Home » Jazz Musicians » Nick Zielinski

Nick Zielinski

I am a drummer, improvisor, instrument builder, and general musical DIYer. I channel my creative energy into self-producing, self-recording, and self-releasing original music and content. I also like cat videos, short walks on flat, paved surfaces and using two spaces after a period when I’m typing.__

In response to COVID and the continual downward spiral of the music industry, I am presently retooling my creative practice to focus on solo performance. I have spent the past year conceptualizing and creating audio applications for my portable-microchip-processor—computing box which serve to replace the human beings that someone like me usually finds himself playing with. I have created three so far. They are all named “Steve.” I like to think of it as a kind of dystopian take on the dehumanizing effects of robotic automation and the unrelenting mandate from the overlords of the capitalist death-cult to keep us all marching toward peak efficiency and maximum profit.

In addition to my shameless pursuit of self-interest, I contribute to a variety of forward-thinking and extremely talented indie music collectives including: (current) ARP of the Covenant, Mantis, BANZÅT Trio, Marginalized and Whoopsy, (defunct) Ingo Bethke, Brenda and the Holsum Family Fiscal Planner, and About Ouch!.

I have also had the honor of performing alongside many iconoclastic musical innovators such as Henry Grimes, Anders Astrand, Thollem McDonas, Anthony Cox, Hanah Jon Taylor, and Anders Svanoe.

I have showcased my music at festivals and conferences such as The Heliotrope Festival, The Northern Spark Festival, The International Society for Improvised Music (ISIM), The Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States (SEAMUS), and The Spark Festival of Electronic Music.

Finally, I have completed commissions to create music for the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Black House Collective in Kansas City, MO.

Gear

Etc...

 


Tags

6
Album Review

Anders Svanoe / Brad Townsend / Nick Zielinski: Mantis

Read "Mantis" reviewed by Mark Corroto


While taking a bit of a breather from releasing his State of the Baritone series, Anders Svanoe joined forces with bassist Brad Townsend and drummer Nick Zielinski to record Mantis. Svanoe's compositions paired with two-thirds of Minneapolis' avant-fusion band ARP Of The Covenant (unplugged here) deliver an assorted mix of highly emotive styles. The trio upgrades the saxophone trio format with freedom, though freedom anchored by some heavy grooves. The title track “Mantis" marches a procession only to be broken ...

Read more articles

“...psychedelic circus music — one imagines clowns riding around on trikes and tents filled with high-wire acts and other feats of defiance.”

-Andrea Cantor (Jazz Police)

“...it's drummer Nick Zielinski who makes the thing groove. His small flourishes and uncluttered approach make the music here dance, hover, float and flit about.”

-Thom Jurek (AllMusic.com)

“Zielinski’s drumming is spectacular throughout... When he plays the drums he takes no back seat to Carl Palmer... one of the most fulfilling adventures you’re likely to hear ”

Read more

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Mantis

Anders Svanoe Music
2022

buy

Negative Space

pfMentum
2019

buy

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.