Native son Nick Nagurski shares his passion with all-original recording
“To all my family (love you Gram) and friends in International Falls, hope this music helps keep you warm this winter. I cannot thank you enough for all your support.”
Part of a lengthy thank you on the jacket of his new CD “The World Anew,” the above words by International Falls native Nick Nagurski, come from his heart, say friends and family. Nick is the son of Terri and Kevin Nagurski, and the grandson of Taffy Walls, all of the Falls.
While the singer literally even thanks his dog in the note, the depth and seriousness of this artist shouldn’t be diminished. That’s just the kind of guy he is, say those who know him.
And the kind of musician he is — is one who has written, sung, played, recorded, mixed and produced an entire album of pop songs — all his own.
“It has been coming together over three years and I am thrilled to have it ready to share,” Nagurski said via email to The Journal. The final mastering of the album was done by Rare Form Mastering in Minneapolis.
Previously well-known as a Borderland teenager with impressive vocal talent, the Minneapolis teacher has continued to nourish what has grown into a second career — a love for singing and songwriting.
Nagurski has become adept at producing his own music after attending the Institute of Production and Recording in Minneapolis in 2006-07. He attended there while on a sabbatical leave from the inner-city, African-American, all-boys charter school where he is an instructor.
“The knowledge that I gained and people I met have really opened my eyes to the possibilities of what you can accomplish as an independent artist and producer,” Nagurski said of the pricey educational term.
All of the songs on the CD are about relationships.
“Most music is written above love — love gone right — love gone wrong — waiting for the right person to come along,” Nagurski said.
He explains the feelings behind some of the lyrics in his songs:
"In the Morning" is about the feeling you get when you can't believe how lucky you are to have someone in your life that you love.
"Far Away" is about feeling like nothing you do will bring the right person into your life.
"With You" is about longing to be with someone from your past.
"Goodbye Now" is about coming to terms with a bad relationship and knowing that it's time to get out.
"London Rain" is about having someone in your life who you desperately want to make you happy but, for whatever reason, they can't.
"Think Twice" is about letting other opportunities for a relationship pass you by because you have someone perfect in the back of your mind.
"On My Way" is about starting over after a relationship falls apart.
"It's My Love" is about feeling that your ability to love is waking up!
"Why" is about looking back on a relationship and seeing what you could've done differently.
"Now" is about being found, and being comfortable with who you are.
"Going Gone" is about taking steps forward in the direction that you want your life to go.
"Little Hope" is an upbeat song about keeping your head up and staying positive, and knowing that something good is coming along.
Nagurski’s main goal now is to promote the album. The CD will soon be available in independent music stores in the Twin Cities as well as online. In early 2010 it will be available on iTunes a well as other digital distributors. This will make Nagurski’s music available worldwide, where, the singer said, he hopes it will also be heard.
“The World Anew” is available locally at Super One, The Coffee Landing, Fun Sisters, Chocolate Moose, Northern Exposure, Curves, Iverne's, Border Cuts, and the Spot. The singer can also be contacted on Facebook.
The musician is also working with promotional companies that help artists target their market, obtain press releases and reviews, and ignite college and independent radio air play. He also hopes to have his songs licensed for television and film use. With the help of the people in his life, Nagurski thinks that a quality product also has the potential to sell itself.
“Friends telling friends about a great new song has been working for years,” he said. “I’m hoping that happens for ‘The World Anew.’”
Mom Terri is doing her part and told The Journal a cute story about her son’s Airedale “Gus.” The puppy was living with Nick when he was recording his music over and over, but due to his long work schedule, the dog now lives in the Falls with Nick’s parents, Terri and Kevin.
Playing her son’s CD one day, Terri was moved emotionally when Gus perked up, cocked an ear, and came looking for his musical master.
“I know I’m his mom,” Terri said, “but I wake up singing his tunes, and I think they (the CDs) will make great gifts.”
Nagurski’s intended audiences are those who appreciate singer-songwriter genres, he said, adding that his songs have strong singable melodies and some definite beats, but are also good for just listening. He is inspired by artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Colbie Caillat, Guster, Amos Lee, the Goo Goo Dolls, Imogen Heap and Elton John.
His students at the boys school have also inspired him during difficult periods, he said, noting that the inspiration is ironic because it is he who tells them to reach for their dreams.
“Even though I turned 30 this year and am putting out my first album of original songs, it’s a goal that I’ve always had — and now it’s realized.”
