Nick Lutsko
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Nick Lutsko

Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2015

Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States
Established on Jan, 2015
Band Alternative Psychedelic

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"See It First: Puppets Take Center Stage in Nick Lutsko’s ‘Predator’"

If you’re still reeling from a little too much green beer this week, Nick Lutsko has a new video that will undoubtedly trip you out even further. “Predator,” which is featured on his new album, Etc., features a creative storyline that one doesn’t run across too often, to say the least.
Yahoo Music is excited to debut the video, which depicts a happy children’s show featuring a puppet-band…however, the story behind the scenes is something much different. We find out that the puppeteer is not so sunshiny, but ultimately he gets what’s coming to him at the felt-covered hands of his “friends.”

See It First: Puppets Take Center Stage in Nick Lutsko’s ‘Predator’
Lutsko explains his inspiration behind the clip: “Music is my first love, but puppetry is a close second. In college, my roommates and I stayed up all night making puppets after seeing The Muppets,” he notes. “I wrote a pilot for a puppet show about six months ago. It’s kind of like Pee Wee’s Playhouse, only Pee Wee is in extremely poor health, drinks gasoline on a regular basis, and flies into blind fits of rage. I’ve already written and recorded most of the music for it.

Lutsko himself is working with the puppets in the video, and gives a shout-out to two special fans who helped with the production: “My parents were gracious enough to let us destroy their garage.”

Etc. marks a new sonic direction for Lutsko, who made his mark with a folky debut in 2013. - Yahoo! Music


"Nick Lutsko - "Predator" (audio) (Premiere)"

NICK LUTSKO'S 2013 DEBUT LP IS FOLKY WITH AN ECCENTRIC UNDERCURRENT. WITH HIS NEW ALBUM, HOWEVER, HE GOES A LITTLE OFF THE RESERVATION; AS "PREDATOR" EVINCES, THIS IS DEFINITELY FOR THE BETTER.

Etc. is a fitting title for the sophomore studio outing of the Chattanooga, Tennessee songwriter Nick Lutsko. Anyone familiar with the young artist from his 2013 debut recording Heart of Mold—well, let’s just say that anyone that thinks they already know the music of Lutsko should suspend whatever knowledge they might think they have. With Etc., Lutsko breaks out of the largely folksy trappings of his first record and dives headfirst into a colorful mélange of noise. Case in point: lead single “Predator” is a rock song that pays tribute to the beauty of chaos. Atop a funky bassline, Lutsko throws in some sludgy guitars, clipped beats, and an array of other sounds. As a preview of what’s to come on Etc., “Predator” reminds you to strap on your seatbelts—this is going to be an unexpected ride.

Lutsko tells PopMatters about the tune, “The song tells the tale of a few guys who use religion to manipulate others and drive their own agenda. I’ve come to learn that a lot of people who are overly self-righteous often have the most (and dirtiest) skeletons in their closets. You can turn on the news any day of the week and see this, but the song was directly inspired by two individuals who inhabit my day-to-day life.”

Etc. is out on 17 March.

For a study in contrasts, you can stream Lutsko’s debut LP, Heart of Mold, via the Bandcamp player below, where it is also available at a pay-what-you-will price: - PopMatters


"Song Premiere: Nick Lutsko “All Shook Up”"

Nick Lutsko's second album is set for release on March 17. The new record, titled Etc., finds Lutsko building multi-layered songs from dozens of audio tracks. Today we premiere "All Shook Up" from the forthcoming release. Lutsko explains, "There’s a quote from Gustave Flaubert that I saw in Zappa’s autobiography. It reads, ‘Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.’ I come across a lot of folks that use the music as a means to get the sex and drugs. A lot of guys who are trying to complete their rock n’ roll checklist and lose sight of the music. Some people lose themselves entirely. The song is fictional, but has obvious allusions to Elvis Presley and Phil Spector." - Relix


"Video Premiere: Nick Lutsko"

Chattanooga-based songwriter Nick Lutsko comes off of his decidedly folk debut album with a new record that is decidedly not. He’s embarked upon a notable shift in sonic style on his upcoming Etc. (due March 17) that thoroughly belies his initial singer/songwriter reputation. In fact, he’s managed to capture a sound that qualifies him as one of the few musicians on Facebook listing their genre as “Folk/Funk/Blues.”

So we shall offer the latest single from the upcoming Etc. album, “All Shook Up,” which is a sendup of the proverbial sex/drugs/rock ‘n’ roll scene that accompanies live music. Check it out:



“There’s a quote from Gustave Flaubert that I saw in Zappa’s autobiography,” Lutsko explains. “It reads, ‘Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.’

“I come across a lot of folks that use the music as a means to get the sex and drugs. A lot of guys who are trying to complete their rock n’ roll checklist and lose sight of the music. Some people lose themselves entirely.”

Of course, Lutsko points out that his video for the song isn’t quite so serious.

“We tried to think of something simple that we could shoot in one take,” he explains. “My mind went straight to hotdogs. We bought as many hotdogs as $20 could buy, which happened to be about 200 hot dogs.” Lutsko’s father, girlfriend, and friends joined in on throwing the hot dogs at him as he attempted to perform the song.

“It was a genuinely irritating five minutes,” Lutsko says.

***

On the web: https://www.facebook.com/NickLutsko

https://nicklutsko.bandcamp.com/track/all-shook-up

http://www.relix.com/blogs/detail/nick_lutsko - Blurt


"MP3 At 3PM: Nick Lutsko"

Chattanooga-based singer/songwriter Nick Lutsko challenges his traditional folk roots on his sophomore release, Etc., and offers the track “All Shook Up” for free download. The off-kilter rhythm of the track exemplifies a change in Lutsko’s style as it takes on an electronic, upbeat edge. Download “All Shook Up” below. - Magnet


"Nick Lutsko's 'Etc.' a soulful intergalactic storm"

Often album cover art has no obvious relation whatsoever to the music inside. In the case of Nick Lutsko’s new disc titled Etc. it’s a clue to what some may consider his creative schizophrenia.

The Chattanooga singer/ songwriter’s freshman LP “Heart of Mold” released less than two years ago was a fairly conventional collection of alternative folk songs about dogs, girls and funerals. It has an abundance of banjo, whistling and hand claps. “Etc.” is a stunning departure that conjures a surreal vision of Pee Wee Herman hosting The Beatles at his Playhouse.

It shouldn’t be a surprise from an artist who counts Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa among influences. All eleven songs were written and performed by Lutsko. None of them bear resemblance to the others musically or lyrically which may account for the record’s title.

A common thread is that they’re all from Lutsko’s manic and unrestrained imagination. Word pictures such as “…She stabbed me with a cigarette while kissing a crucifix…” from “All Shook Up” suggest a multi-dimensional nightmare. Its quick rock tempo adds to the jittery onslaught. And the very next track is “Dreaming of Medusa.”

This song however with soft vocal chorus, relatively accessible lyrics and gently strummed acoustic guitar cleaves closest to the previously folky Lutsko. “Geranium Thief” recalls a few of The Beatles’ occasional silly ditties from their psychedelic days. In an otherwise admirable album its ponderous musical progressions and ostentatiously weird lyrics border on the annoying.

“Cherry Red Medicine” also conjures Fab Four flashes with staccato cadences alá 1969’s “Come Together.”

“(You Aren’t So) Beautiful” is a clever poke at the juxtaposition that sometimes occurs between people’s pretty pictures in social media and the ugly things they write. “Morning Star” would suggest a peaceful glimmering and point of navigation from deep space.

It’s actually a soulful intergalactic storm and vocal shout for freedom. A pacific oasis is discovered only in the tune’s last few seconds of comforting acoustic guitar. The overall impression Lutsko leaves from the disc is one of artistic fearlessness. The question it begs is what he’ll do next. - Norman Transcript


"Music with byte: In his bedroom, local musician creates a dense wall of sound on his second CD (videos)"

When Nick Lutsko decided to record his first CD in 2013, he did so with a relatively simple folk sound that prominently featured guitar and vocals.

These days, he says the music on "Heart of Mold" wasn't really the sound he heard in his head, but he was hemmed in by the eight-track limitations of the computer software he could afford at the time.

But for his second CD, "Etc.," he was able to get the sound he truly wanted, thanks to the purchase of Logic Pro X software, which he bought with money earned from selling and touring behind "Mold." "Etc." is a record that showcases what a musician with imagination, time and the right software can create.

Each of its 11 songs features dozens of multilayered tracks, recorded pieces that are stacked on top of each other one by one, building a dense "wall" of music. On the CD, "Dreaming of Medusa" contains the fewest tracks -- only 24 -- while "Predator" has the most with 112.

Lutsko, 24, who might be remembered from his days singing and playing guitar with Infinite Orange, a trio of then-Soddy-Daisy high school students, took full advantage of the multi-tracking capabilities of Logic Pro X and created a sophisticated, heavily produced CD that at times has hints of the trippier parts of Brian Wilson's production on The Beach Boys' "Smile" or "Pet Sounds" albums or even The Monkee's "Head" project from 1968, and even the funk/jazz/rock sounds of Frank Zappa.

Lutsko cops to the Zappa and Wilson references, but confesses to being unfamiliar with "Head," the psychedelic film and soundtrack that Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz recorded to prove to the world they weren't just a contrived made-for-television group and could actually play and write their own music, though the music is heavy on studio tricks and effects. Zappa, coincidentally, appears in the film.

"I love 'Smile' and 'Pet Sounds'," Lutsko says. "I got on a real Beach Boys kick awhile back. I love Zappa, too."

You hear those influences on songs like "Thanks to Uncle Stacy," with its layer upon layer of manipulated vocals and effects. Attempting to emulate guys like Wilson and Zappa, both known for their wizardry and experimentation in the studio, is ambitious enough, but Lutsko did just that and he did it by himself in his private studio, which actually is his bedroom in his parent's Hixson home.

"As glamorous as it gets, right?"

Advances in software have made it cheaper and easier for artists to record studio-quality music, but Liz Morin, co-owner of Showbiz-Ro Music in Nashville, says an artist still must write good songs.

"A lot of artists are able to do everything with [Avid] Pro Tools," she says. "They are able to do good demos at their house, and it sounds fine."

Morin's role is to shop clients' songs around to other artists and record labels in hopes they will pick one up and record it. Artists such as Tim McGraw, Lee Brice and Randy Houser have recorded songs by her clients.

Having been in the music business for decades, she says recording software has changed the music business in the last 10 years, and that it is now easier to make a record but harder to sell it.

"When I started in the '90s, it was booming, but with the Internet and people stealing songs [via downloads] and not buying CDs like they used to, it's harder to get new stuff cut now. But, everybody is learning how to do Pro Tools and the mixing at their house, or they might even have a little publishing company.

On "Etc.," Lutsko played the majority of the instruments, which included traditional things like keyboards, bass and guitar but also hand claps, table tops, pots, pans and anything else he had lying around. He used family members for some vocal bits as well, and Jeff McSpadden provided some drum machine work.

And everything was plugged right into Lutsko's Apple desktop computer.

"I recorded the sounds and then manipulated them," he said. "The claps and snaps don't really sound like claps and snaps. Everything is pretty effects-drenched. I'm pretty good at figuring out what I want to hear and how to make it work."

His home studio doesn't even have a pair of speakers in it, so he made the CD using headphones. Once he recorded a new sound or track onto CD, he'd take it out to his car to listen to it.

"It sounds completely different through those speakers than it did in the headphones."

"Etc." won't be officially released until the middle of March, though WUTC-FM 88.1 is playing a few of the songs. Meanwhile, Lutsko is working to put a band together in order to play the songs live. - Chattanooga Times Free Press


"Nick Lutsko and his puppet band"

People may come for Lutsko's strong vocals and melodies, but they stay for his unexpected bandmates. - Chattanooga Times Free Press (video)


"Critic's Pick: Nick Lutsko a local to see"

One of the reasons that Riverbend is able to field such a huge lineup of music, enough to fill nine evenings to the brim, is because of the wealth of local talent Friends of the Festival can call on to help buttress its schedule.

It is a longstanding assumption for a lot of people that being a local act is tantamount to being second-rate, a throwaway artist whose purpose is to serve as filler between "serious" out-of-town acts. People who believe that clearly don't frequent many local shows, however, because Chattanooga artists have been setting the bar pretty high of late.

One of the most interesting artists this community has produced in the last few years is Nick Lutsko, formerly a guitarist/vocalist in high school indie rock trio Infinite Orange. Lutsko's second solo album, "Etc.," is a typically poppy, occasionally psychedelic project he recorded entirely — painstaking layer by painstaking layer — within the confines of his parents' home in Hixson. Practically every element, from the beatboxing and the bass to the percussion and vocals were entirely of his creation.

The album's best song — or at least the one that dominates my Spotify playlist these days — is "All Shook Up," which lifts off with a kick-drum beat laid underneath jangly keys, slowly introducing a funky guitar riffs and rapid-fire vocals that flow like a chocolate fountain.

For a better idea how his music combines catchy hooks and funk whimsy with outright trippy imagery (also puppets), check out his second — slightly unsettling — music video for the song "Predator." It's as weird as it is likely to get stuck in your head.

Assuming you haven't done so already, tonight is your final chance to see the level of talent local artists can bring to bear when given access to the top-notch equipment Riverbend can offer. Even if he's competing with the likes of crowd-favorite funk act Here Come the Mummies, I think you'd be well served (and entertained) seeing a great artist who you can appreciate year-round. - Chattanooga Times Free Press


"Critic's pick: Multi-talented Nick Lutsko is worth checking out"

There have been several really good local acts performing at Riverbend this year, but for me Nick Lutsko is the most interesting.

At 25, Lutsko is a veteran of the local music scene, having been a member of Infinite Orange while he was still in high school. The band garnered a decent amount of media attention for its original sound and live shows.

But what fairly blew me away was the sound and production he got on his recent solo CD, "Etc." It wasn't just that he did it all on a laptop with a few instruments in his bedroom, it was the musical influences and references that he based the record on.

He created a sound that reminded me of Frank Zappa, Brian Wilson and the Monkees in their psychedelic "Head" period I know that last one isn't exactly something to brag on if you're a Monkee's fan, but you get the point.

Part of the curiousity here is to see if Lutsko can do live what he did in his studio.

He performs tonight on Chevy Stage at 6:15 p.m. right before the Rock Skool of Chattanooga, another opportunity to check out local performers. - Chattanooga Times Free Press


"Take Five: Nick Lutsko"

Sometimes, change is a good thing. Often, that change comes about through the shifting perspective of time—or maybe you just want to hear something different. Whatever the reason, Chattanooga singer-songwriter Nick Lutsko had something of a rhythmic recalibration when he went into the studio to record his latest record, "Etc." Formerly treading through a particularly rustic, folk-centric landscape, his focus shifted a good deal when the album first began to take shape. He dropped the loosely woven acousticism and adopted a denser, more volatile musical timbre.

With the release of "Etc." March 17, Lutsko is finally able to realize a sound that has been echoing in his head for years; his previous record, "Heart of Mold," was very much indebted to the sounds of folk music. But this one feels limitless, not hampered by any preconceived notions or expectations. Thudding drums rattle your chest, serpentine bass lines slither through your veins, and ecstatic guitar riffs zip from neuron to neuron in a series of rhythmic jolts to your nervous system.

Recently, Lutsko answered some questions for Nooga.com's Take Five feature, where we pose five specific questions to bands to get a better understanding of their own inspirations, to see what really drives them to create. From seeing Blink-182 and Cypress Hill in concert to obsessing over "The White Album" by The Beatles, Lutsko maps out a good chunk of his influences and lets us see how these musicians tempered his own musical evolution.

Lutsko will be playing a record release party for "Etc." at JJ's Bohemia April 10. Our conversation is below.

What was the first record you ever bought, and why?

I wish I had a better answer, but it's probably something like Chumbawumba. One of the least embarrassing early buys was "Pork Soda" by Primus in seventh grade. It was in a $5 bin at F.Y.E. (R.I.P.). Years earlier, a giant book of CDs mysteriously appeared in the street in front of my cousin's house. "Sailing the Seas of Cheese" was one of those CDs, and I just couldn't wrap my head around it. I remember buying "Pork Soda" just to show my friends how "out there" Primus was. I didn't anticipate it being so dark, and it genuinely disturbed me at the time. They ended up becoming one of my favorite bands, though. I think I've seen them more than any other artist.

What was the first music concert you ever attended?

My brother and I dragged my dad to see Blink-182 and Cypress Hill when I was 13—which reminds me, I need to apologize to my dad.

If you had to choose, what would you consider to be the album that has influenced you the most?

The Beatles ("The White Album") come to mind. I was waning off my prepubescent pop punk phase when I bought it. Up until then, I had only listened to The Beatles' greatest hits ("1"). "White Album" has such a wide array of styles and emotions. It covers so much ground and challenges the listener to keep up. That helped set me on the path I'm trekking, and it still inspires me to this day.

Was there any one thing that led you to start writing and recording music?

I've been all about music for as long as I can remember. My dad plays a little, so I grew up with guitars around the house. I got my own in fourth grade. I wrote a song called "Chinese Man" in fifth grade, and my teacher assembled all of the fifth-grade students and teachers to the cafeteria for me to perform (looking back, the song was kind of offensive and probably shouldn't have been encouraged by adults). Around that time, I hooked up with a buddy who was learning to play drums. We recorded hundreds of "songs" between fifth and seventh grades. The writing process consisted of me pressing the record button on Windows 98 Sound Recorder and then banging on our instruments while I made up lyrics off the top of my head. But to answer your question more specifically, the "one thing" that led me to this was my urge to be a famous rock star. But that mentality has transformed over time. At this point, I would be thrilled just to make a living doing what I love. Writing, recording, performing—they're my favorite things in the world. And I'm not especially good at much else.

What album(s) have you been listening to lately?

I bounce between a lot of different records, but these are a few that I've returned to on a semi-regular basis over the past year: "Mule Variations" by Tom Waits, "SMiLE" by Beach Boys, "Freeman" by Freeman, "Music from The Adventures of Pete & Pete" by Polaris and "Guero" by Beck. - Nooga.com


"Watch This: Nick Lutsko shares video for "By & By""

Chattanooga musician Nick Lutsko creates music that skips over genres like a stone skipping over the surface of a pond. It only touches briefly in one spot before quickly shuffling on to the next rhythmic movement.

Although his earlier work had more of a folk and acoustic-based sound, with the release of his latest record, "Etc.," he's shifted his musical focus and adopted a more eccentric musical palette. Wobbly bass lines, zigzagging guitar lines and the occasional bits of electronic noise have replaced the bucolic calm that permeated his previous songs, leading him to fashion a more varied approach to his musical influences.

For the video to his latest single, "By & By," Lutsko once again brings out the puppets. Accompanied by people dancing in colorful costumes, Lutsko does his best to keep up with this rhythmic wave of felt and music. The track is more minimal in terms of its construction than some of the other songs on the record, but it manages to find a perfect balance between the slithering electronic jolts that speed through its length and the motorik beat that holds it up.

Directed and edited by Harris Oates, the video is the perfect blend of irreverent and ecstatic, appealing to our individual nostalgia for these Muppet lookalikes and a general love of all things puppet. Who doesn't love watching people in full-body costumes dancing around and singing? Lutsko also breaks out some moves to keep in step with them, giving the video an almost-manic feel and providing the proper platform for the music. If you're looking for a video that feels like the characters from "Sesame Street" stumbled onto a bag of psychotropics, Lutsko has got just the thing for you. - Nooga.com


"Nick Lutsko, Danimal Planet will 'burn down' The Camp House"

Two local favorites will figuratively attempt to burn down The Camp House Friday night.

Danimal Planet and Nick Lutsko are teaming up for a tribute to the music of Talking Heads as an after-party following the Nightfall concert series in Miller Park.

Each band will perform a set of original music, followed by a combined set of Talking Heads songs. Festivities begin at 10 p.m., with the Talking Heads tribute set to begin at about midnight. Tickets are $10 in advance. Click here for more information.

This will mark the first show back for Danimal Planet since much of their equipment was stolen. In a Facebook post, frontman Dan Pinson said, "This is our first show in a minute or two, and it's a bit of a homecoming, if you will, after everything that happened earlier in the month, so I hope to see all your smiling faces this weekend."

Lutsko—who released his album "Etc." in March—took some time out of his vacation to talk with Nooga.com about the upcoming show. He spoke about his love for Talking Heads and Danimal Planet, how the music has influenced him, and what fans can expect to hear at the show.

Can you tell us about your relationship to Talking Heads and how that music influenced you?

My introduction to Talking Heads was watching "Stop Making Sense" at a friend's house in eighth grade. The image of David Byrne in the giant suit really stuck with me. I was captivated by his whole persona. I started buying their records in high school and realized how unique they were. Their lyrics, song structure, Byrne's vocal delivery, instrumentation, production, etc. ... are unmatched in all arenas. I have a great appreciation for their evolution from album to album, as well. Any artist that can keep its audience on their toes is doing its job. That's something I strive for as a songwriter and a performer. David Byrne continues to do so to this day. His most recent record with St. Vincent is phenomenal, and the live show is even better.

Tell us about your partnership with Dan Pinson. He's become known as one of the best all-around musicians around town.

One of my favorite things about Dan: He is hands down one of the best bassists in Chattanooga—he can hold his own with any of the greats out there. Yet when it comes time to perform his own stuff, the drummer takes over bass duties and the music is still miles above most everything else coming out today. He's an animal. The band is top-notch, as well. It's been a great pleasure getting to collaborate with these guys. We definitely intend on doing more in the future.

What can we expect at the show? Puppets?

My puppets and I will lead a parade from Miller Plaza to The Camp House around 9:15 p.m. Danimal and I will each do a set of original music before both bands take the stage for an hour of Talking Heads songs ... We'll have some obvious nods to "Stop Making Sense" but will also be putting our own spin on a lot of the songs. T.J. Greever (Glowing Bordis, The Communicators, Up With the Joneses) will also be taking the lead on a few songs. David Byrne will not make an appearance.

What is your favorite Talking Heads song to perform as an artist?

That's a really tough question. I already had this conversation with my band, and we agreed it was impossible to pick one. All of these songs are so fun to play. My old band, Infinite Orange, used to play "Burning Down the House" a lot. It's a classic. I will say "Crosseyed and Painless" is a personal favorite of mine, and I look forward to taking the lead on it ... Come and find out! - Nooga.com


"Nick Lutsko’s Release Party Is At JJ’s This Friday"

Nick Lutsko has quickly risen in the Chattanooga music scene and with good reason.

The young man has most impressive chops, musically. This is known already. Almost as impressive is his grasp of the business portion of the music business. I encounter many fantastic musicians here in Chattanooga, artists of high degree, but I’d guess that 96 percent of them are clueless about the business, openly despise the business or think that being “cute and sincere” is all it take to “make it.” Not so. Lutsko, along with his pro representation, makes use of all the tools available to achieve success.

The album, Etc., is a fantastic piece of work, one which I intend to delve into further in the coming weeks. While his debut release was decidedly (delightfully) folk, Album Number Two represents a significant departure into pop, funk, industrial and psychedelic music, while still maintaining some of the folk songwriting of his earlier work. The album drops this Friday, April 10 at JJ’s Bohemia, where Lutsko will be appearing along with guests Birds with Fleas, Tree Tops and, apparently, puppets. For an early taste of what’s to come, find Lutsko on social media (seriously, he’s everywhere).

You can be a great musician and maybe succeed in music, you can be great at business and marketing and maybe succeed is music, but Lutsko’s combination of skills in all arenas and a tireless, Zappa-esque work ethic all but guarantees this young man is on his way to the top. See him now so that later you can brag, “I knew him before he was famous.” - The Pulse


"Local Artists Take the Riverbend Stage"

Many local artists are taking the stages at Riverbend 2015.

Click 'play' to meet local artist Nick Lutsko. - WTVC NewsChannel 9


"Nick Lutsko & Greezy Rick on This N That"

Nick & Greezy play a tune and talk about there upcoming set at Riverbend Festival​. - This N That


"Nick Lutsko, Danimal Planet burning down The Camp House after Nightfall"

Less than six months after founding his band, Nick Lutsko is keen to avoid overstaying his welcome.

“Since we’re a new band, we’ve been playing anywhere we can around town just to get tight,” the local indie pop vocalist says. “Now, we’re established, [and] we’re trying to spread out our shows so we don’t burn out people. The shows we do play, we’re focusing on making them an experience.”

While in high school in the mid-2000s, Lutsko served as the guitarist and lead vocalist of local indie rock trio Infinite Orange. That band’s pace slowed down during college, however, and after graduating, he says he felt himself “floundering” and musically directionless.

Last year, he decided to forge ahead on his own and began working on “Nick Lutsko, Etc.,” a meticulously layered pop opus recorded entirely in the bedroom of his childhood home in Hixson. This year, he recruited local musicians to help him bring the songs to life and, being a lifelong fan of Jim Henson’s work, he dressed them all in homemade Muppet-style costumes.

When it comes to grabbing an audience’s attention, it turns out that a 6-foot-tall Muppet is pretty hard to ignore, he says.

“If you go see a band and it’s just a bunch of guys onstage, you have to hear a couple of songs to realize what they’re about,” Lutsko says. “When you see a bunch of guys dressed up as puppets, it’s more like, ‘OK, this is about to be really interesting.’ Me being surrounded by puppets onstage let’s me take myself less seriously. It reminds me to have fun onstage.”

Friday, July 31, Lutsko and his Muppet crew will team up with psychedelic pop quartet Danimal Planet for a post-Nightfall celebration at The Camp House. The evening will feature three 45-minute sets, one for each artist individually and a combined set featuring covers of material by The Talking Heads.

Lutsko says he’s always been a fan of Danimal Planet frontman Dan Pinson’s work with local groups such as Up With the Joneses, so he enthusiastically seized the chance to be onstage with him. Both he and Lutsko say they share a love for The Talking Heads and a respect for that band’s musical approach.

“Our music is very quirky, and The Talking Heads are very quirky, so the quirky thing goes throughout everything we’re doing,” Pinson says. “Also, the thematic aspects to David Byrne’s lyrics play to a lot of things that Nick and I believe in a lot. There’s a lot of connectivity with that stuff.”

Another belief the two band leaders share is a desire to avoid wearing out their local fan base. Instead of overloading Chattanooga venues with a flood of repeat appearances, they say, they prefer to play fewer — but more memorable — Scenic City gigs.

“This is honestly the most excited I’ve been about a show for a while,” Lutsko says. “I feel like I really have to work hard to hold my own with a lot of these guys.

“And obviously, the Talking Heads songs … we have a lot to live up to there, too. We’re trying to get them tight and do them justice.” - Chattanooga Now


"Nick Lutsko & Daminal Planet Sing"

For more information...

http://camphouseevents.ticketleap.com/burning-down-the-camp-house/ - This N That


Discography

Still working on that hot first release.

Photos

Bio

In early 2014, Nick Lutsko hit the road to showcase his highly acclaimed debut album, Heart of Mold. Rooted in Americana, Heart of Mold ranges from storytelling songs with surreal imagery and political overtones to vintage sounding pop with catchy melodies and grassroots production. Nick took his one man show all over the eastern United States performing in over 25 cities in 13 states. 

Lutsko released his sophomore record Etc. in the spring of 2015 and exchanged his rustic roots for an eclectic mix of funk, folk, psychedelia, indie-rock, pop, and blues. Although Nick wrote, produced, and performed the entire record himself, he needed a full band to execute the songs in a live setting. Lutsko's band - dressed in homemade puppet costumes - have helped him deliver great original alternative rock with an unusual tinge of whimsy and humor.

Lutsko graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2012 with a Bachelor's Degree in Commercial Songwriting. He spent his time in Middle Tennessee writing, producing and performing music - including a writers' round at Nashville's world famous Bluebird Cafe. The songwriter has opened up for various national acts including Drive By Truckers, Tea Leaf Green and the Whigs.




Band Members