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

Hi Nick, how do you think about risk?

I think learning to cope with risks in life is something you should feel comfortable with. Once my step mom told me that if I don’t risk anything I will never gain anything and that really stuck with me. I think she was talking more about gambling in Vegas, but it applies to many things.

In my twenties I moved to New York from LA with a no plan and only knew three people there. It was a huge risk and a very spontaneous decision I made without really thinking. But it paid off for me and changed my life massively. I think that is really the role risks play in my life. I take massive risks without even knowing it or even thinking about it. It’s probably not very safe, but sometimes you can win big.

I think also anyone who identifies as a performing artist is taking risks. When you are performing there are often no places to hide, and you only have one chance to do something. You have to live in the moment and make the best of it. Being a performing artist has made me very comfortable with risk, and with failure, but that is another story.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a musician. Around 2009 I found out that I could make my own musical instruments. Then I started making software bits that works with my instruments, like synthesizers and drum machines. Once I started doing this I went down a deep rabbit hole and started studying 3D printing and other skills so I could really make things EXACTLY how I wanted them. I am unique in that I am the only person that plays the instruments I work with, because I made them and they are the only ones in existence.

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.
I grew up in LA and I really think it is a magical place if you can penetrate the vast geography of it. Late at night I like to go to the bluffs in Santa Monica, look at the moon and listen to the waves. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place. If you bring a friend it’s a nice place to hangout and talk.

My favorite restaurant in LA is Dos Burritos in Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. Hands down the best place to eat in LA. I get coffee several times a week at Espresso Profeta in Westwood. It’s a great place to start your day and you can sit outside in the sun on the patio.

The best bar in LA is Lost and Found on National Blvd near Barrington. They’ve been closed since the pandemic, but when they reopen I will be the first person in there. The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I am a little scared to answer this, because there are so many people who are responsible for who I am today. All of my friends, peers, people I have worked with or worked for have taught me many valuable lessons.

This might be a cliche answer, but really my mom is responsible for me being comfortable to make decisions in life based on what i wanted to do, and not based on what I thought society or the status quo would want me to do. She told me it was good to follow my heart and my instincts and not do what would be a safe life/career path that I would probably hate. This seems like a super obvious thing, but many people I know did not follow their heart, and I probably wouldn’t have either without her support. Sometimes we just need someone to point out the most obvious thing.

Website: https://smomid.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/smomid

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smomid

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ieeZIOjg-oxHnSswuysCQ

Other: https://smomid.bandcamp.com/

Image Credits
Ken Butler, Paul John, Nick Demopoulos

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.