The Baker's Dozen #21 Nick D'Virgilio

It’s hard to believe that the Baker’s Dozen here at RGM has turned 21. It seems like only yesterday we were trying to stop it from peeing on the rug but those pesky kids sure do grow up fast. The artist who kindly agreed to be our twenty-first entry in the series is Nick D’Virgilio. The vocalist, drummer and multi-instrumentalist, probably best known for his time with progressive rock act Spock’s Beard, has enjoyed a varied career that has included long associations with Tears For Fears, the Cirque Du Soleil organisation and Big Big Train. Nick will release his second solo album ‘Invisible’ on June 26th and he kindly found time for a chat about his earliest musical memories, the current health situation, the joys of playing live and Lawrence Welk.

1. What is your earliest musical memory?

Singing “Down By The Lazy River” by The Osmond’s when I was 5 or 6 years old at a business meeting my father was a part of. Purple suit and all! Apparently, my dad thought my rendition of that song would really get the team riled up to sell. HA! I have no idea if it did or not. I imagine there were many middle-aged men wondering what the hell was going on. I know I would be. Until I heard Led Zeppelin, I thought The Osmond’s were pretty cool. Come on! I was 5! I sang a lot of their songs and my parents even took me to Las Vegas to see them perform. I barely remember any of that though.

2. Do you remember the name of your first band?

The Neighbourhood

3. Which current artist do you hear and just go Wow?

Jacob Collier, Vulfpeck, Snarky Puppy

4. Do you sit down to write songs or do you wait until your mojo comes to get you?

I’m always jamming and making stuff up. Full songs usually take time for me. I like to build on things and see where they lead me.

5. Big venue or small venue - what's your favourite to play?

Both for sure. I love playing big venue because they are big! Especially when the crowd is pumped. The energy is infections and it is an awesome feeling to hear the music loud. Small venues are great too. Sometimes having that intimate setting is perfect. I like to play all size venues.

6. Who is the one artist you wish you could share a stage with (past or present)?

Jacob Collier present – Peter Gabriel past and present

7. Bowie, Prince, Sinatra, Elvis which departed great means the most to you?

Probably Prince with Bowie being a close 2nd. I am a huge Prince fan and love his artistry and musicianship. I’m also a big Bowie fan. Such amazing songs and he really grew as an artist as time passed. He was a game-changer. They both were really. I love Sinatra ( I’m Italian, it’s part of the DNA ) and early Elvis. But am closer to the music of Prince and Bowie.

8. The musical landscape could change markedly due to the Covid-19 pandemic. How has the situation affected you and what do you feel will be its impact on the music business/live performance going forward?

It absolutely sucks what is going on to the music business. So many musician friends of mine are scrambling to get by and with no gigs to play it can be very depressing. I love the studio, don’t get me wrong. I also love to write and create. But playing live is the magic. Entertaining people is what it’s all about. Not being able to do that is a total drag. I hope we can get back to the way it was, but I think that will take a long time. There will be way too many rules to deal with for the foreseeable future.

9. Should music be free?

No. Artists and creators need to make a living. End of story. Not every artist becomes a multi-millionaire. In fact, most just scrape by. People get paid for doing all kinds of crazy things. If a creator is blessed enough to make music that people enjoy and are entertained by then that should be supported. We waste so much money on all kinds of things that may bring joy for a moment but then it is gone in a flash. One $10 or $20 purchase of a record or collection of songs can bring you joy for a lifetime. Talk about getting your monies worth!

10. Can you remember the first record you bought and what have you bought recently?

I think it was one of the b-side Genesis releases like SPOT THE PIGEON or something like that. I grew up with my older brother and sister and all of their records that I loved so I didn’t really need to buy anything until they left the house. I was a big Genesis fan ( still am ) as a kid. The most recent record I bought was at an estate sale. KNUCKLES O’TOOLE PLAYS HONKY TONK PIANO. Yep….I bought that, It looked interesting and his name is Knuckles! It was a great $2.00 purchase.

11. What was the last song that made you cry actual tears?

I don’t honestly know. I’ve never really been a song crier. Movies yes, but songs not so much. I can definitely get emotional from a real sad song but I don’t think one has ever made me cry.

12. Do you binge-watch Netflix / Amazon / DVD box sets (any recommendations)? Do you have a guilty pleasure in Film or TV you’ll admit to watching and loving?

There are some great shows I’ve gotten into Peaky Blinders, Ozark, Schitt’’s Creek. Recently I watched UNORTHODOX and CALIPHATE on Netflix. Two very interesting shows that really sucked me in and the way the stories were told I did not expect. Great acting in both shows. Lots of subtitles but that didn’t bother me in the slightest. Definitely recommend both of those.

OK, I’ll admit it…When old Lawrence Welk shows come on, I watch. A WONDERFUL A WONDERFUL!!! My wife makes fun of me.

13. What is the most important thing to you that you can see from where you are right now?

My dog Mabel. She’s just awesome!