"No conductor of this engine's going to take away my life." This lyric from the song "Midnight Special" perfectly encapsulates the thematic elements of Nick Critchlow's songs. Being 26 is not an easy time in someone's life. Too many potential paths, too many expectations and pieces of advice. It's confusing. It's scary. It's almost maddening not knowing which direction to go. So Nick Critchlow did what any logical person would do: he quit his career, hopped on a plane, and went to Asia for a year. He is a firm believer in manifesting your own destiny, despite the internal doubts that may try to hold you back.
Nick Critchlow has spent the majority of his music career in Northern Colorado on the front range of the Rocky Mountains. His last project before his solo career was with Porcelain City, an acoustic 5 piece band. Critchlow has played on Northern Colorado radio several times, including KRFC and 94.9 FM. He has also played major venues in Colorado like The Aggie Theater, The Mishawaka Amphitheater, Hodi's Halfnote, Larimer Lounge, and Lost Lake Lounge. In addition, Critchlow has also been involved in community projects such as a "Rock the Vote" event encouraging people to get out in vote in local elections. Critchlow with his band Porcelain City also played a fundraising event for victims of strokes.
On August 4th 2017, Nick Critchlow released a new EP: The Comeback Kid. This 5 song EP centered around his then upcoming trip to Asia. The album was recorded at Stout Studios in Ft. Collins by Darren Radach. It featured all local musicians: Andy Benson on drums, Charlie Stevens on lead guitar and bass, and Greta Cornett on trumpet. Album art provided by Ft. Collins' artist Jesse Baldwin.
The EP starts off this the swinging "Comeback" which relays the feelings of wanderlust and excitement about travelling. "Don't You Dare Leave Me" follows. The narrator relays the feelings of frustration and loss that someone leaving can evoke. The driving third song, "Gotta Keep Moving", is a blues/rock jam that perfectly demonstrates Critchlow's philosophy of not being bogged down by other people's expectations. "Midnight Special", as quoted at the beginning, takes a more introspective turn, showing a narrator who is lost, wanting to be in control of his destiny, but also wanting to return to the comfort of his home. The album concludes with "Grass is Always Greener" where Nick Critchlow prepares for his trip and says goodbye to the home he is leaving behind.
Nick originally met Andy Benson through Megan Rice, the co-singer/songwriter in Porcelain City. They have played together for several years. Andy also plays in the punk band "Wheels" in Colorado. Charlie Stevens is a musician who plays in several projects in Colorado, primarily "Carbonated Insight". Critchlow met Stevens at an open mic in Fort Collins and have played together for the past year. Greta Cornett plays trumpet in the Colorado band "Mamma Lenny and the Remedy". She was a studio player on the album.
Colorado is where Nick Critchlow calls home. The beautiful Rocky Mountains have always been in his field of vision, inspiring his acoustic songs with a warm, down-to-earth feeling. Critchlow's biggest musical influences are Jack Johnson, Nick Drake, Dave Matthews, and Alexi Murdoch. He graduated CSU with an English Education degree and spent three years as a teacher in Northern Colorado. Critchlow just recently returned from Wuhan, China where was teaching English as a second language and playing music.
Nick Critchlow has spent the majority of his music career in Northern Colorado on the front range of the Rocky Mountains. His last project before his solo career was with Porcelain City, an acoustic 5 piece band. Critchlow has played on Northern Colorado radio several times, including KRFC and 94.9 FM. He has also played major venues in Colorado like The Aggie Theater, The Mishawaka Amphitheater, Hodi's Halfnote, Larimer Lounge, and Lost Lake Lounge. In addition, Critchlow has also been involved in community projects such as a "Rock the Vote" event encouraging people to get out in vote in local elections. Critchlow with his band Porcelain City also played a fundraising event for victims of strokes.
On August 4th 2017, Nick Critchlow released a new EP: The Comeback Kid. This 5 song EP centered around his then upcoming trip to Asia. The album was recorded at Stout Studios in Ft. Collins by Darren Radach. It featured all local musicians: Andy Benson on drums, Charlie Stevens on lead guitar and bass, and Greta Cornett on trumpet. Album art provided by Ft. Collins' artist Jesse Baldwin.
The EP starts off this the swinging "Comeback" which relays the feelings of wanderlust and excitement about travelling. "Don't You Dare Leave Me" follows. The narrator relays the feelings of frustration and loss that someone leaving can evoke. The driving third song, "Gotta Keep Moving", is a blues/rock jam that perfectly demonstrates Critchlow's philosophy of not being bogged down by other people's expectations. "Midnight Special", as quoted at the beginning, takes a more introspective turn, showing a narrator who is lost, wanting to be in control of his destiny, but also wanting to return to the comfort of his home. The album concludes with "Grass is Always Greener" where Nick Critchlow prepares for his trip and says goodbye to the home he is leaving behind.
Nick originally met Andy Benson through Megan Rice, the co-singer/songwriter in Porcelain City. They have played together for several years. Andy also plays in the punk band "Wheels" in Colorado. Charlie Stevens is a musician who plays in several projects in Colorado, primarily "Carbonated Insight". Critchlow met Stevens at an open mic in Fort Collins and have played together for the past year. Greta Cornett plays trumpet in the Colorado band "Mamma Lenny and the Remedy". She was a studio player on the album.
Colorado is where Nick Critchlow calls home. The beautiful Rocky Mountains have always been in his field of vision, inspiring his acoustic songs with a warm, down-to-earth feeling. Critchlow's biggest musical influences are Jack Johnson, Nick Drake, Dave Matthews, and Alexi Murdoch. He graduated CSU with an English Education degree and spent three years as a teacher in Northern Colorado. Critchlow just recently returned from Wuhan, China where was teaching English as a second language and playing music.
