I'm sure if you enjoy going through youtube, listening to music covers of your favourite artists, then im sure by now you will be very familar with nick pitera.

I decided to catch up with him to ask him some tips for upcoming music artist, especially those using youtube for some kind of promotion.

If you dont know Nick, quickly check out his youtube page, before you start reading this interview.

Ok, now with that out of the way, check out what we talked about.

Hi Nick, it’s great to finally have you here on YHP, How are you doing?

I'm doing very well thank you!

Tell us a bit about your background, how did you get involved in music?

I have been singing my entire life. I don't remember a time where I wasn't running around attempting to belt out whatever song was currently stuck in my head.

So how did you get involved in making videos on youtube?

My first YouTube video was a contest entry. A fellow classmate sent me a link to a Disney singing contest that required you to submit your entry via a YouTube video. I thought it would be fun, but never thought very much of it. To my surprise the video view count started to rise rapidly. My friends then told me I should record myself singing a duet, and post that as well.

I decided to post "A Whole New World." That video then went viral. After that I thought YouTube would be a great musical outlet, and decided to continue posting videos.

Since you’ve started, what are some of the advantages, opportunities or edge uploading your videos on youtube has given you?

YouTube has been an amazing experience. Since first posting I have had the opportunity to travel the country singing at various venues and colleges. I was also lucky enough to appear on the Ellen show twice this past year as well as a couple other local and national TV spots.

What are some of the tips that you can an upcoming singer/songwriter that are just getting into the youtube world, what are some of the tactics that worked for you?

Since I sort of stumbled on the YouTube world. I'm not sure what advise to give. A lot of it depends on timing and luck. I think the best thing to do, is make sure you are creating content that is true to you and that you are proud of. If it's good, and people like it, hopefully it will get spread around and receive some exposure.

What is your source of inspiration, what motivates you to write or sing each day?

My inspiration comes from a variety of places. I get inspired by films, musicals, play, musicians, other YouTube singers. I credit the Disney films of the 90's for teaching me to sing, and artists like Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston, for showing me how to belt out a power ballad.

How does 23 years old get himself working at Pixar animation studios? That’s kind of a big deal right?

Lots and lots of hard work.

I know you get a lot of critics attacking your voice, how do you deal with it?

I don't pay attention to it. I am too grateful for all of the opportunities that singing has brought me to focus on the negative. Thankfully the shock value of how I sing seems to have worn off a bit. Now those that view my videos do so because they genuinely like it and want to hear more.

Do you think getting a record deal is as important has it was couple of years ago, you know we’ve seen people leveraging the power of social media and making it work for them? How can an upcoming really leverage the power of social media?

I still think it helps quite a bit. That being said, with the Internet providing people with the means to self promote, I feel self produced and released projects will continue to increase.

What tools do you use to brand yourself and promote your materials?

I use YouTube, Twitter, a Facebook music page, and occasionally a blog to promote my music.

Can you share with us some of the mistakes you’ve along the way and how upcoming singers/songwriters can avoid that?

I am just now getting into my own original music, and really starting to shape who I am as an artist. I think it's important to know what you want to do, and not be a cookie cutter version of someone else. I've learned that finding your own sound and voice is extremely important.

What do you get up to during your me-time?

Since I work full time in the animation industry, I spend a lot of my me time working on music.

What have been some of the key lessons you’ve learnt so far?

I've learned how to deal with negativity. I've also learned the importance of constructive criticism. When people feel safe and distanced on their computer they tend to be very honest. It's important to know what your audience wants and likes. Posting online has really brought that to my attention.

What has been the highlight of your journey so far?

Appearing on the Ellen show as a guest was extremely exciting and and experience I'll never forget.

What should we be expecting from you next?

I just worked on a cover of Taio Cruz's Dynamite with some produces from the UK. That track is now up on iTunes and Amazon. I am now working with them on an EP of covers being released to iTunes sometime in October. I am also working on original music which will hopefully soon follow.

Thanks nick, hope to chat up with you very soon, good luck!

Thanks so much joseph!

Dont forget to also follow nick on twitter @Nickpitera

Support his cover of Taio cruz's Dynamite on iTunes

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