 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
The Whole Short Story
Nick: Saxophonist, Composer, 8x Emmy-Nominee
Los Angeles-born and San Pedro-raised, Nick is a saxophonist, composer, and eight-time Emmy nominee whose career bridges the worlds of music and visual storytelling. His journey began at age 11 with the clarinet, sparking a passion that would lead him to Berklee College of Music and a lifelong commitment to crafting emotionally rich, genre-defying music.
Over the past two decades, Nick has released six albums, with numerous tracks finding homes on radio, in television, comedy specials, films, and even through the PA system at LAX. A standout track, “Uncertainty,” was featured in its entirety in Katt Williams Live!—a pivotal moment that affirmed his belief in the power of music to elevate and shape narrative. “Happy Hour,” from his album The Third Date, reached No. 43 on the jazz radio charts and became a staple on smooth jazz playlists across the country.
In 2008, Nick joined the legendary ’80s band Naked Eyes (“Always Something There to Remind Me,” “Promises, Promises”) and performed with them through 2020. That collaboration opened the door to unforgettable performances with other New Wave and alt-rock icons like Wang Chung and Nick Heyward of Haircut 100. His versatility on saxophone has also led to collaborations with artists across genres—from alt-rock to punk—including Billy Bones (The Skulls) and Mondo Cozmo.
Nick’s creative reach extends into production and songwriting as well. His 2015 collaboration with punk legend Billy Bones on “All Night Rocker” received heavy rotation on KROQ and was featured in the PBS-aired documentary Who is Billy Bones?
With roots in a family deeply entrenched in film and television, it was only natural that Nick’s talents would evolve into composing for screen. That passion came into focus when he saw his a cappella sax piece layered over a civil rights montage in Katt Williams Live!—an experience that inspired him to pursue scoring as a serious artistic path. He has since composed for a range of short films, branded content, and episodic work, primarily in collaboration with director Ryan Curtis.
Their latest project, Hollywood Grit, marks Nick’s debut as a feature film composer, where he not only created the original score but also co-wrote, produced, and recorded eight original songs specifically for the film. Starring Max Martini, Tyrese Gibson, Patrick Duffy, Linda Purl, Benito Martinez, and Nikki Howard, Hollywood Grit is slated for release on August 22, 2025. Several of Nick’s songs are featured in performance scenes, and he even makes a cameo appearance as a member of the on-screen band—bringing his roles as composer and performer full circle.
“Writing for picture connects all my creative impulses,” Nick shares. “There are no rules—just emotion. It’s like solving a massive emotional puzzle, and when everything locks into place, it’s pure joy.”
2024 proved to be a banner year. Nick released a new EP and two Smooth Jazz singles—“You Better Figure It Out” and “Let’s Move”—both of which landed in the Top 50 of the Smooth Jazz Streaming charts. He also scored the rom-com pilot Yanqui (directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes), shot in Argentina and featuring a vibrant, tango-infused, White Lotus-esque soundtrack. The show premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.
Simultaneously, Nick hit the road with Haircut 100 for their long-awaited return to the U.S. after 40 years. Touring with ABC and Howard Jones, he brought to life the horn lines and solos from the band’s iconic album Pelican West, fulfilling a dream that began back when he was 11—imagining a life on stage while learning the clarinet.
Looking ahead, Nick is eager to explore the next chapter of his career—sharing his music with fans at jazz festivals around the world, recording new material, and expanding his work as a composer for film, television, and media. Follow Nick on social media or join his mailing list to stay connected to the journey.