Nikki Misery of New Years Day stopped by to chat with Encore about the band’s first experience at Carolina Rebellion, New Years Day’s booming success including receiving nominations for two AP awards, music he’s personally looking forward to and more:
Encore: This is New Years Day’s first time here at Carolina Rebellion and you had the first crowd surfers of the day, how was the experience on stage?
Nikki Misery: It was insane! I always love doing these festivals because you have a whole crowd who has no idea who you are. You have these people walking up and looking at us like, ‘Hey, who are these guys!?’ Then all of a sudden they’re into it and it’s the coolest thing. I love going up there, being ugly and destructive.
E: Do you have a favorite song from the set?
NM: Definitely. Our song “Malevolence” is my favorite. It has these kick-ass rock riffs and there’s this part where it kind of breaks down and it’s just Ash and you hear the vulnerability in her voice. And then when it kicks back in, it’s the most violent part of the set. I don’t actually think I play the guitar. I spend half that part just trying to punch it and break it over my head. To me, that’s what rock ‘n’ roll is all about.
E: New Years Day was nominated for two AP awards, “Most Dedicated Fan Base” and “Breakthrough Artist.” How’s that feel?
NM: It’s really surreal. I still consider myself this punk kid from California. I can’t believe people like our band and want to see us, let alone give us awards for what we’re doing. It’s the most insane thing and I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.
E: From the band’s first album to this one, Malevolence, punk rock is an influence in your music, have you heard the new Blink-182 single, “Bored To Death?”
NM: I have not. I’m really stoked to check it out, but I haven’t heard it yet. What I’m really looking forward to checking out is the new Black Flag.
E: If you were not in a band, not in New Years Day, what would you be?
NM: Id’ be a serial killer for politicians. Like, I think, Roosevelt said, “Presidents are selected, not elected.” I love political stuff and conspiracy theories. I always like playing devil’s advocate. I’ll always jump into a discussion and throw an idea out there whether I believe it or not.
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