Photo by Stacie Huckeba

Finally making its way to the top of my recent release pile, “Wrestling with the Mystery,” the debut LP by East Nashville singer-songwriter Nick Nace, got seriously stuck in my CD player for several go-rounds. Produced by local hero Jon Latham, it’s yet another example of exquisite songcraft from the burgeoning community of young writers residing across the river.

With a gentle vocal style that can subtly hide his serious lyrics, Nick Nace stakes a claim as the Guy Clark of this new generation. The LP’s opening track. “One More Song” is a publisher’s dream and ripe for country radio.

You can see Nick and his funny fellow songwriting buddy Darrin Bradbury discuss the new record in their “Between Two Biscuits” video spoof. After that, give a watch to the well-crafted dramatic video for the first single “Fly in a Bottle.”

In between his travels about our great nation, you can see Nick Nace this coming weekend at Dee’s in Madison: a Sunday brunch show on 11/17 at 2pm and then as a part of Monday’s Madison Guild on 11/18 at 8pm. He will also be the Artist in Residence at the Tennessee Brew Works every Thursday in February 2020. Thanks, Nick, for your eleven!

 Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I’m originally from a small town in rural southwestern Ontario, Canada. When I graduated high school, I packed my bags and moved to NYC to try and become an actor. When that didn’t work out, I figured I’d fall back on the more stable career choice of singer-songwriter. I played in a band in NYC for over a decade and when that, and a relationship, fell apart I realized I wasn’t getting any younger and if I wanted to give this a real shot I’d better move to Nashville. So that’s what I did.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

The first record I ever bought with my own money was Queen’s Greatest Hits on vinyl. I was probably seven or eight and found it at a flea market. I loved the song “Another One Bites the Dust.” The last record I bought was Loudon Wainwright’s T Shirt on vinyl at a great little place in Chicago called Dave’s Records. The record and the store are both real gems.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first concert ever was Beck on the Odelay tour with The Roots as the opening act. I was 15-years old and it was the first time I ever smelled weed and the first time I ever heard Beatboxing. The last concert I saw was during this year’s Americanafest, which is kind of a blur, but I think it was Katie Pruitt who is amazing.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Guy Clark. Guy Clark. Guy Clark.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I’m not a big coffee drinker but if I hang out with people who like that kind of thing, I usually meet them at Ugly Mugs and get a large minty iced tea. As for pizza it’s Five Points Pizza. No question.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

That’s a tough one. There are so many. The first one that comes to mind is Todd Snider’s East Nashville Skyline. It is the most quintessential of Nashville records in my opinion because it very much seems to capture its time and place at the start of the burgeoning East Nash scene but it’s also still extremely relatable and timeless to the new wave of folk singers who come to town to follow in those footsteps.
Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Dino’s. Ask for the french fries “Animal Style” and get a side of Special Sauce. Trust me.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

I’d ask my good friends and the very talented songwriters Jon Latham, Chris Moyse and Megan Palmer. We’d have a great old time!

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

I love The 5 Spot and incidentally had my album release show there on November 3 with Darrin Bradbury, Jon Latham and Ryan Sobb. Also, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge has a special place in my heart. It is my home away from home.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here.

We have enough already! Just kidding. My buddy Abe Partridge from Mobile AL is pretty great but I don’t think I’d ever convince him.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

More writing, more touring and hopefully making another record within the next year or so.