Meet Nicholas Petrillo | Owner, NPM Productions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicholas Petrillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicholas, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I was younger, I used to think that work was the end-all, be-all. I was a hard worker throughout school, in studies other than music, and as I progressed through college, I began to have blinders on for my career and becoming the best musician I could be. To that end, for most of my 20s, I worked long hours, 7 days a week, without a thought for days off. As I got older, my priorities shifted, and I started to understand that work can be limited if you put the limitations on it yourself. I started leaving the emails and the projects in the studio, and pursued other interests, built and nurtured relationships, and focused on my well-being. I realized that the work will always be there, and that if you pinpoint your work hours and are diligent in what you’re doing, you can complete tasks just as quickly as if you worked 10-12 hours a day. These days, I’m adamant about a structured 40-hour work week for myself, and structure my weeks to have ample time for my personal life.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
For years, I was a freelance keyboardist who took small jobs here and there to pay the bills. About a year after college, I decided that I needed to brand my unique approach to band leading, music directing, and arranging, which would allow artists to use my company as a one-stop-shop for their production needs, whether live or in the studio. Over the course of a decade, we’ve produced shows for some of the biggest film studios in Los Angeles, independent artists, and corporate events. I wouldn’t say it was easy, it’s had it’s growing pains, and there is always something in each project that you say “I need to make sure that never happens again.” You continue to grow your knowledge base which allows you to come closer and closer to the most streamlined process you can obtain. We’re still a grassroots operation, but the musicians, vocalists, sound, and lighting companies we work alongside are all wonderful people, and I’ve learned to only use professionals with reliability and a positive attitude.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is quite a city. One of my favorite spots during the summer is Paradise Cove over in Malibu. I’m also a fan of Manhattan Beach and all of it’s bars down the main strip. During the day, you have to take a hike up to Mt. Hollywood, and stop in Aroma Cafe afterwards in Studio City. If you’re looking for music, check out Vibrato’s if you want something swanky, or Baked Potato if you just want a bar scene. The Troubadour is always a must in LA!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve got to give the biggest shout-out to my parents for their support in my pursuit of a career in music. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the courage or knowledge to succeed. Also, I have to give a huge shout-out to Berklee College of Music, which taught me so much about the current trends in the music industry.

Website: www.nickpetrillomusic.com

Instagram: nickpmusic

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-petrillo-221b0336/

Facebook: Nick Petrillo Music

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAHZkQ28e4hnqUZIP4xI6FQ

Image Credits
Photographer: Vinney Dawson