Getting to Know…Nicholas Tomillon

Reading Time: 6 min read

For the most personal and inspiring interview yet, rising teen musician Nicholas Tomillon provides insight on life, advocacy & ambitious musical endeavors.

The youth of this world are truly amazing – don’t let anyone dare tell you any differently. Bold statement? No, not all. You see, too often, we as a society are too quick to judge, yet fail to listen to the great insight that the ‘future generation’ provides us. Rather than truly embrace the youth, we’re ready to discredit them, and that is definitely wrong. All of that is to say, the youngest interviewee in our ‘Getting to Know’ interview series, Nicholas Tomillon, serves up arguably the most personal and inspiring interview to appear on The Musical Hype yet. He’s merely 15 years old!

What’s amazing about Nicholas is the maturity that he exhibits – he has a hunger and a passion that’s nothing short of awesome. He’s been through his fair share of adversity, something he shares honestly and openly. Despite the hardships that life has dealt him, it’s clear that his love of music is therapeutic, and he has a meaningful, potentially transcendent message to share with the world. Without further ado, one of my favorite interviews to date, Interview #11 with the inspiring Nicholas Tomillon!

Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype (BF): First of all, Nicholas, I’d like to personally thank you for taking the time to answer some questions and share your artistic journey! For those who may not be familiar with you, yet, what makes a young, teenage musician like yourself special or unique?

Nicholas Tomillon (NT): Thank you so much for this opportunity! I wouldn’t really consider myself “special” or “unique”, but on the other hand, I would say that the experiences my life has presented me with are special or unique. Starting with my childhood and a profound love for music, to when I understood my sexual orientation, I’ve learned that every experience life throws at you has a meaning, and contributes to a larger picture. Although things may not make sense the second they are happening, it doesn’t mean it won’t be beneficial down the road.

BF: Awesome. Continuing on, when did you first decide to pursue music? What are some of the goals you have looking towards the future?

NT: I’ve always had a love for music. From a very young age, I’ve constantly found myself either singing in the shower, or losing touch with reality through my headphones. Music has always been a way for me to express my emotions. The first time I saw this truly come to life was when I wrote the first draft of “To My Father”. Talking about my feelings, especially through an audio pleasing form, such as music, has helped me find a strong balance in the nature of understanding myself. In the future, I hope to help more people understand that they are worth living, and that what they have been through does not define them as a person. I am working on more music, including my first EP, along with my first music video. In the future, I hope to perform in cities all around the world.

BF: Influences, influences, influences… Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how do they influence you? Do you have any influences outside of music that push you?

NT: My biggest influence would probably have to be either Lana Del Rey, because of the hardships she has endured, yet she still stays true to her music and influences millions of people daily, or Hayley Kiyoko, because she is not afraid to show her true colors to the world. I am so in love with the fact that she broadcasts her sexuality in a way that not only has helped me, but has helped so many other members of the LGBTQ community to understand that it feels amazing to be your authentic self. In my day to day life, my biggest influences are my best friend, my mom, and my “second mom.” They are always here for me, helping me with whatever it is I need. I am so beyond lucky to have them on my team, and I will cherish them for the rest of my life.

BF: Your single, “To My Father,” is very personal. Can you tell us more about how this particular song came about – how it was developed?

NT: For as long as I can remember, my dad and I have always had a rocky relationship. In his eyes, I never really do anything right. Writing this song has helped me to come face to face with my experiences, and to truly understand how they have affected me. Not only has this song helped me, but people message me every day, whether it be to tell me how much they love the song, or how much they can relate to it, and how it has given them a sense of hope and understanding of the fact that they are not alone.

BF: In addition to “To My Father,” you’ve also released some other interesting singles – “Narcissist” and “Respect.” Must note, that the chorus on “Narcissist” – “I’m a narcissist / I’m careless, I never give a shit…” – is a gem. Anyways, are there any unique backstories or inspirations for those particular records?

NT: “Narcissist” was originally inspired by a friend of mine, who has been diagnosed with DID or Dissociative Identity Disorder. I tried to bring awareness to the fact that everyone has voices in their heads, both good and bad. I was writing about the voice that tells you that you are something you’re not. I wanted people to understand that they should take that negativity and use it as fuel to make them the best person that they can be. This doesn’t mean giving into negativity, whether it comes from within you or from your surroundings, it just means that there is no hurt in trying to be the best you that you can be.

BF: Shifting gears, what’s the craziest, most unusual, or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance, recording session, life, or etc.? Feel free to be creative.

NT: The craziest thing that has ever happened to me would have to be the time that I ran away from home trying to escape my reality. After 2 days, I was found 1,200 miles away from my hometown, then put in juvie for a week. This experience really helped me though, because I learned to understand how much people really care about me, and also how we take so much for granted, because the little things add up. At the end of the day, running from your problems is not the way to fix them, because it only escalates the situation.

BF: You’re at the beginning of your musical career, but, early on, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed? What makes that song special?

NT: My favorite song would have to be “To My Father,” because of how true it is to me, and how great of an impact it’s had on many other people. I am very glad that through my music people are finding hope, and a light at the end of the tunnel.

BF: Closing things out, what are you currently working on and/or promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about?

NT: I am currently working on producing my first EP. I hope to release it in the next couple of months, so please keep your fingers crossed. On top of that, I’m coming very close to performing live for the first time. I am so stoked about that! I can’t wait for all of this to finally start coming to life.

BF: Nicholas, thanks again for sharing this awesome info about life and your rising music career. Best of luck moving forward!

Nicholas Tomillon links, socials, and such:

Official Website: https://nicholastomillonmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholastomillon

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nicktomillon

Spotify Artist Page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/40aCHjVlEAqHQ2gjoCh31H?si=Pvgi-HzAQa64oWbJ81uLGA

“To My Father”: https://www.smarturl.it/ToMyFather

“Narcissist”: http://smarturl.it/StreamNarcissist