Music is one of the most important things in my life. I can’t imagine a life without it. My musical journey is like an expedition through a jungle without a specific target. There are countless ways through it. Sometimes you come back to where you just started, sometimes you get lost, sometimes you meet people, sometimes you feel all alone. Sometimes you discover things you wish you hadn’t, and sometimes you find the most beautiful places on earth. Above all, you collect souvenirs along the way that will accompany you forever. The journey is the reward.
One of the best tour guides through my musical jungle is the Austrian blogger Nicorola who is today celebrating the 20th anniversary of his blog. I discovered his site back in 2005 when I had just started my own netlabel, One Bit Wonder Net.Music, with a friend. Nico wrote a short review (thanks!) about my first release on the label. At that time, he also had some of his self-made music on the website. I gave it a try and liked most of the tracks. After sharing the music with my friend, we asked Nico to release his music on our netlabel. We were thrilled when he said yes. A few weeks later, we released his “Bitstick EP” and some time after that, the “Capital Bits EP”. I still love hearing these records. Unfortunately, we have never met in person.
Besides making music, Nico always seemed more passionate about writing about music. He consistently put great effort into his always good-looking blog and never seemed to care about clicks and likes. He just did what he loved and still does. Although I often forget that there’s more to the internet than social media, I check his blog occasionally and appreciate his Monday playlists on SoundCloud.
I have to thank Nico for introducing me to Nicorola, The National, Modest Mouse, Maxïmo Park, Bloc Party, Arctic Monkeys, The Kills, Beirut, The XX, Arcade Fire, The Heavy, Jamie T., and so many more. Nico has had a massive impact on the music I hear, the music I like, and the music I make. I can’t believe it has already been 20 years. Let’s celebrate this day with music, and Nico himself arranged the soundtrack for this anniversary. I will convert that playlist to Apple Music later and provide the link here. Meanwhile, there’s only the Spotify playlist.
Dear Nico, thank you for the music! And congratulations on 20 years of your blog. I’ll be happy if this blog sees its 2nd anniversary. Please keep writing about music and compiling the Monday playlists. I wish you all the best!
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