Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Diaz
Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been playing guitar for over 30 years now, started when I was 12 in Houston, TX, and I just turned 45 this past October. I started playing because I loved it and wanted nothing more than to be a professional musician. I still love it, but today it’s my job in Austin, TX so I guess you could say I also do it because I have to now, which is ok, because that means I landed where I always wanted to be in life. I play guitar for hire, run my own original indie band, record and produce songs for sync licensing and other people out of my own personal studio. I got here through persistence, hard work and always understanding there was more work to be done. I’m also here because I never gave a shit what anyone said about me, my playing, what I was playing or how I was playing it, because there are no rules in this business other than to believe in yourself and carve your own path. Also, that being said, be a nice person, always.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Never. I’ve had more odd jobs than I can count, lived in more odd places probably than jobs I’ve had, been broke, been out of gigs and been through the wringer with personal relationships. But I never let it get me down, and I’m happy to say most of that stuff is past me. Though I do constantly live w/a small anxiety that all that stuff can circle back around at any time because … well, the music business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
First and foremost I can and do play guitar for hire. I’ve just done it so long and in so many forms, I can handle just about most that’s thrown my way. Or if it’s not in my bag, I’m also comfortable communicating that now.
From there, I run an all original band in Austin, TX called Buenos Diaz and I’ve had it up and running for more than 10 years. It’s an eclectic lo-fi alt rock indie blues project. The band is a rotating cast of some of Austin’s finest A-list players but also includes people from San Francisco, New Orleans, and New York all which I’ve spent time as a resident. To date, we’ve released 5 albums, 3 EPs, 22 singles and numerous videos. Currently I just received the master recordings from Buenos Aires for my first Spanish lyric rock album which documents over 2.5 years time spent between Argentina, Uruguay and the US. It’s a lovely sonic story. We’ve performed at numerous music festivals, been an Official SXSW Artist time and over again, while continuing to hustle the local scene. Recently I was a local recipient of the 2023 Austin Live Music Fund and Elevate Grants offered by the City of Austin, and I also run a local studio called The Tone Shack.
I’m proud of it all. And I’m not trying to set myself apart from anyone really, rather quite the contrary, just always looking for more people to work with while being my best self.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Apps, no. I was born in 1979 and mostly use my iPhone for calls, messaging, and emails or farting around on social media.
Books, I’m always reading something, currently I’m tackling a Gustavo Cerati biography, in Spanish. I read Rick Rubin’s book last year, along w/Susan Rogers and a few others.
Podcasts, not so much either. I check something random out every once in a while.
Blogs, I’m always poking around some music blog either about recording gear or the biz.
That’s about it, I’m usually too busy working on music related things or bopping around the Andes in Argentina.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buenosdiazmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buenosdiazmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Buenos.Diaz.Music/
- Twitter: https://x.com/buenosdiazmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/buenosdiazmusic
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/buenosdiazmusic
Image Credits
Fox Street Photos – TMO Photography
Studio Photos – Kate Hellenbeck
