This past Groove Cruise 2024, we got a chance to sit down with our friend Nikademis, aka Nick Liuzzi. Having recently garnered support from some of the biggest names in dance, including Slander, Illenium, and more, his 10-year journey and story thus far has been one of perseverance, dedication, hard work, and talent. From premiering his song with Slander at Decadence, to having official remixes with Illenium, one with We Are Fury, and one recently with Dabin, to name a few, the burgeoning star humbly, authentically, and openly shares with us his joys, gratitudes, and challenges as a human and as an artist.
During our time on Groove Cruise, we got to catch not one, but THREE of his addictive and heavy sets: Nikademis b2b Highlnd at the Atrium, Nikademis solo set at the Social Lounge, and on the very last day Nikademis b2b Highlnd b2b Danny Olson b2b Nikita Page b2b Hidden Axis at the Neon Owl Casino Stage. Nikademis’s sound can best be described as “dark, mysterious soundscapes and [having] contrastingly empowering melodies and vocals.” With a glance at the black-and-white images on his Instagram profile, it’s obvious that he has the visual branding to match. However, this darkness is not to be confused with his golden heart: during Groove Cruise, despite running on 2 hours of sleep from the prior night, he chose to wake up early to volunteer with the Whet Foundation.
It’s no doubt that Nikademis is passionate about his craft. When asked about his ideal day, he responded shyly:
” I’m naturally introverted…I’d say ideally, waking up – I love breakfast food – having a really good breakfast and literally sitting in my studio, playing video games, and then probably just chilling with my girlfriend at night. Ideally I’d love to see my dog as well…it’s the simple things for me, music has always been my love…that’s what gets me out of bed. “
An artist’s journey is oftentimes non-linear, and Nikademis’s journey has been no exception. He shared that earlier in his journey, he struggled for many years with medical ailments. Being in and out of the hospital and taking on several major surgeries was not only hard on his body, but also on his mental and emotional health. It was also because of those experiences that he became a major proponent of mental health, and connects deeply with Illenium’s phoenix-like resilience from his drug addiction.
“ [I am most grateful for] The opportunity to potentially make a positive impact on others. Music was there for me when I needed it and felt like I had nothing else, when I felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. If I can provide this for someone else, even if it’s one other person then it’s all worth it for me. ”
There is so much in store for Nikademis in the coming year. In addition to kicking the year off with his “Worlds Away” remix for Dabin, he also has an incoming remix for William Black, is supporting Blanke on multiple tour stops, and performing at Dabin’s “Stay in Bloom” Festival happening April 27-28 at the Frost Amphitheater. Watch on to hear more about some challenges as a creative and his thoughts on branding.
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