Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole McFly.
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started in 2019 when I quit my day job and drove myself to the IB pier. In hopes to calm myself down I sat on a rock wall at the beginning of the pier with my guitar and I started singing my unfinished song called “Tijuanauta”. A man sat next to me, silently observed the horizon & occasionally nodding his head in approval. When I stopped singing he asked me where my bucket was… he wanted to give me money. I didn’t know what busking was at the time but he insisted I took his money. My song (which I thought would never reach the public ear) moved him in some way and it reminded him of México. I think he gave me like $5 and I couldn’t believe it. I ran to my car and grabbed a Beatles lunch box from the trunk and sang the same minute of the unfinished song over and over. I kept coming back everyday and wrote 3 songs to perform out there. As I gained confidence I developed a niche for entertainment.
One day, a photographer approached me and asked to take pictures of me. We talked for a little and he told me about an Open Mic in Coronado Island at “Cafe 1134” (It closed down but it was a cool spot). Again, I didn’t know what an Open Mic was but I went. There I landed my first solo gig at Cafeina Cafe in City Heights. I met other musicians and started going to night jams all over San Diego.
Today I am performing with a full band all over San Diego, released my first EP in 2023 called “Acérquense Niños”. I am currently working in a short film for my song “El Llanto del Migrante”, and I am recording my next project… life’s good.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest obstacle has been me, myself, and I. You know….. the classics: silly self-doubt, the monkey mind, and a sprinkle of impostor syndrome. Nevertheless, I think these are only obstacles of the mind and a taste of the human experience.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Growing up between México and the U.S. shaped my voice and perspective, giving me a unique lens on identity, culture, and creativity. My sound dabbles in jazz, blues, freak folk, latin rock, theater and beyond—brought to life by a rotating cast of talented musicians like rhythm / lead guitarist & bassist Devin Peyton . I am proud of my live shows. I like to entertain and give people a good time, considering they got ready, left their homes, made their way to our show, and payed an entrance fee. The least I can do is give them a good time.
My shows are known for being hypnotic, electric, and interactive, often featuring trumpet, tuba, flute, congas, and violins. I like to tell stories and reflect on the times with the audience… It’s always a good time for that.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I think San Diego is the definition of “Small World”, it’s cool to run into people and finding out they know someone that knows someone that knows me. San Diego is home, but a good friend of mine who now resides in New York said something cool once: “San Diego is like a loading screen”. I think there’s truth to that statement & a lot of artists need to step out of SD to grow (whether that is permanently or temporarily). Once you conquer the scenes you hit a wall and you get hungry for more. I’ve noticed that a lot of the people that stay in SD come from other parts of the US or even the world. I guess that’s what is beautiful about migrating from your nest.
Pricing:
- Solo set price: $150-$300
- Duo set price: $200-$400
- Full band price: $550-$1,500
- 13 piece orquestrated performance: $2,000-$3,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/nicolemcfly
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.mcfly/?hl=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nicolemcfly…
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/l3PtSC8N183MJ27PD3
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4AIjjdHIaZXwwxDb8GnQ4l
Image Credits
Paris is Burning
Shot by Fabi
Boshua / Josh
MilliFrames
Los Shadows
