Now here’s something to do that you’ll be glad you did. Give a long and repeated listen to “Midday,” the third record from Nick Pagliari, his first in over a decade. A native Tennessean who hails from the left side of our state, Nick brings some sweet Memphis soul to the EPs lead-off track “The Heart is a Muscle.” Man, you just gotta love those horns.

Nick took a break from music and Music City, heading to Texas to pursue a career in healthcare. Now a medical professional living in Austin, he is back making music. Let’s hope that this batch of songs is more than just moonlighting. Songs as touching and well-penned as “Regret” tell me that this guy is ready for a return.

Says Nick: “I took a break from music full-time when I turned 30 and decided to go back to school and pursue something new. It’s been good for me. It’s giving me a different purpose. It’s allowed me to find a nice balance.”

Regretting that I missed him at The Five Spot in February, here’s hoping to see Nick on a Nashville stage sometime soon. For one, I want to hear more about his Nashville show back in the day where the members of R.E.M. joined him on stage. Thanks, Nick Pagliari for returning to music with a record I have been playing a bunch. And thanks of course for stopping by the 11 Questions desk! PS – In the meantime, you can also check out his recent session on Acme Radio Live.

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

I’m from Memphis, TN and moved to Nashville in January 2002 to pursue my music career as an artist and songwriter.

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 was a cassette of R.E.M.’s Eponymous at Cat’s Music in Memphis sometime in the 80s.  The last record I bought was a vinyl of Josh Rouse & the Long Vacations at a Josh Rouse show in Austin, TX.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

The first live concert I remember was Pearl Jam in 1993 at the Mid-South Coliseum in Memphis as a high school freshman. The last live concert I saw was Josh Rouse in Austin TX in February 2020.

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

Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I don’t drink coffee, but I love Five Points Pizza.

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

Gillian Welch’s Revival. 

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Duke’s has really great sandwiches late night

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

Wow, that’s tough because there are too many. But here’s three: Andrew Combs, Margo Price and Caroline Spence.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

The 5 Spot is my favorite. Also, I love the The Basement and the Mercy Lounge.

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

Benmont Tench (of course from Tom Petty’s Heartbreakers).

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Hopefully some light touring and locally performing this year while I continue writing and demoing songs for my next record.