Nicky Barot

With that rare combination of voice, musicianship and natural good looks, pop rock artist Nicky Barot's debut single rocketed to the top of the charts. Judging by his penchant for creating great songs, he might just stay there.

Meet Nicky Barot, award winning singer, songwriter and musician. He's played to packed clubs, co-written with music legends and worked with top producers. Oh, and he's twenty years old. Growing up in California, Nicky received his first six-string at the age of seven and learned to play by ear. At a young age was dubbed a 'prodigy' by his instructors. Inspired by his father's music collection of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Guns N' Roses, he naturally became a student of rock. In the years that followed, Nicky continued to demonstrate remarkable focus and determination, making the rights moves to garner more exposure for his music. The year 2013 marked the release of his EP ‘Me’, produced by industry veteran Mickey Jack Cones (Kelly Clarkson, Trace Adkins and Jason Aldean), full of pop-rock ear candy shot through with arena epic-ness. Nicky's debut single 'I Can't Do This On My Own' caught fire on radio, quickly pulling this young artist into the global spotlight. Reporter Lily Clark recently caught up with Nicky to learn more about his story, artistic motivations and plans for the future.

LILY: When did you first discover your love of music?
NICKY: At around the age of six or seven, my dad would play me his old rock n' roll records and I became obsessed with Led Zeppelin and AC/DC in particular.

LILY: Your song 'I Can't Do This On My Own' has been a smash hit on radio for its third straight month. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
NICKY: I was absolutely thrilled! Music is meant to get into your head and evoke emotions. It makes you feel what nothing else can. The fact that my music is affecting people like that is amazing to me!

LILY: What was the inspiration behind ‘I Can't Do This On My Own’? Was there a particular person you were thinking about when you wrote it?
NICKY: A great friend/producer I was working with at the time named Stefan Litrownik wrote it and let me listen to it. When I heard it I instantly connected with the lyrics and was very anxious to see what we could do with the song together.

LILY: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
NICKY: Both sides of my family have musicians sprinkled in here and there! Both of my parents were musical at young ages but chose to pursue different things. My brother and I are probably the most avid musicians in our family.

LILY: How would you characterize yourself as an artist? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
NICKY: I just love music- everything from creating it to performing! It’s hard to catch me without a smile and I've definitely been known to be a bit loud and goofy at times. Life is about having fun and doing what you love and for me, it's music.

LILY: Some of your listeners have asked us if a music video for 'I Can't Do This On My Own' is on the horizon. What can we tell them?
NICKY: As long as the song keeps getting a positive reaction from the listeners, we might just decide to do a little something for the fans :)

LILY: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician? What do you find most challenging?
NICKY: Most rewarding for me is the sound and melody. When the melody I'm looking for starts coming together, it just gives you this creative high that's like nothing else. Most challenging would ironically be finding that catchy melody that fits with the lyrics, but that's what makes it the most rewarding!

LILY: Who are your role models in music?
NICKY: I've always been driven by guitar players and some of my favorites are Jimmy Page and Angus Young. Vocally one of my favorites is of course Freddie Mercury.

LILY: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
NICKY: Stick with it. Develop your skills and stay hungry. Find ways to improve your craft and make it distinct.

LILY: What's next for Nicky Barot? Is there a follow-up single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
NICKY: We're currently working on a new album! It’s set for release later this year so stay tuned!! And thanks everyone so much for giving this song the success it’s gotten.

LILY: I look foward to hearing the new album! I wish you continued success and good luck!