Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 2018 | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
Nikki Wozzo is a blues / rock / country artist from Los Angeles, California but originally from Alberta, Canada who started Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey in 2017. Nikki releases The Bad Whiskey on the 1st August & I am pleased to say I will be reviewing this fine piece of music for you.
Wild Rose - A cool sweet guitar lick is oozing into this blues track, a deep bass drum kick comes to us and it brings a solid snare drum punch that is rounded off by killer cymbal snaps. The track brings in a change up as a gritty rasping guitar chord gets this rocking blues beast off the ground, bass chords are doing their thing and bring the deep blues grooves that work so well in this punchy blues riffed monster. There are gravelly blues vocals that have a real deep rasping vibe that fit this fantastic track. The groove is a solid punchy blues / country mix that has you punching the air and stamping those feet.
Bad Whiskey - Acoustic strums come through as this deep bass laden number comes hurtling towards us and really brings the country vibe to kick us off. Snare drum kicks with a cool bass drum and cymbal smashes really lift the rhythm section to give it that punchy rocking vibe. Change up comes to us and the deep snare drum and bass drum kicks really make this track pop, harmonica notes are flowing towards us and really give this track attitude, the vocals are a cool deep rasping tone that really moulds this track together as it combines all the musicians and pulls on their strengths, cool dark and on point.
Lovers Song - Acoustic strings with cool snare taps bring this country track kicking and screaming to us, bass drum kicks provide the rhythm as this sweet blues track gathers momentum. Harmonica tones are littered throughout the intro and really make this track pop. Bass chords are doing their thing and really handing us a mellow funking groove that just binds this fantastic piece of music together. The vocals are just fantastic as we feel the emotion oozing from this solid country vibe as it navigates through this fantastic track.
Ain't She Something - Solid snare drum punches with cool cymbal snaps bring this track to our attention as a mellow bass chord enters this track and really gives it the blues injection it so deserves. We get steel guitar notes that are just something special as it elevates this cool smooth blues style ballad, vocals are a deep husky blues explosion that just opens this track up, this is one of these tracks that you could listen to for hours and just want to dance on the floor all night. Acoustic solo slides in and it really offers something special to this arrangement.
Old Man - Crisp electric chord open this classy country track as a nice mellow banjo tone is flowing quietly through the intro. Snare drum punches are bringing the solid edge as bass drum kicks and cymbal snaps get the rhythm section on it's feet. Vocals are strong with a nice gravelly rasping vibe that allows this track room to breathe, bass chords follow through and bring the funk element to this punchy guitar laden blues fest that is just outstanding. This is one of those tracks when you enter the hoe down and start throwing your partner around the dancefloor to everyone's delight, this track has swagger by the truck load and it is a real stand out track for me.
Rowdy - Gritty riffed guitar licks are oozing from this punchy rocking track as we get the grittier side of Nikki Wozzo and what he brings to the table. Bass chords are flowing into this rocking beast and they are handing out a sweet deep funking groove that just gives this track some attitude. Vocals are a real rasping husky vibe that fits this arrangement perfectly as it swaggers into this cool rocking track and has you stamping your feet and punching the air with this fantastic groove. Guitar licks are littered throughout the track and really lift it skyward as this punchy rocking track changes direction and brings in a rasping power driven chord that is just insane.
All Night Long - Acoustic strings are coming through as the electric licks are bringing up the rear as this punchy rocker comes to life. Backing vocals are sweet and they really balance out the groove as this punchy track comes in and offloads with crisp clean licks that are just cool. Bass chords are doing their thing and really give this track some depth as the grooves just elevate this track to another level, snare drum punches are ringing all around us and really bring this track to it's knees with a rousing groove that just makes this track something special.
Nikki Wozzo -
Nikki Wozzo - Lead Vocals / Guitar / Harmonica / Keys
Ray Miller - Bass / Backing Vocals
Mike Mallais - Drums - tracks 3,4,5 7
Blair Shotts - Drums - tracks 1,2,6
Track Listing -
Wild Rose
Bad Whiskey
Lovers Song
Ain't She Something
Old Man
Rowdy
All Night Long - Jace Media
Good day Nikki Wozzo! Give a brief history of your project, music style, and the members.
Well, The Bad Whiskey is my solo band based out of Los Angeles, CA. We started in 2018, but really it was a moving project in early 2015. This band does Country Rock, with attitude and power! The members are all some of the best up-and-coming musicians in Hollywood, playing for several bands around the city; I was able to see their ability to play and perform as real professionals, and that’s what I like in a musician.
Give in more detail, some information about your latest two singles The Bad Whiskey and Wild Rose?
So, the first single, “The Bad Whiskey,” is the title track on the first ever record, coming from my solo project. It’s a story about getting hammered on whiskey and burning your house down to the ground! There is a personal story to that, which I’m sure my friend wouldn’t want me spreading it too much, but it is also how I came up with the band name. As for “Wild Rose,” that’s a song about my home, Wild Rose County in Alberta, Canada. It is a description of when I first moved to LA, and how much I missed home when I left; although California is beautiful and unique, so is my home, I will always be drawn back to her.
What is the difference between your latest and the very first records?
Compared to other records I’ve done, this is my first ever solo record, and my first in Country Rock as well. Compared to my other band Serpents Kiss, which is a NWOBHM band from Northern England, our records have a huge difference from what this record is going to be.
What inspires you for music and lyric writing? What does your lyrics talk about?
My inspirations come from personal experiences; all of my music and lyrics are in some way describing a specific point in my life that I have been through or dealt with, some good, some bad.
Do you play live often?
I currently have a band together in Los Angeles now, and we are ready to play shows. We’re planning to start in June 2019, playing as many gigs as possible.
How often do you practice and work on new material?
With the band, we usually practice once a week to every two weeks, but for myself personally, I am working on my stuff and writing stuff almost every day for a minimum of 4 – 5 hours.
What does the band plan on doing in near time?
For now, I plan to get the record finished and ready for touring around the USA and Canada, and kicking some rock’n’roll ass in the process.
Any message to Sick and Destroy readers?
Check out the official Bad Whiskey website www.nikkiwozzoandthebadwhiskey.com, and socials for all the information needed on Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey, and don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more exclusive information on parties, surprise gigs, and much more! - Sick And Destroy
Nikki Wozzo – the man behind the Heavy Metal and Country Rock, you probably must know more about this person!
Hi Nikki! What’s the meaning of your band’s title? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed the band’s name before?
Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey is my solo band, and that name represents me and my lifestyle growing up in the heartland of Alberta, Canada. The name came from somewhat of a funny story where a friend had burned his house down while drunk on whiskey. No one was injured, but it must have been some pretty bad whiskey. The name has changed over the years, as I was still looking for the sound and style that I felt the most comfortable in. The band also use to be called The Great Wozzo and The Lost Circus, but that was my shock-rock era. It was fun, but it wasn’t me.
What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Nowadays, I consider my genre of music more Country-Rock; some of my biggest inspirations are Hank Williams Jr., Garth Brooks, Alice Cooper, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Are you a member of any music organizations?
All members of the band had been discovered in 2018 in Los Angeles, CA., where I met most of them going to school at Musician Institute in Hollywood. As this is my solo project, I write all my own material. I am currently apart of SOCAN, The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada.
What can you tell me about your instruments? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments you have now? Has it cost or was it a style/model/brand/color preference?
Well, my main guitars I built myself, in specs of Gibson Les Pauls and Fender. I also have my pride and joy: a Gibson Les Paul Classic Gold Top, which I am in love with. I will always use Gibson and Fender products, as they have never let me down. I also use a Grestch Dobro, which is also amazing, and I couldn’t have wished for as better instrument.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have performed mainly in Western Canada and Los Angeles, CA, but I am planning to book more shows out and abroad as long as visas and money permits it. I love playing those outside events! During the summertime, anywhere fits with me and my performance; just everyone is out to listen to good music, have a drink, and have a great time, and I love that.
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set playlist?
Well, as soon as the new record comes out, we will be playing every song on the album, including maybe one or two covers from various artists that have inspired me over the years.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
Being the only writer, the main topics have been about experiences of my life as I have grown in the world, and I do believe they will alter over time as I grow and learn.
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
Well, for me, I need a good idea, a thought of something that is really influencing my life at the moment, and from there I start with the hook of the song. After that, it all works itself together.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
My rehearsals go once every two weeks as of now, but I’m sure that will change over time. We work off of a set schedule that was created to keep order in the rehearsal rooms in order to make best use of our time.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
My music has changed drastically since I began as a musician. I once was this hardcore metalhead that took no liking to Country or anything of that sort in my life. I was writing music along the lines of early Iron Maiden and such, which I still do, as I’m member and current lead vocalist British Heavy Metal Band Serpents Kiss, and we released our first record with me on it back in October.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
To this day, my biggest challenge is getting past visa issues with my neighboring country, the USA. I am lucky now to have a visa to study and work but, it only last for so long, and unfortunately, you can’t renew this one. Although, I will always be optimistic, and I’m sure something great will happen.
What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
Honestly, I’m just wanting to be able to travel the world playing my music and pay my rent doing so. I don’t need a giant house in the city with fancy cars and stuff. I’m a country kid; I want a home in the woods close to a city, where I can write and record my music, and that can be safe for me and my family.
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
My advice when looking to form a band is when you bring someone new in and they’re taking away the fun in this work, it’s not worth it to work with them, and you have to move on. Oh, and never date a band member; seriously that’s coming from experience.
How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
We have many ways for fans to listen to our music, from Youtube to Apple Music, etc. The best way if you are looking is to go to my official website, www.nikkiwozzoandthebadwhiskey.com; it has links and much more information on where to find music and information on me and my work.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
I would always like to say special thanks to my father and mother, Joel and Kim, for their amazing support, not only finically but emotionally as well. Same with my brother Ike, and my amazing fiancé Shelbie. Plus, everyone in the industry that has helped shape me as a musician, from my instructors at Selkirk College in Nelson, BC Canada, to my peers from the Hollywood, CA in the Los Angeles area.
Any last words?
Keep an eye out for all and new information on Nikki Wozzo and The Bad Whiskey, including a release date for the self-titled record “Bad Whiskey!” Join our mailing list and help us create demand so we can come and get rowdy with you all in a town near you! - Metal Militia
Hi! Tell me about your band and what kind of previous experience do you have as musicians?
So, The Bad Whiskey is my solo band in Los Angeles CA, and we play kickass Country
Rock. My previous experiences in music are all over the place, to be honest; I started as
a Hair Metal guitarist in my early years with a band called Jaded, which didn’t get very
far. Later on, I opened for Canadian rock artists such as Nick Gilder and Sweeny Todd
and Harlequin. I also sang back-up vocals once for EDM/Pop–Rock artist Kiesza, who is
famous for her hit song “Hideaway.” After that, I moved to England for a short while and
ended up joining British heavy metal band Serpents Kiss as their latest and current lead
vocalist. I later relocated to Los Angeles, Ca, and now with The Bad Whiskey.
Why did you pick your band name? How did you form? Why did you decide to play the genre or genres you do?
The name came from personal life experience; it showed up after a friend’s home
burned to the ground after he started a fire while drunk on whiskey. No one was hurt,
thankfully, but that must have been some bad whiskey, and we both still continue to
drink it as well. As I’m a solo artist, finding members did take a bit, but I ended up
meeting a bass player in Los Angeles, CA named Jairo Garcia, who also shared similar
interests in music and the “sport” of drink. He later led me to meet my other current
members after he got me following them playing the local scene in Hollywood.
I decided to do this style of rock because its where most of my passion of personal life
experience can be best expressed in something that makes me very proud. I fell in love
with Country and Rock, so I guess this is my version of what’s in-between those two.
What can you tell us about your latest record?
I am currently in the midst of making my first ever solo record, titled Bad Whiskey. I
have been working with many talented and musicians and producers to make this
record work, including names like Eric Corne, producer and owner of Forty Below
Records, and Blair Shotts, session drummer out of Hollywood, CA.
What the kind of album feedbacks are you waiting for?
What I care about is that I want my music to mean something to somebody, and if I can
do that, then that’s all the feedback I need. I don’t care what critics think about my
stuff; it’s the least of my worries. I just care that people will love or be inspired by my
work here.
Are you gonna to make some world tour in the future? Do you think this is available for everybody option to tour around the globe? What do you think band have to do to get such opportunity?
Hell, if I ever get offered a buy-in on a tour with anybody in my area of music, I would be
over the mountains with joy! I am looking for opportunities currently to go on tour, and
it’s a process. I believe if the tour pays well and all, I think it’s more than possible for
anyone to go on tour around the world. In my opinion, what bands should do to get on
these kinds of gigs is work first, play later. This lifestyle and career are very fast paced
and is not waiting for anyone, so if you can continue to work non-stop and network like
crazy for pretty much most of your life, then you’ve got a very strong chance of landing
gigs like this.
Do you believe in heavy music scene without money?
I don’t think any scene should be without money; we as musicians work hard to make a
living and entertain others with our songs and performance. Exposure doesn’t do shit
unless it’s a super big gig/ artist you’re playing with.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
I think the online thing is great for getting music around the world, but for making
money and stuff, not so much. I do give music away for “pay-your-own-price” because it
in today’s world nobody is really buying CDs anymore, and if fans really like my music,
I’m sure they’ll help me and my work climb.
Who are your musical influences? Have you ever think your band could be so famous as your favorites?
Oh man, I have loads of favourites, but my main artists are, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent,
Hank Williams Jr., Garth Brooks, Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie James Dio, and Judas Priest. I
have faith in my work and hope that something big will happen; maybe not super
stardom like my heroes, but I’m sure I’ll make something happen.
Do you have a formal music education? Do you think it’s a Kind of important thing?
I have over 7 years of studies in music, production, and music business from many great
schools around North America. To play in a band and be a musician no, I don’t find that
it’s necessary to be a good, well put-together musician, but if you want knowledge on
what’s happening and how to market yourself, I think it’s a great idea to do schooling.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?
My job is music; I work for several different places and have never had the struggles of
making my schedule work. I think the hardest thing in my life is that my fiancé in Canada
while I’m living in the USA. We want to be able to live in the same home again, but it
depends on the possibility of me getting my visa to stay and work in the USA as an artist.
One day we will again, but for now it’s like being on tour and being away from home for
almost too long.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance? Or you can assure there are no any mistakes during your gigs? Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
There are no mistakes haha. My band and I work diligently to make sure our show is a
show, and that no seams will break. If I do mess up, have your camera ready, ‘cause
that’s rare and you’ll want to have that on camera. I get excited to go on stage; there’s
nothing like it! The rush in my blood and excitement makes me feel over the moon. As
for competitive, no; I believe we’re here to work together and build each other up, and
once we’re up to make sure to turn around and help the next one in line.
What’s next? Thank you!
As of now were finishing up the album and moving towards playing more shows and
hopefully some international gigs soon as well. Thanks, and all the best. - Music World Space
Check out this interview I did with Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey. Anders Ekdahl ©2019
we live in a world where there are literally millions of bands to check out. What do you have that sets you apart?
-I believe the one thing that helps set me apart from other artists, is that although I do country rock with the Bad Whiskey, I’m also British heavy-metal artist from northern England with Serpents Kiss. During my solo career, I think by putting in a wave of British heavy-metal into my music, that it has really created a different idea to what rockabilly is today and I think that’s what has helped me stand out from other bands within the industry.
How hard was it for you guys to pick a name? What had that name have to have to fit your music?
-Honestly, the name just came to me after a specific scenario that had happened to a buddy who was drinking and had accidentally burn down his place, probably due to the fact that he was drinking and wasn’t paying attention. Being that it is my solo band about my solo music that I write separate from Serpents Kiss, I think the name does it justice, it’s Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey. It fits with the idea of heavy-metal rockabilly, you know what I mean? It’s different, and cool, in my personal opinion.
What band(s) was it that turned you on to the kind of music you play? What inspires you today?
-Well for my solo stuff it was Garth Brooks, which really inspired me to do country rock, as well as Hank Williams Jr., they both were the real inspiration to the music behind my solo career. Also, stuff from George Strait and course you can’t forget uncle Ted, Mr. Ted Nugent. Overall in the music that I do in all aspects of my career, there’s a whole plethora of inspirations such as; Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Quiet riot, and like I said George Strait, Hank Williams Jr., Hank Williams Senior, Garth Brooks. You know they’re all amazing and they all inspire me every single day, I just love music that reminds you of what it’s like in my life personally. It’s really incredible to have something that can hit you in the soul and that’s why I’m inspired by these people every single day.
What is the advantages/disadvantages of CD and vinyl these days of internet promotion where digital seems to be king?
-Advantages of CD and vinyl… well its great stuff to sell at your shows! It’s something that the fans can have in hand that they can personally put up on the shelf and show their friends, family or whoever might be interested. A lot of income for musicians and artists all around the world actually comes from selling merch, so I think it is very important to have stuff like this. If you can afford to do vinyl that’s great, I don’t think vinyl is mandatory, but it’s cool just the same. I think CDs are very important in selling merchandise and I think it’s a great advantage to have those to sell. Disadvantages, yes today is really ran digitally, I think it’s unfortunate because the digital sound quality that you get from iTunes and Spotify, is a horribly compressed sound that ruins the quality of the song. The advantage of the digital world, is our music can go very far without too much effort, but at the same time, it also kills our industry because then you don’t really make money selling music anymore. Back in the day the only way to hear one song was if you bought the whole record, now it’s $.99 and the song is yours, although that’s lucky if you charge $.99 for a song nowadays. You know the industry has been changing a lot over the years and no matter what, as musicians in this world, we will find a way.
I use Spotify and Deezer but only as compliment to buying CDS (it’s easier to just have your phone or pad when your out) but I fear that soon music as we know it will be dead and buried. What are your worries as a band?
-I agree, Spotify, Deezer and all those online platforms are very useful rather than carrying around a bag full of CDs and plugging them into your car, or having a Walkman you know? Music will always be around no matter what happens to the industry, and I personally believe that there is a major change happening in the sense of labels and who controls what nowadays. Our market is kind of at a point where we need something to really kick the industry back into gear. Musicians will always be out there making music and plugging away and plugging away and plugging away, but for myself as a musician, I do have some fears of dealing with online platforms, but you know we all do this because we love it and if you have Spotify or iTunes or anything like that, look up Serpents Kiss on there and look up Nikki Wozzo and The Bad Whiskey, that would be stellar and I’d really appreciate the Support.
What part does art work and lay out play? Any message that you want to bring forth with it?
-I love artwork that is put on the album covers, whether its photography artwork or drawings. When Serpents Kiss came out with the album Dragon Lord, Will Philpot who is the co-owner/ band leader of the Serpents Kiss, had gotten a hold of a friend that had done the original logo for the band way back in the day, and he did this album cover for us that was the most bad ass thing I’ve ever seen and I love it. That’s why I believe it has a huge play in what we do as musicians, because were not only selling ourselves, but helping other artists in the world spread their work as well. An important part about being musicians and artists, is to help each other move forward through each other’s successes.
Is it a whole different way to promote a band today with all these social media channels? Or do you go about doing promotion the same way? Playing live and word of mouth.
-I think social media has made the world a lot easier to promote, but I think it is very important just like in the old days, to play live shows and word-of-mouth. It’s really hard to get somebody’s attention online, you got to be really, really, good at it to promote your product. There are a lot of analytics and groundwork that you have to do to reach your demographic and put it into play online. It’s a different world today and while it was different back in say the 80s and 70s, or hell even the 60s, I still truly believe in the old school way of doing things. Say you have somebody from New York see you play in Los Angeles, then goes back home and says “you know I saw this killer rock band (or country rock band) and I think you should look them up”, that’s a major part of it! It’s huge, so I believe that it has changed and have adapted, but also we still like to do traditional ways as well.
Do you feel like you are a part of a scene, locally, nationally and internationally?
-Down in Los Angeles, I feel that I’m really into the rock scene, this is primarily due to the time I spend working at the Whisky A Go Go. Not to mention also from the added experience of working with a bunch of different bands, whether it be as band member, helping as a band manager, or even as a roadie. I also spent some valuable time at different record labels within Los Angeles.
Being a Canadian working the European scene with Serpents Kiss in the UK has really helped me get recognized internationally from one side of the world to the other. Although, in Canada I have done a lot of great stuff which has helped mold me, but so has moving to Los Angeles and playing anywhere from California to Lousiana and Texas. All those different states have really helped to make me be a part of all aspects of the music scene locally, nationally, and internationally. So yes, you could say I am part of a scene and have had continued growth and success within these different levels.
How much of a touring band are you? Is touring/gigging still a great way of spreading the word of the band?
-Currently we are in the works of doing some short tours with my solo stuff Nikki Wozzo and The Bad Whiskey, as well as we plan to do a few shows around the world with Serpents Kiss. I would really love to go and play in Japan, as well as parts of Europe up and around the north, such as Norway and surrounding areas, because that’s where we have a great following. I even have sights set on places as far as Brazil, where we also have a significant fan base. At the end of the day, I would love to be on the road playing at any of these amazing places right now, but we’re focusing all of our energy into finishing some new records that we have been working on. The Bad Whiskeys coming out with a new record in the New Year, as well as Serpents Kiss is also in the works of doing a new album for the New Year. So once that’s all said and done we’re going to look towards doing some shows around the world and I can’t wait.
What will the future bring?
-The future looks bright for me as a musician, Serpents Kiss is working on their second album, as well as my solo work in The Bad Whiskey, which is also coming out with a new record in the New Year. I am also hopefully going to be receiving my Artists Visa in order to continue living in the United States and moving towards making my music career more intense, full, and rocking as hard as possible. So be sure to follow myself and my other bands on all our social media platforms. We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as we have our own online websites, www.nikkiwozzoandthebadwhiskey.com if you are into rockabilly, or www.serpentskissofficial.com if you dig classic sounding British heavy-metal. Also check us out on Spotify, iTunes, even YouTube! Thanks again for your support and I look forward to playing in a city near you. - ANDERS EKDAHL
Check out this interview I did with Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey. Anders Ekdahl ©2019
we live in a world where there are literally millions of bands to check out. What do you have that sets you apart?
-I believe the one thing that helps set me apart from other artists, is that although I do country rock with the Bad Whiskey, I’m also British heavy-metal artist from northern England with Serpents Kiss. During my solo career, I think by putting in a wave of British heavy-metal into my music, that it has really created a different idea to what rockabilly is today and I think that’s what has helped me stand out from other bands within the industry.
How hard was it for you guys to pick a name? What had that name have to have to fit your music?
-Honestly, the name just came to me after a specific scenario that had happened to a buddy who was drinking and had accidentally burn down his place, probably due to the fact that he was drinking and wasn’t paying attention. Being that it is my solo band about my solo music that I write separate from Serpents Kiss, I think the name does it justice, it’s Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey. It fits with the idea of heavy-metal rockabilly, you know what I mean? It’s different, and cool, in my personal opinion.
What band(s) was it that turned you on to the kind of music you play? What inspires you today?
-Well for my solo stuff it was Garth Brooks, which really inspired me to do country rock, as well as Hank Williams Jr., they both were the real inspiration to the music behind my solo career. Also, stuff from George Strait and course you can’t forget uncle Ted, Mr. Ted Nugent. Overall in the music that I do in all aspects of my career, there’s a whole plethora of inspirations such as; Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Quiet riot, and like I said George Strait, Hank Williams Jr., Hank Williams Senior, Garth Brooks. You know they’re all amazing and they all inspire me every single day, I just love music that reminds you of what it’s like in my life personally. It’s really incredible to have something that can hit you in the soul and that’s why I’m inspired by these people every single day.
What is the advantages/disadvantages of CD and vinyl these days of internet promotion where digital seems to be king?
-Advantages of CD and vinyl… well its great stuff to sell at your shows! It’s something that the fans can have in hand that they can personally put up on the shelf and show their friends, family or whoever might be interested. A lot of income for musicians and artists all around the world actually comes from selling merch, so I think it is very important to have stuff like this. If you can afford to do vinyl that’s great, I don’t think vinyl is mandatory, but it’s cool just the same. I think CDs are very important in selling merchandise and I think it’s a great advantage to have those to sell. Disadvantages, yes today is really ran digitally, I think it’s unfortunate because the digital sound quality that you get from iTunes and Spotify, is a horribly compressed sound that ruins the quality of the song. The advantage of the digital world, is our music can go very far without too much effort, but at the same time, it also kills our industry because then you don’t really make money selling music anymore. Back in the day the only way to hear one song was if you bought the whole record, now it’s $.99 and the song is yours, although that’s lucky if you charge $.99 for a song nowadays. You know the industry has been changing a lot over the years and no matter what, as musicians in this world, we will find a way.
I use Spotify and Deezer but only as compliment to buying CDS (it’s easier to just have your phone or pad when your out) but I fear that soon music as we know it will be dead and buried. What are your worries as a band?
-I agree, Spotify, Deezer and all those online platforms are very useful rather than carrying around a bag full of CDs and plugging them into your car, or having a Walkman you know? Music will always be around no matter what happens to the industry, and I personally believe that there is a major change happening in the sense of labels and who controls what nowadays. Our market is kind of at a point where we need something to really kick the industry back into gear. Musicians will always be out there making music and plugging away and plugging away and plugging away, but for myself as a musician, I do have some fears of dealing with online platforms, but you know we all do this because we love it and if you have Spotify or iTunes or anything like that, look up Serpents Kiss on there and look up Nikki Wozzo and The Bad Whiskey, that would be stellar and I’d really appreciate the Support.
What part does art work and lay out play? Any message that you want to bring forth with it?
-I love artwork that is put on the album covers, whether its photography artwork or drawings. When Serpents Kiss came out with the album Dragon Lord, Will Philpot who is the co-owner/ band leader of the Serpents Kiss, had gotten a hold of a friend that had done the original logo for the band way back in the day, and he did this album cover for us that was the most bad ass thing I’ve ever seen and I love it. That’s why I believe it has a huge play in what we do as musicians, because were not only selling ourselves, but helping other artists in the world spread their work as well. An important part about being musicians and artists, is to help each other move forward through each other’s successes.
Is it a whole different way to promote a band today with all these social media channels? Or do you go about doing promotion the same way? Playing live and word of mouth.
-I think social media has made the world a lot easier to promote, but I think it is very important just like in the old days, to play live shows and word-of-mouth. It’s really hard to get somebody’s attention online, you got to be really, really, good at it to promote your product. There are a lot of analytics and groundwork that you have to do to reach your demographic and put it into play online. It’s a different world today and while it was different back in say the 80s and 70s, or hell even the 60s, I still truly believe in the old school way of doing things. Say you have somebody from New York see you play in Los Angeles, then goes back home and says “you know I saw this killer rock band (or country rock band) and I think you should look them up”, that’s a major part of it! It’s huge, so I believe that it has changed and have adapted, but also we still like to do traditional ways as well.
Do you feel like you are a part of a scene, locally, nationally and internationally?
-Down in Los Angeles, I feel that I’m really into the rock scene, this is primarily due to the time I spend working at the Whisky A Go Go. Not to mention also from the added experience of working with a bunch of different bands, whether it be as band member, helping as a band manager, or even as a roadie. I also spent some valuable time at different record labels within Los Angeles.
Being a Canadian working the European scene with Serpents Kiss in the UK has really helped me get recognized internationally from one side of the world to the other. Although, in Canada I have done a lot of great stuff which has helped mold me, but so has moving to Los Angeles and playing anywhere from California to Lousiana and Texas. All those different states have really helped to make me be a part of all aspects of the music scene locally, nationally, and internationally. So yes, you could say I am part of a scene and have had continued growth and success within these different levels.
How much of a touring band are you? Is touring/gigging still a great way of spreading the word of the band?
-Currently we are in the works of doing some short tours with my solo stuff Nikki Wozzo and The Bad Whiskey, as well as we plan to do a few shows around the world with Serpents Kiss. I would really love to go and play in Japan, as well as parts of Europe up and around the north, such as Norway and surrounding areas, because that’s where we have a great following. I even have sights set on places as far as Brazil, where we also have a significant fan base. At the end of the day, I would love to be on the road playing at any of these amazing places right now, but we’re focusing all of our energy into finishing some new records that we have been working on. The Bad Whiskeys coming out with a new record in the New Year, as well as Serpents Kiss is also in the works of doing a new album for the New Year. So once that’s all said and done we’re going to look towards doing some shows around the world and I can’t wait.
What will the future bring?
-The future looks bright for me as a musician, Serpents Kiss is working on their second album, as well as my solo work in The Bad Whiskey, which is also coming out with a new record in the New Year. I am also hopefully going to be receiving my Artists Visa in order to continue living in the United States and moving towards making my music career more intense, full, and rocking as hard as possible. So be sure to follow myself and my other bands on all our social media platforms. We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as we have our own online websites, www.nikkiwozzoandthebadwhiskey.com if you are into rockabilly, or www.serpentskissofficial.com if you dig classic sounding British heavy-metal. Also check us out on Spotify, iTunes, even YouTube! Thanks again for your support and I look forward to playing in a city near you. - Battle Helm
https://nikkiwozzoandthebadwhiskey.bandcamp.com/album/full-length-digital-bad-whiskey-album
The sound of Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey should be made apparent by the fact that the word "whiskey" appears in both the artist and album title. Someone who likes whiskey so much that they put it into their artist name isn't going to have a sound that's easy listening or classical. There is only one sound I think of when I think of whiskey and it is the sound of rock n roll. It is the sound of a specific brand of rock as well, which Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey perfectly captures on this album.
From bands such as Buckcherry and Lynyrd Skynyrd, there is a definitive sound of southern rock. As easily as it can slow down into a blues number it can also speed right back up and show that driving quality. I'm not sure if there is a genre name for that sort of rock that is good for long drives across America (see: "Radar Love") but it is present here and I am a fan of it as I have driven across this country.
"Old Man" has a honky tonk vibe to it- and they actually sing about the honky tonk later on- while "Rowdy" can take us into more of that ZZ Top / Steppenwolf sound. With elements of country and Americana, this album isn't just about the sound but also the images which it can bring about in your mind. This is the type of music you play at a biker bar and when someone comes in and objects to it a full on fight breaks out. This is a lifestyle.
For all of the years of music since you can trace back to a similar style as this (and I'd even put Willie Nelson among the list of Highwaymen) it is rather remarkable that the artists who have this southern drive for rock are few and far between. In the time since this music first really became a thing, you'd imagine there would be entire scenes dedicated to it with more bands than needed if anything else. But these are the few. These are the outlaws. These are what Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey are all about and I'm here for it. - raised || by || cassettes
It is a long-established fact that Alberta is the Texas of Canada. Endless plains of cattle and horses with rodeos as major cultural events. Massive petroleum reserves with oil companies driving the economies of the major cities. Pickup trucks as far as the eye can see. Naturally, country music thrives there but just like Texas, there's a strong influence of blues shuffle and rock to make a kind of “country-fried rock n roll”. Bands like Texas' ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble as well as other southern rock heroes like Lynard Skynard and the Allman Brothers have always had a big following in the Wild Rose Country of Alberta. Perfect tunes for a night partying on the Red Mile or for losing 10 days to the Stampede.
Nikki Wozzo now hangs his hat in Los Angeles, California but the guitar slinger and vocalist was born and raised in Cowtown-Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Through his travels to British Columbia's interior to hone his skills, the UK to play in a metal band, and finally down to Hollywood to set up shop, Wozzo has taken the prairie shuffle with him. His new project Nikki Wozzo & the Bad Whiskey brings bassist Ray Miller from Quebec officially into the fold with Mike Mallais and Blair Shotts sharing drumming duties on the album. The record entitled The Bad Whiskey contains raucous shit-kickers and nostalgic swings to soundtrack the tailgate party down at the lake.
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The opener is a loving tribute to Wozzo's home province and a sort of origin story for the rocker. 'Wild Rose' is that blues bar rock combo of hard stomp drums, hammer-on pull-off guitar pickin' and wild bellowing about the hum of happy hour. A combo that served Canada's darlings The Tragically Hip very well during their late 80s, early 90s rise. Wozzo name-checks his hometown and its signature festival, raving about rolling into Calgary for a good time. This autobiographical trip sets up the rest of the record.
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The eponymous 'Bad Whiskey' slips between barroom shuffle and halftime breakdown. Wozzo unloads into the filtered harmonica mic for that railroad announcer sound favoured by heavy blues rockers like Big Sugar. 'Lover's Song' leans into the country-western vibes with a classic bass saunter scoring Wozzo's song of longing for his woman back on the plains while he's out in L.A. 'Old Man' waxes poetic about the ups and downs of Wozzo's relationship with his father from fun times at the bar and coming to see his band play to the years when they weren't so close. Father-son relationships go through many stages and Wozzo is here reflecting on how they all shaped the man he became. A heartfelt tribute to pops. 'Rowdy' and 'All Night Long' take the home stretch with a couple of ZZ Top-inspired rockers celebrating those crazy party nights.
Bad Whiskey is a straight-ahead collection of a particular kind of heartland rock. Let's call it Stampede Rock. Shufflin' rock n roll made for prairie bars and open roads. Nikki Wozzo & the Bad Whiskey are no-nonsense, no pretense, premium grade Alberta rock. - Jon C. Ireson
Canadian born Nikki Wozzo is a man with two hats…he is the renowned vocalist with North East England’s heavy metal powerhouse, Serpent’s Kiss, and has another life with his band Bad Whiskey. The two styles are as far apart as Middlesbrough and Toronto! In this guise, Nikki is more of a Ted Nugent does Hank Williams does rockabilly… seriously. The new album, called simply Bad Whiskey, is a seven-track, twenty seven-minute, feast of that mix; and it works.
Opening with ‘Wild Rose’ we get a southern tinged rock ballad; the title track stays slowish with a great bassline and a catchiness to the melody that grabs and keeps and a decent harp solo to burn the country blues up nicely. ‘Ain’t She Something’ is like Poison doing Bon Jovi with Merle Haggard having a hand in the writing and it sounds even better than you’d imagine. The rockiest song is kept until track six: ‘Rowdy’ is countrified rock… imagine if Slade wore chaps and stetsons then that’s close to the rhythms and sense of fun here. The final track, ‘All Night Long’ isn’t that one; it’s a fast-moving line dance of country rock with an almost incongruous, quality rocking guitar solo.
At first glance and listen, this may seem a strange fit for Rock And Metal Magazine, with its mainly country feel, but it has a helluva lot going for it and is so well played that, when any of the songs come up on shuffle, they will be welcome.
Bad Whiskey is flowing right now on Travellers Records - Tom Dixon
Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey provide foot-stomping blues and stripped-back loveliness on mini-album The Bad Whiskey.
Los Angeles-based Rock/blues/country artist Nikki Wozzo has joined forces with The Bad Whiskey to release a mini-album of the same name. Over seven tracks, the combo show off their bluesy, powerful riffs one minute before stripping things back to country-tinged ballads the next. An album of playfulness and power, the record offers something always a little different from a spectrum of country and blues.
Starting with Wild Rose, we’re immediately thrown into a slow and sultry blues-rock sound, Wozzo showing off his grainy vocals against sinister, creeping guitar work and bass that walks the line. The atmosphere then changes, guitars reach out and Wozzo allows his vocals to be stretched, taking the atmosphere to the next level against playful lyrics: “Hit the road lets go, rolling into Calgary, getting rowdy”
Nikki Wozzo and the Bad Whiskey
The album-titled Bad Whiskey follows, this time relying on a more rhythmic, blues-laden sound with acoustic guitar layered over more raucous drums which works surprisingly well. Lovers Song then shows off a more country-tinged sound, perfectly contempt in letting the bassline creep forward amongst a subtle atmosphere and more great vocal work from Wozzo.
As we delve deeper into this mini-record, it’s apparent the band doesn’t mind playing a few wilder moments out amongst the country blues flow. Ain’t She Something delves into an almost pop-rock sentiment with one of the catchiest choruses on the record, whereas Old Man and Rowdy show off a penchant for fun and playfulness, the former generating a toe-tapping beat and plucking guitars whilst the latter is perhaps the heaviest track on the record, following a ZZ Top style that you can’t help but enjoy. The record ends with the delightfully upbeat All Night Long, a fast-paced romp of late nights and good times against some great guitar work, but perhaps the vocals could be a little louder as they tend to get lost at times.
The Bad Whiskey is a record of a band having fun and enjoying every minute of what they do. Nikki Wozzo issues strong vocal performances throughout, able to tame his vocals when necessary but also unleash them to match the more raucous sections and heavy guitars. It’s one of those records you can just enjoy in any situation. - Jamie Parmenter
Highwire Daze Issue #134 - February/March 2021 - featuring interviews with Accept, Bill Champlin formerly of Chicago, Bo Johnson, Constance Antoinette, Diane & The Deductibles, Firefall, The Hate Club, Jerry Salas of El Chicano, Kiki Wong from Vigil Of War, Leaves' Eyes, Nikki Wozzo and The Bad Whiskey, The Norseman Company, Persuader, Stan Bush and more... Buy a hard copy of this issue here: https://highwiredaze.com/product/magazine-issue-134/ - Highwire Daze
Discography
Singles:
- - The Bad Whiskey
- - Wild Rose
- - Devil is my host
- - It was you
Album (Bad Whiskey)
- Wild Rose
- Bad Whiskey
- Lovers Song
- Ain't She Something
- Old Man
- Rowdy
- All Night Long
Photos
Bio
Nikki Wozzo & The Bad Whiskey (N.W.B.W.) is a solo blues/ country rock band based out of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 2017 by Nikki Wozzo a Canadian singer/ songwriter from Alberta, Canada. He had put together “The Bad Whiskey” which is comprised of professionally trained musicians from Berklee school of music in Boston, and Musicians Institute (Hollywood) in Los Angeles. Bringing fun and rocking blues music together in their performance N.W.B.W. enters the stage on a high and leaves it with the crowd wanting more.
Band Members
Links