When discussing music with Nico Cann, you can feel the creative energy radiating off him. With the release of his latest single, ‘Light Over The Ridge’, the young artist is making waves by seamlessly blending vintage rock influences with his own anthemic sound. As the conversation unfolds, it’s clear that music isn’t just a career path for him; it’s a calling.
The Birth of a Song
“I always think of music and constantly surround myself with it,” Nico says, reflecting on the genesis of ‘Light Over The Ridge’. “The inception of the song came from two piano chords that I thought created a very interesting sonority when played together. I knew this could be further developed.”
Citing Shout To The Top by The Style Council and Do You Believe in Love by Huey Lewis and The News as subconscious inspirations, he acknowledges the eclectic mix of sounds that shaped the track.
A classically trained pianist, Nico’s writing process often begins at the keys. “The piano was the earliest instrument I learned, and I’ve always loved great rock piano players like Billy Joel and Roy Bittan. My creative process almost always relies on heavy use of the piano.”
But it wasn’t just piano that brought ‘Light Over The Ridge’ to life. “I tracked some guitar ideas and came up with a potent and memorable riff for my beloved Mexican neck and American body Telecaster. I was onto something very exciting. I wanted energy; I wanted big music.”
Beyond the sonics, ‘Light Over The Ridge’ is deeply personal. “I have always associated sounds with images and am passionate about painting and visual arts. The concept of the song title is a result of a painting I made that depicted a mighty mountain ridge with a beam of light coming from behind it.”
A Kaleidoscope of Influences
When it comes to artistic inspiration, one name stands above the rest for Nico. “I must give a lot of credit for my music writing, sound, and lyric crafting to my absolute hero: Springsteen. He is a guide in my life, a mythical figure, and, in my opinion, the greatest songwriter and rockstar of all time.”
That influence is evident in the song’s anthemic chorus: “I wanna test my limit, stand upon that hill; I want the sky to tell me that you get what you give.”
Beyond The Boss, his tastes are far-reaching. “From Dylan to David Sylvian, Peter Gabriel to XTC, Paul Weller to Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, a bit of Deacon Blue, and The Police… It all finds its way into my sound.”
For Nico, the decision to pursue music wasn’t just a choice; it was inevitable. “Thanks to my father, music has always been present in my peripherals.”
The Art of Discovery
When discussing how he discovers new music, Nico highlights the influence of his father’s CD and vinyl collection, which has played a significant role throughout his life.
However, a turning point came when he stumbled upon a Beatles performance at Shea Stadium in 1965. “I was startled by these four very composed, almost identical guys and the general craze of the audience. The Beatles (especially McCartney & Wings) were my first big musical awakening. Then, one summer day, I heard the opening drum fill of Badlands, Springsteen, and my life changed.”
His musical appetite spans legendary bands like Pink Floyd, The Stones, CCR, The Clash, and Dire Straits, but also ventures into lesser-known territories. “I’m drawn to discovering bands that are often overshadowed by the big names, like Prefab Sprout, The Waterboys, Big Country, The Blue Nile, and The New Radicals.”
Studio vs. Stage
Both the studio and the stage hold a special place for Nico. “I love creating, experimenting with arrangements, studying, and understanding how my heroes write music. I love playing around with old instruments like The Juno and the D-50, and I’m obsessed with creating demos that are as close as possible to the vision I have in my head.”
But nothing compares to performing live. “Playing live is the most gratifying thing you can experience as an artist. I’ve always attended many concerts because what happens live can’t be matched by a studio recording.”
He chuckles. “I’ve spent years watching every single YouTube video of Springsteen concerts from 1973 to 2025!”
Desert Island Discs
When pressed on his all-time favourite albums, Nico wrestles with the question. “The list of life-changing albums is endless,” he admits, before settling on a few standouts.
“First up, Songs in the Attic by Billy Joel. ‘Captain Jack’ live at The Spectrum is, in my opinion, one of the greatest moments in rock history.”
Next, Prince’s Sign O’ The Times. “A masterpiece of the 1980s. This album is mind-blowing, with its variety of genres, energy, mix, and lyric writing.”
And finally, the holy grail. “Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band, Live 75’/85’. This, to me, is the essence of music.”
What’s Next?
With ‘Light Over The Ridge’ setting the stage, Nico is already looking ahead. “I’ll be releasing a couple of new singles that will pave the way for my album, Silver Lining.”
The project, he explains, is deeply personal. “It depicts my transition from late teenage years into adult life. The universal feeling of being lost and needing to find meaning in these uncertain times made me take a deep dive into my experiences, fears, and wants.”
With over 40 songs written and recorded, Silver Lining promises to be an ambitious debut. “I want to bring back the potent sound that was once achieved with analogue: the vitality, the pulse, the connection between artist and people.”
And if ‘Light Over The Ridge’ is anything to go by, Nico Cann is a name we’ll be hearing a lot more of.