Nick Luca is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, producer, songwriter, bandleader and composer. He has toured extensively throughout Europe, USA, Canada and Australia and has credits on over 90 albums.
Currently Nick tours as keyboardist for Iron and Wine (Warner Bros.). Highlights of 2011 include performing at Radio City Music Hall in New York, headlining The Green Man Festival in Wales, UK, and appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
In the studio Nick is known for his relaxed style and creativity. For over 15 years, Nick worked closely with Owner/Producer Craig Schumacher at Wavelab Studio in Tucson, AZ. During that time they enjoyed a string of successful and influential album releases and developed Wavelab Studio into an internationally sought destination. In 2009 the album Middle Cyclone by Neko Case was nominated for a Grammy (Best Contemporary Folk Album).
After moving to Los Angeles in 2009, Nick became Chief Engineer at New Monkey Studio in Van Nuys, CA, formerly owned by Elliott Smith. In 2010 the album Cho Dependent by Margaret Cho was nominated for a Grammy (Best Comedy Album).
What Else?
- Ability to improvise on several instruments and create musical hooks spontaneously.
- Versatile, adaptable, listens intently and appreciates constructive criticism.
- Equally comfortable recording in a pure analog environment (using tape, patch bays, vintage mixing boards and other outboard gear) or using the latest Pro-Tools HD system with plug-ins.
- Versed in the use of room mics, wall of sound, slap back delay and other production styles of the 50's, 60's and 70's as well as modern techniques of grid editing, looping and beat programming.
- Experience in remote recording, radio simulcasting, film scores and live sound.
- Worked with great artists in Rock, Alternative, Indie, Americana and Folk Rock such as Calexico, Richard Buckner, M Ward, Devotchka, Tom Russell, Robyn Hitchcock, Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), Giant Sand, John Doe (X), Beth Orton, The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Sheryl Crow, Jonathan Richman, Los Lobos and Evan Dando.
- Fun, supportive and great sense of humor!
- Reads a lot of books, mostly about music and biographies.
- Traveler and "Power Tourist".
- Experience in the music business including coordinating musicians, songwriting, shopping recordings to labels, touring to promote records, working with managers, agents, publishers, publicists and radio promotions.
- Tape Op Conference / Pot Luck Conference - Assistant Coordinator, Moderator, Panelist and Performer 2002 - 2008.
- Ability to read Jazz lead sheets and can write or transcribe string and horn arrangements.
- Master of Music degree from University of Arizona.
- Member of NARAS, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Engineers and Producers Wing. Voting Member of The Grammys.
