Nick Rifken artist

BIO (Full Copy)

A force of energy, Nick has had a broad spectrum of musical experiences before the debut of his first EP, “Arrival” as a solo artist and songwriter. His sound is a culmination of childhood influences (Nirvana, A Perfect Circle, Yellowcard, Incubus, Patrick Watson), an affinity for pop aesthetics and groove, and expression of deeply personal and emotional moments. Starting piano and drums at an early age, his passion led him to pursue percussion studies more formally at the University of Michigan. A month-long language intensive in Sao Paulo, Brazil codified a curiosity for the connection of culture to music. Prior to embarking on this journey as a solo artist, Nick has played drums for Latina, Pop, and Hip-Hop songwriters and modern country, musical theater, and top-40 cover groups. He has also worked as a session drummer and led a high-end events band in Northern New Jersey and New York City for several years.

Each track on the EP captures a vivid moment in time, with the first two singles, “Do Not Engage” and “Ground” highlighting a heavier darker, and progressive rock sound, the third, “Disco Girl” featuring a pop-rock dance vibe with a tinge of Latin flavor, and the last, “Seasons,” starting as an acoustic narration on the reflections of losing a loved one and ending in a wall of turbulent sound.

Nick left for Colombia at the beginning of 2020 with the intent of traveling to deepen his understanding of the Spanish language and the vastly diverse and rich music and culture of the region. Returning to NYC in 2021, Nick’s hybrid sound spills from these journeys into his solo career. Nick performs throughout the NYC Metro Area, most recently at the iconic Bowery Electric and as of Breaking Sounds’ UNPUBLISHED emerging artist series at Berlin Under A.

Nick Rifken - EP 'Arrival'

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A force of energy, Nick has had a broad spectrum of musical experiences before the debut of his first EP “Arrival” as a solo artist and songwriter. Each track on the EP captures a vivid moment in time, with the first two singles, “Do Not Engage” and “Ground” highlighting a heavier darker, and progressive rock sound, the third, “Disco Girl” featuring a pop-rock dance vibe with a tinge of Latin flavor, and the last, “Seasons,” starting as an acoustic acoustic narration on the reflections of losing a loved one and ending in a wall of turbulent sound.

"In an era when the “death of rock” has become rock journalism’s favorite cliché, Rifken provides ample proof the genre still owns a bright future." - Jim Testa (NJ.COM)

“Do Not Engage” came out of an intense and emotionally charged argument during a tenuous period of a profound and long-standing friendship. Feeling angry and unable to connect or make sense of the moment, the song was written as a reminder that sometimes it’s better to let go and see the bigger picture and value for what an important person means to you in your life.

"The guitar work grabbed my attention early and really brought out the song’s attitude. Rock in a gloudy bottle, free of filter or studio manipulation, just the cure for pop overload. A gruff gallop and strum occasionally crowded by the heavy crash of drums, the instrumentals are up front and personal. The vocal performance was impassioned, and I felt like it was a direct challenge to me, the audience." - Eric Reyes (Gas Mask Magazine)

"For a song that is his debut rock tune, 'Do Not Engage' is emotional, relatable, and an impressive piece of work" - Aaron, Wilschick (V13 Media)

“Ground” catalogs the rise and fall of an unhealthy relationship where there is an obvious power dynamic – and the one in power, knowing full well the consequences and negative effects of their actions, continues to mislead the other until both eventually lose out.

"Energetic free-spirit Nick Rifken harnesses a broad spectrum of musical experiences, and catalyses them within his solo career...Exploring a power-struggle within a relationship. We hear the tale of a terrifying narcissist and their unbeknown victim. Which proves to be a psychologically thrilling listen...Cue the chorus, and we are thrown full -throttle into furious, delectable, fueled energy. Bringing a vibrance to the track. The almost poetic backdrop, ensures it is set apart from others of the genre." - Rebecca Llewellyn (Buzz Magazine)

“Disco Girl” strives to capture the electrifying and charged experience of a whirlwind encounter – mutually knowing the timing is meant to be brief, but still feeling a sense of loss and longing when it comes to an abrupt ending.

"Opening with a catchy lead guitar riff, the verses take us through a driving edgy narrative of a relationship burning to continue and yet unsure of where things are set to land. Opening up into a wall of vocal harmonies and gently pounding toms, the pre-chorus entices the listener to continue onwards in this heated journey. Led by a jaunting vocal melody line, the Chorus drops a dancing frenzy of drums, bass, and percussion and echoes of longing." - Skope Magazine

“Seasons” is a sonic narration of the history, love, and death of the life of a well-lived family member while also reflecting on the impermanence of relationships and valuing every exchange in human connection, regardless of time, that inform and shape our understanding of the world.

Contact: nickrifkenmusic@gmail.com

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Nick Rifken

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