#MusicExchange: Nic Jeffrey releases new single "Say Love"

Now, Jeffrey begins his path as a solo musician. With his music influenced by the likes of Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Matthew Mole, Jeffrey’s sound provides listeners with an eclectic mix of catchy pop hooks, lively rock flavours and fresh elements of indie-folk.

Jeffrey has the video and track out for the new single “Say Love”.

I caught up with Jeffrey last week.  

The new decade means:

It’s now about giving my all in everything I do.

Fame is about:

Being able to make someone’s day by simply taking a picture with them.

Retirement will happen when:

I’m only 21!

I don't do:

Rollercoasters.

What does music mean to you?

The gel that holds all aspects of my life together.

My music is about:

Since starting university, I’ve found myself writing a lot about my struggles with choosing what to do in life. But that’s not all. The crazy thing with songwriting is it makes you write about things you never thought you’d share with anyone. I’ve also written a lot about love, friendships and loss.

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

I’m obsessed with watching live performances of my favourite artists on YouTube. Something about seeing them on stage working their magic inspires me beyond belief.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

When someone tells you how your song made them feel.

The song you must do in every show:

My new single, “Say Love”. It’s the perfect song for me to let loose and allow the music to take me, which helps to get me in the right zone for performing!

Any funny moments on stage:

I’ve genuinely forgotten my own name a few times.

My style icon:

Harry Styles.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

My Dad. Growing up, he wasn’t afraid to follow what he loved, even if that meant going against what others expected of him. He tried many different (sometimes risky) things in his life, and I admire that courage.

What is your most treasured possession?

My guitar. I travel a lot between Cape Town and Joburg, and I don’t think I’ve ever travelled without it.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

An ice-cold Castle Lite.

What makes you stand out?

I try my best to always treat people with as much kindness as possible.

Nicknames?

Jeff, Jeffers, Jeffman, Lucky.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I’m studying for a degree in economics, and I enjoy the financial side of things (investments, etc.).

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?

Someone like Tom Holland. I think we both have that similar goofy kind of humour.

Pick five words to describe yourself:

Loving, kind, impatient, funny and hardworking.

Five favourite SA albums of all time: 

Matthew Mole – The Home We Built
Prime Circle – All or Nothing
Gangs of Ballet – Yes/No/Grey
Beatenberg – The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg
The Parlotones - Dragonflies and Astronauts

What is your favourite word?

Unreal – a short, simple way of describing an unbelievable experience.

Favourite fashion garment:

A corduroy jacket and ripped jeans.

Give us some real proper slang and what it means:

I use the word ‘abjweet’ to describe the state of being blindly drunk!

What do you complain about most often?

Not having enough time.

What is your fear?

Looking back on my life and regretting not doing something I always wanted to do.

On stage, I tend to:

Ruthlessly bop my head back and forth like a pigeon when things get very upbeat.

Where would you like to be right now?

Backstage, about to perform to a festival crowd of over 50,000 people.

Do you do charity work and, if you do, what do you do?

Charity work is so important. I used to volunteer at a local soup kitchen by my house in Joburg. Since moving to Cape Town though, I haven’t done as much as I should.

Wishes and dreams:

Besides playing my own sold-out stadium concert, I just want to create music that connects with people on a deeply emotional level (winning a Grammy would also be pretty cool though!).

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