Meet Nico Romero

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

Hi Nico, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve heard people say “life is short”. Ya know like just do what you want because life is short. This sentiment always kinda scared me. Makes me feel rushed. I’ve had no problem doing what I want as an artist and musician. I love it and I prioritize art in my life. It gives so much back to me but when I think “life is short” I freak out a little thinking about art and life as a timeline. Well recently I heard someone say “life is long”. “Don’t worry, life is long. You’ll figure it out, life is long.” I like this better. It’s easy to get lost in the process and think about the results long before the end. It’s good to have a vision when sculpting an idea, but if you’re not enjoying the road what’s the point? The times I feel rushed in my art are the times I feel the most doubt in what I do. “Life is short” isn’t a bad idea really but “life is long” reminds me not to worry, not to rush, not to compare. I do what I want and I love what I do so I take my time. I look around and I like the view, whether it’s a tiny stage in a bar or behind a recording mic in my buddies room.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started a band last year called Cody’s Program and I also work as a prop master for a company called Dropout. So, two pretty different kinds of art, but I love both and center my life around being able to do both. It’s hard to pinpoint when the road started because I’ve just been making art for forever. But I guess the past 6 years really detail the work. With both music and working in film, it’s really just about taking as many opportunities as you can when you start out. Even when it’s scary or feels like nothing will come of it. I’d say every show I played to no one and every job I worked doing something I didn’t like all led to what I do now.
Last year when I started the band, I had actually left a previous project. In my heart the decision was easy but in my head I knew this was gonna be a big change, basically closing a door I had spent over 6 years prying open. But I knew I needed to pursue my own thing, performing songs that came entirely from my life. Some would call it a risk leaving something that was just about to take off, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I’ve been working pretty hard every day trying to get this band on its legs while also balancing the work I do as a prop master. In some ways they go hand in hand though. At work I have been asked to be on camera a handful of times, which I love and I’ve garnered a few fans along the way. The show I work on is called Game Changer, you can stream it On Dropout.tv. The fans are super sweet and some have shown the band some love and support which is incredible to see. I never thought my job could connect people to my music.
Right now Im excited about the release of the latest season of Game Changer as well as the release of the band’s debut EP in July. Cody’s Program is also going on tour in July! You can find those dates on our instagram. This is a really fun part of the process, getting to share the art, see how fans can relate to it, and meet more people along the way. I’m at a part of the cycle where I can look back and enjoy what I helped make. This past year I learned a lot about following my gut and speaking up and knowing when to lead or be led. Balance is key.

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.
So I actually did have a friend in town last week haha. We did a lot, had jam-packed days and still didn’t get to everything on the list. It’s a big city. But what I’d say is you gotta see a band. There’s a show like nearly everyday somewhere in the city. Permanent Record Roadhouse, Gold Diggers, and The Goldfish are some of my favorite spots for locals bands. Food? There’s a bunch. Pretty much any stand on a sidewalk will do you good. Some good sit downs are Santo in Silverlake – probably the best sushi I’ve ever had, and Spoke in Frogtown, which has a great burger and is located right on the river.
Also Delia’s in highland park is a sweet little cafe, I love their breakfast. I grew up in Eagle Rock which is northeast LA and I really love the neighborhoods in that area. I live in highland park now and you really can’t go wrong hitting up a few bars along York and walking around that area on a summer night. Good food and chill bars all over, plus a bunch of beautiful houses if you wanted to take a bike ride around the neighborhood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I wanna dedicate this shoutout to my beautiful partner Charlie. We’ve been together for 7 years now. They had seen me play some shows back in college before we met and now they don’t miss a show. When I feel doubt or fear I look to them to feel better. I bounce so many ideas off of them whether its showing them new songs or my thoughts on the next video I wanna make. They’ve helped me print my band’s logo on shirts, they’ve given me rides to band practice when I didn’t have a car, and they have even paid full price for tickets to shows that had low attendance rates, even when I didn’t ask them to. I work hard for myself but I work double hard to impress them. So, thank you for being one of my first fans Charlie, you have lifetime access to the guest list and the green room.

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@codysprogram

Image Credits
EP cover art by Mitch Thompson. Press Photos by Alex Leombruno. Tour flyer by Linnea Torres