Interview with Next Stop Atlanta guitarist Nik Taylor

Guitarist Nik Taylor of the pop/punk band Next Stop Atlanta spoke to me recently about the group’s upcoming release, The Things You Do Best. For the past two years the female-fronted band has been steadily making a name for themselves through hard work and constant gigging. Here is how the conversation with Taylor went.

I understand you guys are working on a new EP. Can you tell us a bit about it?
Nik: For sure! The next record is finished and is being released (digitally) on February 14th. Six new songs are featured on the release, titled The Things You Do Best.

What’s the story behind the band name?
Nik: With Atlanta being in Georgia, and our vocalist being named Georgia, we felt it was fitting.

Any idea when it will be released?
Nik: February 14th, 2012 (digitally). The physical release will be available from late March.

What is your writing process like?
Nik: What tends to happen is that I will come up with a few riff ideas, vocal melodies and a basic structure. Then we all creatively put our ideas into the song to create a solid composition.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Nik: We write about personal experiences, current affairs, issues, interests, etc. Whilst making sure the content is engaging and relateable to our audience.

Times are tough these days. Do you have a job when you are not touring?
Nik: Yes, Anthony (drums) works for a popular supermarket chain. Blake (bass) works in IT. Georgia (vocals) works for a jewelry store and I work in a college.

What three words best describe your band?
Nik: Bold. Passionate. Charismatic.

Do you have any touring plans for 2012?
Nik: Yes, at this stage we are planning a few tours and keeping ourselves gigging as often as possible. Expect to see us at a town near year throughout the year.

What is next for Next Stop Atlanta?
Nik: New record and music video out early/mid February. Plenty of touring/festivals in support of the releases. New material being written and demoed throughout the year. Generally, us keeping busy and fresh in people’s faces! Thank you.

Check out the song: “I’m Not Morrissey”