Adam Schmitt is a singer/songwriter from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. He has released three solo albums, and has worked with many other artists as musician & recording engineer, including several collaborations on projects with Nick.
For as long as I can remember, Nick's friendship, and his music, have been much-treasured constants in my life. I first recall seeing Nick perform with Turning Curious during an all ages show at the Jefferson Building in Champaign, way back in 1984. From that day forward, Nick remained a cherished friend, influence and inspiration to me.
I'd first heard Nick's music back in the early eighties, when I became enamored with the local Champaign music compilation album produced by Mark Rubel. “Stabs In The Dark” - and in particular, the B-Lovers' song “Spark”. There seemed an intensity and a mysteriousness to the song, hinting this was band with some deeper aesthetic goals in mind. As I'd later learn to expect from virtually all of Nick's writing & performing, it was music which warranted repeated listening, and rewarded those who did.
Of course, I wasn't thinking quite so analytically back in the mid-1980's – I just inherently knew it was music I loved. So, sharing an affinity for the B-Lovers & Turning Curious, my friends Don, Charlie, Lars and I formed our own band, The Farmboys. Soon thereafter, somewhat inexplicably, us Farmboys found ourselves regularly playing shows with Turning Curious, attending one another’s rehearsals & recording sessions, embarking on what would become lifelong friendships with Nick, Steve, Jeff & Berni.
As the years rolled on, I was lucky enough to be involved in several other music projects with Nick, working with him on recordings for Weird Summer, Velvet Crush, Angie Heaton, Lonely Trailer, Water Between Continents, Jans Project. Throughout, Nick never ceased to amaze me with his songs. his lyrics, his guitar playing, his sheer 'musicality'. To say Nick was an artist in the truest sense would be an understatement.
Most importantly, Nick was a really great person. Anyone who spent any time with him knows this. As others have said, Nick made anyone he spent time with feel special. Nick's passions for music, poetry, literature, art and knowledge were intertwined within his personal goals of sharing community, kindness, love, beauty, enlightenment and empathy. Truth.
And lest I forget, Nick was often hilarious. So much laughter! Alongside his prolific serious-artist nature, his sense of humor was sharp as a tack, but never mean-spirited. Nick wanted everyone 'in' on the joke. In his absence, I am comforted knowing that his musical and spiritual presence is ongoing. I am so grateful to him, for all that he shared with us.