was the altar. You could feel the history of the place and it was gorgeous. It is very special to play rock music there!
RRX: What do you think is the most dangerous song to cover from the perspective of criticism? Who do you think is too hard to cover, and why?
NB: Having covered GG Allin and the Meatmen, some people question my judgement. Certain songs you never cover because of the band’s fan base or the high effort/low reward involved. Talking about you Steely Dan
RRX: Would you rather have one of your songs blow up and make you a one-hit wonder and household name, or would you rather have all your songs be solidly received, but no chart-climbers? (You have to pick one or the other here.)
NB: One hit wonder with the publishing. There are tons of great musicians with well received songs,but they still work day jobs. Day jobs are not fun.
RRX: Let’s talk about your next project, your next few. Just not the ones you’re working on now. The ones you have your eyes on for the future. What’s coming to us?
NB: I will be debuting some new original songs along with a set of older material solo acoustic at Paper Moon Bookstore in Troy, NY on March 19th. I will be at Helderberg Brewery in association with Collar City Mushrooms in April. Collaborating with Tim Livingston on a couple things related to The Last Conspirators. Working on material for a solo record to be released on Driving Rain Records later in the year. My cover band “Nicky B and The Tone Chasers” has some gigs TBA shortly .
RRX: We all get a little support from those around us. And we also can be impressed by our fellow performers. Who do you admire in your community, and why?
NB: Locally, I really admire the poetry scene people. Albany Poets, NYS Writers Guild, Poetic Vibe, etc. These groups are making space and opportunities to perform, encourage the writing,and pass the knowledge along to others. They are always creating. Musically, Scotty Mac, and others, who take the risk and have the motivation to travel,work gigs away from home frequently. Marcus Benoit is another guy I respect. Worked his day job for years,worked harder on his music at night. I learned a lot talking to him while we suffered at work!
RRX: Artists, musicians, we immortalize. We set it in stone. Is there anyone who has passed that you feel you have immortalized in your work? If so, can you tell us a little about them?
NB: I can say that Arthur Lee (Love) is the songwriter I set the bar to. When in doubt, I like to try to guess what Arthur would do. Or listen to Forever Changes. The guy hummed orchestra parts to an arranger. The lyrics were equally compelling and thoughful. I hope to immortalize Gordon Lightfoot in my work one day. Gord’s Gold is a masterclass.
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