Thomas Nicholas Band

?You might think you know Thomas Ian Nicholas because he portrayed Kevin in American Pie, the strong-armed Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year or maybe you think you know him from another character in one of his many movies. I have some news for you, though: once you hear this man sing, you're going to remember him as Thomas Ian Nicholas, the multi-talented funny man with an amazing set of pipes. Thomas and his band, the Thomas Nicholas Band (also known as TNB) released their latest album, Heroes Are Human on June 2010. If you think this man is only great in movies, you are truly mistaken. Thankfully, his tour is making a stop in Orange County tonight at La Cave. This is one star you do not want to miss shining.

OC Weekly (Ali Lerman): Where did you come up with such a clever name for your band?
Thomas Ian Nicholas: I actually had a little help from my parents. They didn't mean to help...they just named me. I plagiarized them. I decided to use my name because I'm a big fan of Bruce Springsteen and John Mayer. I thought I would follow in their footsteps instead of an actual band name.

So you were in a band when you were young and then you went solo. What make you want to start a band again?
Hmmmm...how do I explain that? I was seventeen when I started my first band, and I probably went through about five drummers. I put everything on hold for about five years while I directed a film. When I came out of that haze, I decided to make another album. I made an EP when I was 20-years-old but I didn't like the sound so I shelved it. In 2005, I decided I would give it another go, and I started writing some music that I really dug. I just went full- throttle on it. I toured solo acoustically and then slowly put together a band. Comradely of a band is fun, but sometimes it is hard to rally the troops.

What was the name of your very first band?
[Laughs.] I am not telling you that! You'll realize that my name has always been a part of my band names. It's always been an acronym, but that is as much as I will tell you. I mean, it's out there; you'll just have to Google it to find out. You have to think like a seventeen-year-old boy.

Ummm.... a seventeen-year-old boy? Now my mind is running fowl.
OK. That's thinking like us now. You have to think like a young adolescent. You'd have to think back to the age of innocence. My mom thought the name I chose was cool. If you Google me, it'll be in the Top 10.

I am up for the challenge! I read that you started writing music in high school. Are there any songs that you look back now and cringe at?
The first album that I put out definitely have some cringers. That is why I always call my 2008 album Without Warning "my first album." I don't really refer to my first three albums! I've technically released six albums, but I just don't talk about the first three. There are one or two songs that I would perform now from those albums, but I'm pretty sure my cousin wrote them.

?What makes you more nervous, attending a movie premiere or performing a live show?
Neither. I don't get nervous for live shows. I just have fun. At a movie premiere, the film is complete--either people are going to like it or they're not. There isn't really anything I can do about it, so there is no point to being nervous! Speaking in front of crowd without my guitar makes me nervous. But if I have my guitar, I am all good!

So your guitar is kind of like your blankey?
[Laughs.] Yeah, I am like Linus with a guitar instead of a blanket.

What would you say is the main difference between movie and music groupies?
Boy! I don't know that I have any groupies? I think the main difference between the two is that music is more of an emotional connection to people and the movies don't really have the same emotional connection. If that makes any sense? You never really drive down the road and get a movie stuck in your head.

It makes perfect sense. You feel like people are singing to you personally, and in a movie you know they are acting.
Right. You're not really thinking: "Wow! they're acting just for me!"

Wait. So Brad Pitt didn't ride that horse in Legends of the Fall just for me?
No, no. He did. You can actually Google it. If you type in "Brad Pitt ride horse for Ali," then click "feeling lucky," and you'll find it. It's in the Top 10 searches.

I'd prefer to click images. I'm sure you get this question all of the time, but are there talks about another American Pie flick?
Yes. It's all over the net! They are currently writing American Pie 4 with the original cast. It's not official or anything, but it is being written. Whether or not it gets made is the question. I hope it happens because it would be fun. That's about all I know.

What about Rookie of the Year? Any sequel plans for that?
[Laughs.] Now that I am 30, I might be a little old for a sequel. I'm a big fan of East Bound and Down, so I thought it would be hilarious to reprise the role of Henry - OC WEEKLY - By Ali Lerman, Fri., Jan. 21 2011

Thomas Ian Nicholas might have first caught our eye over 11 years ago in the film franchise American Pie, but this summer he reintroduced himself to a more cerebral crowd with the release of Nicole Holofcener's new film Please Give. On top of that, Nicholas has a new album out, Heroes Are Human, and four new films slated for later this year. Here, he shares his recent snowboarding experiences at the Sundance Film Festival, talks winter pool parties and discusses a strange experience involving duct tape and In-N-Out Burger On the set of American Pie.

Tell me about your new movies coming out. Let's start with Please Give.

It's one of the most honest performances I have given thanks to Nicole. I play the love interest of Rebecca Hall in the movie that also stars Amanda Peet, Catherine Keener and Oliver Platt. The film takes a semi-cynical look at the lives of these flawed New Yorkers. However, my character brings hope to the story. Don't be fooled by the preview -- this is not a chick flick. Read the reviews and go see this movie. It was theatrically released nationwide in June, so you may have to wait for DVD.

What about The Chicago 8?

I play the outspoken, cultural revolutionary Abbie Hoffman. The film focuses on the federal trial of 1969 where eight men were indicted for crossing state lines with the intent to insight a riot. I spent so much time preparing for the role that the spirit of Abbie Hoffman lives on in me. I was even inspired to write a song that is track nine on my new album. It's called "Revolution Now."

And Fading of the Cries?

It's a fantasy/action/horror movie that I produced and acted in. The film was written and directed by Brian Metcalf. He has a visual effects background which gives him such a unique vision for the world he has created. The film has been in post production for over a year because it has more CGI shots than a 50 million dollar studio film. I'll post about the release on my twitter page (@TINband)

You went to The Sundance Film Festival with Please Give, what was the experience like?

I've been to the festival twice before, but this was the first time that one of my films was officially a part of Sundance. The majority of my time was spent promoting Please Give and the rest I spent snowboarding. I know, I know ... I should have seen more movies, but there was this huge snowstorm that came in and I just couldn't pass up the chance to board on some fresh pow pow. I mean, I grew up in SoCal so all I ever boarded on were groomers. It was my first time on powder and it was epic.

Any on-set stories you can share?

While shooting Please Give we filmed our driving scene with the car being towed on a trailer. The camera was on the drivers side, mounted with metal brackets that were tucked in-between the window and the door. We were waiting to shoot the next scene and chatting with the crew. Now, you've got to consider that film shoots are 12 hours a day and usually for at least a month. So you don't get much free time with your loved ones, especially if you're shooting on location. With that in mind, it will make more sense as to why the topic of conversation was about sex and how while you're working on a film you don't get to have much of it. So, we were joking around and taking a vote. Raise your hand if it's been two weeks. Raise your hand if it's been one week. My wife had just come to visit me in New York, so I was patiently waiting for my turn to vote. Finally, it got down to raise your hand if you had sex yesterday. I excitedly raised my hand and just as I did, my window exploded! I guess at that particular moment we hit a bump in the road. The little metal bracket tucked in-between the glass and the door must have shifted from the weight of the camera. The metal punctured the glass and caused the window to shatter. The only bummer was the camera wasn't rolling and we didn't catch the moment on film.

Chicago 8 is about protesters at the 1968 Democratic Convention. What are some hot topics you would protest for?

I'm against the budget cuts that are affecting the art and music programs in the public school system. I think that it's important to teach the next generation how to express themselves artistically. I play a yearly charity event for an organization called the Life Through Art Foundation that puts underprivileged kids into art programs. I consider that a good band aid to the issue. I'm also planning on getting involved with the Creative Coalition, which lobbies Congress for budget reform as it pertains to the music and art programs in public schools.

Who is one of your favorite characters you've played?

Mitch, from Roger Avary's adaptation of Rules of Attraction -- mainly because it was the performance most outside of my own personality.

Do you have a favorite memory from filming American Pie?

Let me start off by saying that I'm a huge fan of In-N-Out Burger. In American Wedding, I was duct taped to a chair during - Paper Mag

Actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas (Rookie of the Year, A Kid in King Arthur's Court, the first three American Pie movies) has a strong new CD, Without Warning, that he's just released independently. The CD is a collection of aggressive roots-based rock with lyrics that are decidedly positive in nature. "With acting, I am performing what someone else has already written," says Nicholas. "And with my music, it's like I am the director. I write, compose and perform it the way I feel it should be." Check out the new CD at www.thomasiannicholas .com or ask him to be your friend on MySpace/thomasiannicholas.

by Tom Kidd - Music Connection

Actor and musician Thomas Ian Nicholas (Rookie of the Year, A Kid in King Arthur's Court, the first three American Pie movies) has a strong new CD, Without Warning, that he's just released independently. The CD is a collection of aggressive roots-based rock with lyrics that are decidedly positive in nature. "With acting, I am performing what someone else has already written," says Nicholas. "And with my music, it's like I am the director. I write, compose and perform it the way I feel it should be." Check out the new CD at www.thomasiannicholas .com or ask him to be your friend on MySpace/thomasiannicholas.

by Tom Kidd - Music Connection

Sure, you loved him in the American Pie movies, but for us, actor
Thomas Ian Nicholas will forever be remembered for his starring
role in one of our favorite sports movies, 1993’s Rookie of the
Year. What you probably don’t know is that Thom (that’s what he
let’s us call him because we’re buds now), has been a serious
songwriter/musician since he was 14, and he put his
considerable skillz to work last week with a visit to the airconditioned
splendor of Club R&R. Affable, charming and a
damned good guitar player, Thom played a few cuts from his
forthcoming self-released CD Without Warning, which will be
available on iTunes on Jan. 15. Until then (and with four movies
in the can), Thom is preparing a nationwide tour that kicks off
Dec. 27 at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. To hear this music
for yourself, go to www.myspace.com/thomasiannicholas

by Kevin Carter

- Radio & Records Magazine: Street Talk Daily

Acoustic Tour 2007

the Players:
Thomas Ian Nicholas, vocals, acoustic guitar. Mark Robertson, violin. Tina Guo, cello.

Material:
the Artists album is titled WITHOUT WARNING, and that pretty much encapsulates the surprising strength of his music. In case his name doesn't ring a bell, you've probably seen Thomas Ian Nicholas a few times (in American Pie and Grey's Anatomy, et al) Like Jared Leto (30 seconds to Mars), he's an actor crossing over into music. His pop rock material reflects the attitude and style John Mayer. Though his lyrics tend to be simplistic, his music is not. In fact, at times, it's as beautiful as Mayer's best work.

Musicianship:
Nicholas is a strong Rhythm guitarist with an even stronger voice. His vocals sell the songs well, emotionally and stylistically. When joined by Robertson and Guo, on violin and cello, everything comes to life. The strings give the material depth as well as substance. And as a trio, they're outstanding, except that Robertson and Guo used charts to play their parts. That detracted from the performance.

Performance:
One of the major differences between actors and musicians involves the distinction between entertaining and communicating. Nicholas was entertaining but he didn't communicate or connect with the audience, effectively. Instead, there seemed to be a wall between him and them, exemplified by the fact that no one got close to the stage. It would have helped if he warmed up the crowd and enticed them to his world.

Summary: Thomas Ian Nicholas is a talented young artist with strong musical instincts. His lyrics could use some work and his audience interaction needs improvement. Nevertheless, Nicholas has obvious potential and he could pull of the transition from actor to musician. If he does, he can join Leto in a small but elite group - actors who are true musicians.
-Bernard Baur

- Music Connection

Acoustic Tour 2007

the Players:
Thomas Ian Nicholas, vocals, acoustic guitar. Mark Robertson, violin. Tina Guo, cello.

Material:
the Artists album is titled WITHOUT WARNING, and that pretty much encapsulates the surprising strength of his music. In case his name doesn't ring a bell, you've probably seen Thomas Ian Nicholas a few times (in American Pie and Grey's Anatomy, et al) Like Jared Leto (30 seconds to Mars), he's an actor crossing over into music. His pop rock material reflects the attitude and style John Mayer. Though his lyrics tend to be simplistic, his music is not. In fact, at times, it's as beautiful as Mayer's best work.

Musicianship:
Nicholas is a strong Rhythm guitarist with an even stronger voice. His vocals sell the songs well, emotionally and stylistically. When joined by Robertson and Guo, on violin and cello, everything comes to life. The strings give the material depth as well as substance. And as a trio, they're outstanding, except that Robertson and Guo used charts to play their parts. That detracted from the performance.

Performance:
One of the major differences between actors and musicians involves the distinction between entertaining and communicating. Nicholas was entertaining but he didn't communicate or connect with the audience, effectively. Instead, there seemed to be a wall between him and them, exemplified by the fact that no one got close to the stage. It would have helped if he warmed up the crowd and enticed them to his world.

Summary: Thomas Ian Nicholas is a talented young artist with strong musical instincts. His lyrics could use some work and his audience interaction needs improvement. Nevertheless, Nicholas has obvious potential and he could pull of the transition from actor to musician. If he does, he can join Leto in a small but elite group - actors who are true musicians.
-Bernard Baur

- Music Connection

Most of you probably know Thomas Ian Nicholas best for his roles in Rookie of the Year (1993), A Kid in King Arthur’s Court (1995),and, of course, the American Pie series,of which he appeared in the first three. He has alsoappeared in many other films, sitcoms, prime-time dramas and talk shows.

But did you know he is also a talented and established singer/songwriter?
I didn’t know, either, until I stumbled upon his MySpace page, and the music made stop in my tracks. Nicholas’ previous band, the T.I.N. Men, released an album entitled “Something More” in 1998. Since then, he has had opportunities
to work with such greats as Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction, Bruce Kulick of KISS and Dan Lavery of Tonic). Nicholas has been playing acoustic shows throughout the U.S. , recently performed at the Double Door, where he opened for local favorites Swizzle Tree and Shock Stars. Nicholas took the time to
answer a few questions for Clubline:

CC: What inspired you to focus on music so much?

Thomas Ian Nicholas: I started about 13 years ago when I was 14 and did an album when I was 17. Started with my two best friends and, actually, was all Christian rock. I’m not really doing the Christian rock thing anymore, but, you know, I still like to try and put out positive messages through my music.
And I’ve been writing songs since I could play like three chords. So it’s
something I’ve always been into but it’s just now starting to gain momentum. So I’m now trying to focus more on it because it seems to really work for me at this time in my life. I am finally really happy with the songs and I seem to get a lot more attention or reactions actually from people and they tell me how much they like it. And while that feels good to hear, but most importantly I am happy with what I have written. So, I guess that is what it’s about...when
you finally feel good about something you can do, and then others will react
to that positively. And, you know, I am the type of person that keeps a really good disc in the front seat of my car and listens to it over and over, and I really hope that my music will make people want to listen to it over and over and maybe even get a different feeling about it each time.

CC: Is there a story you are telling with your music?

TIN: I write what I know. I am not trying to preach to anyone. Just basically want people to feel good listening to it.

CC: I know we said we wouldn’t talk about any of your movies, but do any of the characters you have played affect or influence anything you have written?

TIN: Hmm...no. Well, the way I differentiate the two is, with acting, I am performing what someone else has already written and take direction. And with my music, it’s like I am the director. I made it. I write, compose, and perform it the way I feel it should be. And I am not fitting into someone else’s mold of how they think it should be expressed. And my songs are usually about whatever strikes me in the moment. Plus, that way I am in control. Oh, great. Now I sound like a control freak!

CC: Not at all! It completely makes sense. Where would you like to see your music go or what direction are you taking with it?

TIN: Well, I am definitely not about trying to be a huge rock star or anything and I just really want to find someone that truly appreciates the way I love to write and not change me. Let me be who I am and continue to hopefully make
others feel good listening to it. I really just enjoy something I just created and being able to focus and play it well. I am very fortunate to have that ability and there is nothing that feels better than when someone tells you how inspired they are after you sing for them. It doesn’t even have to be singing. A good performer truly loves what they do.

CC: What do you have to say to people that say, “Oh, great. Another
actor-turned-singer using his ‘status’ to promote his music?”

TIN: Um, I don’t think so much for me but there is a negative connotation about it. Some have not been very successful at it, and that is why for me, right now, I am doing an acoustic tour and really putting it out there. It’s just me and my guitar.
I am not hiding behind anything, and if someone wants to think that I suck, then so be it. But, of course, I would hope they think I’m good. I mean, right now I am getting really great responses and people are asking me back to a lot of places and it feels really good to be asked to come back.

CC: Well, for us here in Chicago, we would definitely love to have you back
for another show!

TIN: Well, thank you! You know my wife, Colette, is a resident DJ at Smart Bar here. So that in itself is pretty cool because I love to visit Chicago. And I definitely plan to come back again for more shows. In the meantime, I’m finishing up a couple
movies due out next year and just will keep on making new music.

by Michelle Dudley - Clubline Chicago Magazine

Most of you probably know Thomas Ian Nicholas best for his roles in Rookie of the Year (1993), A Kid in King Arthur’s Court (1995),and, of course, the American Pie series,of which he appeared in the first three. He has alsoappeared in many other films, sitcoms, prime-time dramas and talk shows.

But did you know he is also a talented and established singer/songwriter?
I didn’t know, either, until I stumbled upon his MySpace page, and the music made stop in my tracks. Nicholas’ previous band, the T.I.N. Men, released an album entitled “Something More” in 1998. Since then, he has had opportunities
to work with such greats as Chris Chaney of Jane’s Addiction, Bruce Kulick of KISS and Dan Lavery of Tonic). Nicholas has been playing acoustic shows throughout the U.S. , recently performed at the Double Door, where he opened for local favorites Swizzle Tree and Shock Stars. Nicholas took the time to
answer a few questions for Clubline:

CC: What inspired you to focus on music so much?

Thomas Ian Nicholas: I started about 13 years ago when I was 14 and did an album when I was 17. Started with my two best friends and, actually, was all Christian rock. I’m not really doing the Christian rock thing anymore, but, you know, I still like to try and put out positive messages through my music.
And I’ve been writing songs since I could play like three chords. So it’s
something I’ve always been into but it’s just now starting to gain momentum. So I’m now trying to focus more on it because it seems to really work for me at this time in my life. I am finally really happy with the songs and I seem to get a lot more attention or reactions actually from people and they tell me how much they like it. And while that feels good to hear, but most importantly I am happy with what I have written. So, I guess that is what it’s about...when
you finally feel good about something you can do, and then others will react
to that positively. And, you know, I am the type of person that keeps a really good disc in the front seat of my car and listens to it over and over, and I really hope that my music will make people want to listen to it over and over and maybe even get a different feeling about it each time.

CC: Is there a story you are telling with your music?

TIN: I write what I know. I am not trying to preach to anyone. Just basically want people to feel good listening to it.

CC: I know we said we wouldn’t talk about any of your movies, but do any of the characters you have played affect or influence anything you have written?

TIN: Hmm...no. Well, the way I differentiate the two is, with acting, I am performing what someone else has already written and take direction. And with my music, it’s like I am the director. I made it. I write, compose, and perform it the way I feel it should be. And I am not fitting into someone else’s mold of how they think it should be expressed. And my songs are usually about whatever strikes me in the moment. Plus, that way I am in control. Oh, great. Now I sound like a control freak!

CC: Not at all! It completely makes sense. Where would you like to see your music go or what direction are you taking with it?

TIN: Well, I am definitely not about trying to be a huge rock star or anything and I just really want to find someone that truly appreciates the way I love to write and not change me. Let me be who I am and continue to hopefully make
others feel good listening to it. I really just enjoy something I just created and being able to focus and play it well. I am very fortunate to have that ability and there is nothing that feels better than when someone tells you how inspired they are after you sing for them. It doesn’t even have to be singing. A good performer truly loves what they do.

CC: What do you have to say to people that say, “Oh, great. Another
actor-turned-singer using his ‘status’ to promote his music?”

TIN: Um, I don’t think so much for me but there is a negative connotation about it. Some have not been very successful at it, and that is why for me, right now, I am doing an acoustic tour and really putting it out there. It’s just me and my guitar.
I am not hiding behind anything, and if someone wants to think that I suck, then so be it. But, of course, I would hope they think I’m good. I mean, right now I am getting really great responses and people are asking me back to a lot of places and it feels really good to be asked to come back.

CC: Well, for us here in Chicago, we would definitely love to have you back
for another show!

TIN: Well, thank you! You know my wife, Colette, is a resident DJ at Smart Bar here. So that in itself is pretty cool because I love to visit Chicago. And I definitely plan to come back again for more shows. In the meantime, I’m finishing up a couple
movies due out next year and just will keep on making new music.

by Michelle Dudley - Clubline Chicago Magazine

"From the Trailer park to the Movie Trailers" is how Thomas Ian Nicholas puts it. Born at Sunrise Hospital and a resident of Pahrump until he was 2, the actor best known as Kevin Meyers in the original American Pie trilogy spent a good chunk of 2007 shooting four films. He also rekindled a love of songwriting he first discovered at age 14 and shared with cousin and Vegas native Will Murphy; the year also saw Nicholas finish a record, complete a 50-date solo acoustic tour and put together Thomas Ian Nicholas and the Rojo Trio with whom he performed seven full-band dates.

"I knew that I wanted to start a band , and I hadn't played in one for at least 8 years," Nicholas Explains. "So I started the acoustic tour to get my chops up. I figured, 'If I can manage a stage by myself, then it would be easier with a band.'"

Without Warning, Nicholas' first solo album (former Christian band the T.I.N. Men released Something More in 1998), features appearances by members of Kiss, Jane's Addiction and Motley Crue and will be released January 15th via iTunes. As far as touring behind his optimistic-leaning, modern-rock labor of love, Nicholas has found himself going solo once again. "I don't have a deal, I don't have a manager, I don't have a booking manager," he says. "I don't have a huge industry machine behind me. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, Learning how to do things for yourself." - Julie Seabaugh - Las Vegas Weekly

"From the Trailer park to the Movie Trailers" is how Thomas Ian Nicholas puts it. Born at Sunrise Hospital and a resident of Pahrump until he was 2, the actor best known as Kevin Meyers in the original American Pie trilogy spent a good chunk of 2007 shooting four films. He also rekindled a love of songwriting he first discovered at age 14 and shared with cousin and Vegas native Will Murphy; the year also saw Nicholas finish a record, complete a 50-date solo acoustic tour and put together Thomas Ian Nicholas and the Rojo Trio with whom he performed seven full-band dates.

"I knew that I wanted to start a band , and I hadn't played in one for at least 8 years," Nicholas Explains. "So I started the acoustic tour to get my chops up. I figured, 'If I can manage a stage by myself, then it would be easier with a band.'"

Without Warning, Nicholas' first solo album (former Christian band the T.I.N. Men released Something More in 1998), features appearances by members of Kiss, Jane's Addiction and Motley Crue and will be released January 15th via iTunes. As far as touring behind his optimistic-leaning, modern-rock labor of love, Nicholas has found himself going solo once again. "I don't have a deal, I don't have a manager, I don't have a booking manager," he says. "I don't have a huge industry machine behind me. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, Learning how to do things for yourself." - Julie Seabaugh - Las Vegas Weekly

AMERICAN ROCK STAR

PULLING DOUBLE DUTY WITH MUSIC & FILM
THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS PROVES THAT YOU CAN HAVE YOUR PIE AND EAT IT TOO

For an actor turned musician, Thomas Ian Nicholas, frontman and leader of the Thomas Nicholas Band, is pretty humble. He would like to be signed to a label, but knows he has to put his time in first.
He’s not afraid to make fun of himself and recognizes that he can play the stupid card quite often, but makes up for that with his music that has made ex-girlfriends cry. With a new acoustic album coming out May 5th (Which he is releasing himself) and an FMF showcase headlining Opening Night @ Wall St Plaza, his sweet and endearing semi-ballads will have the girls swooning and the guys wishing they could pick up guitars and have the same effect (however, Thomas warns that it may not have the same effect)

IF YOU WERE AND ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM BE?
Anything I can get my paws on. Personally, I am a big fan of vanilla so I would think that if I was an animal I would probably have better taste and be more interesting. I would probably go for pistachio but.

SO THEN WHAT ANIMAL WOULD YOU BE?
I would be a tiger…wait that sounds really fruity, I need a different animal.

SO YOU WOULD BE A TIGER THAT EATS PISTACHIO NUT?
No, I’m not any good at this. That’s why it’s so bad. I should be an eagle, and that’s why I would like pistachio nut ice cream because eagles like nuts.

ACTUALLY I THNK THEY EAT MICE AND STUFF LIKE THAT.
I’m failing at this…so I would have to pick a bird who likes pistachio. You know what gets the short end of the stick? Pelicans. No one ever wants to be a pelican.

BUT THEY DO FLY AND OTHER PEOPLE CAN’T.
They’re pretty vicious. Let’s start this all over. I would be a ferret. They’re cool.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO ORLANDO?
I’ve been to Florida because I’ve played in Tampa a few times at Fly Bar. Just acoustic shows but last time I was in Orlando was ‘98. I went to visit some friends that were working there. I drove up from Miami and went to that wind tunnel thing where you simulate sky diving. That was my first and only Orlando experience.

WHAT’S BEEN ONE OF THE STUPIDEST THINGS YOU;VE DONE?
I think the stupidest thing I’ve ever done was a couple of weeks ago when I was golfing with my band and we were racing golf carts and I jumped out of mine but apparently these golf carts were doing about 12 to 15 miles an hour.

OH NO…
When you’re sitting still in an object that’s moving 15 miles an hour and when you exit that vehicle it’s very difficult to instantly run 15 miles an hour. I don’t even think I can run that fast at full speed. So I ended up doing a face plant and not on the grass, but on concrete.

“I guess they are really worried that
if they would invest in my music and…
at a moment’s notice, I do a film”

DID YOU BREAK YOUR NOSE OR ANYTHING?
No, luckily it was like a slip-n-slide on concrete and I did a swan dive my chest and head up.

WHY RACE GOLF CARTS? DOESN’T YOUR BAND HAVE A TOUR BUS? ESPECIALLY ONE OF THOSE COOL ONES FROM THE 60’S?
We’re saving up for one but most of the time we either tour kind of around our region and I tow a trailer with my truck or we do a lot of fly dates. For Florida Music Festival, it’s a little bit of a drive and we haven’t toured enough of every region to be able to build a tour all across country. So we’re just going to fly in for the show and do a tour around Florida.

WHY IS YOUR BAND UNSIGNED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET SIGNED?
You have to ask the labels that question (laughs). I courted a few of them when I first released my full band album in January of ’08 and I got the acoustic version of that album coming out May 5th of this year.

WHY AN ACOUSTIC ALBUM?
I’ve done so many solo shows a lot of fans were like “When are you coming out with an acoustic version that we’ve heard so often?” It’s like when Incubus revamped their sound based on their fans. I wanted to give people what they wanted, although I don’t even have 1/5, no 1/4, no 1/8, no 1/10 of the fans that they have.

SO BACK TO BEING UNSIGNED…
The labels courted me for a minute and I think that a.) They don’t know exactly what they’re doing because everything is kind of changing right now and b.) I think they don’t think I’m serious about my music. Even thought I’ve been playing music for 14 years that doesn’t really prove anything to them. I guess they are really worried that if they would invest in my music and…at a moment’s notice, I do a film.

THAT MAKES SENSE THOUGH, RIGHT?
I think they both benefit each other and it’s just a matter of scheduling. You can’t really change the mind of an archaic organization. My big joke is that the day I get offered a record deal will be the day I don’t need one.

WHY’S THAT?
Because it’s how everything happens. It’s like if you’re interested in dating a girl. She’ll only want to date you the minute you are sort of over the idea of trying to get a date with her. Eve - Axis Magazine - May 2009

AMERICAN ROCK STAR

PULLING DOUBLE DUTY WITH MUSIC & FILM
THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS PROVES THAT YOU CAN HAVE YOUR PIE AND EAT IT TOO

For an actor turned musician, Thomas Ian Nicholas, frontman and leader of the Thomas Nicholas Band, is pretty humble. He would like to be signed to a label, but knows he has to put his time in first.
He’s not afraid to make fun of himself and recognizes that he can play the stupid card quite often, but makes up for that with his music that has made ex-girlfriends cry. With a new acoustic album coming out May 5th (Which he is releasing himself) and an FMF showcase headlining Opening Night @ Wall St Plaza, his sweet and endearing semi-ballads will have the girls swooning and the guys wishing they could pick up guitars and have the same effect (however, Thomas warns that it may not have the same effect)

IF YOU WERE AND ANIMAL WHAT WOULD YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM BE?
Anything I can get my paws on. Personally, I am a big fan of vanilla so I would think that if I was an animal I would probably have better taste and be more interesting. I would probably go for pistachio but.

SO THEN WHAT ANIMAL WOULD YOU BE?
I would be a tiger…wait that sounds really fruity, I need a different animal.

SO YOU WOULD BE A TIGER THAT EATS PISTACHIO NUT?
No, I’m not any good at this. That’s why it’s so bad. I should be an eagle, and that’s why I would like pistachio nut ice cream because eagles like nuts.

ACTUALLY I THNK THEY EAT MICE AND STUFF LIKE THAT.
I’m failing at this…so I would have to pick a bird who likes pistachio. You know what gets the short end of the stick? Pelicans. No one ever wants to be a pelican.

BUT THEY DO FLY AND OTHER PEOPLE CAN’T.
They’re pretty vicious. Let’s start this all over. I would be a ferret. They’re cool.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO ORLANDO?
I’ve been to Florida because I’ve played in Tampa a few times at Fly Bar. Just acoustic shows but last time I was in Orlando was ‘98. I went to visit some friends that were working there. I drove up from Miami and went to that wind tunnel thing where you simulate sky diving. That was my first and only Orlando experience.

WHAT’S BEEN ONE OF THE STUPIDEST THINGS YOU;VE DONE?
I think the stupidest thing I’ve ever done was a couple of weeks ago when I was golfing with my band and we were racing golf carts and I jumped out of mine but apparently these golf carts were doing about 12 to 15 miles an hour.

OH NO…
When you’re sitting still in an object that’s moving 15 miles an hour and when you exit that vehicle it’s very difficult to instantly run 15 miles an hour. I don’t even think I can run that fast at full speed. So I ended up doing a face plant and not on the grass, but on concrete.

“I guess they are really worried that
if they would invest in my music and…
at a moment’s notice, I do a film”

DID YOU BREAK YOUR NOSE OR ANYTHING?
No, luckily it was like a slip-n-slide on concrete and I did a swan dive my chest and head up.

WHY RACE GOLF CARTS? DOESN’T YOUR BAND HAVE A TOUR BUS? ESPECIALLY ONE OF THOSE COOL ONES FROM THE 60’S?
We’re saving up for one but most of the time we either tour kind of around our region and I tow a trailer with my truck or we do a lot of fly dates. For Florida Music Festival, it’s a little bit of a drive and we haven’t toured enough of every region to be able to build a tour all across country. So we’re just going to fly in for the show and do a tour around Florida.

WHY IS YOUR BAND UNSIGNED? WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET SIGNED?
You have to ask the labels that question (laughs). I courted a few of them when I first released my full band album in January of ’08 and I got the acoustic version of that album coming out May 5th of this year.

WHY AN ACOUSTIC ALBUM?
I’ve done so many solo shows a lot of fans were like “When are you coming out with an acoustic version that we’ve heard so often?” It’s like when Incubus revamped their sound based on their fans. I wanted to give people what they wanted, although I don’t even have 1/5, no 1/4, no 1/8, no 1/10 of the fans that they have.

SO BACK TO BEING UNSIGNED…
The labels courted me for a minute and I think that a.) They don’t know exactly what they’re doing because everything is kind of changing right now and b.) I think they don’t think I’m serious about my music. Even thought I’ve been playing music for 14 years that doesn’t really prove anything to them. I guess they are really worried that if they would invest in my music and…at a moment’s notice, I do a film.

THAT MAKES SENSE THOUGH, RIGHT?
I think they both benefit each other and it’s just a matter of scheduling. You can’t really change the mind of an archaic organization. My big joke is that the day I get offered a record deal will be the day I don’t need one.

WHY’S THAT?
Because it’s how everything happens. It’s like if you’re interested in dating a girl. She’ll only want to date you the minute you are sort of over the idea of trying to get a date with her. Eve - Axis Magazine - May 2009

Who were your influences?
I grew up listening to classic rock bands like Led Zepplin and The Who. At the same time I was in Jr High when bands like Nirvana, Weezer, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam were hitting the scene. I modeled my sound after Switchfoot, I discovered Bruce Springsteen, rocked out to Foo Fighters and I wish that I had the vocal range of Chris Cornell and the writing genius of John Mayer.

Describe your sound
People ask what we sound like and I say, listen. But that won't really work in an interview, of course, you could stop what your doing go to our website and then come back to read this interview. If not, then how about imagining this ... Bruce Springsteen singing, John Mayer writing the melodies and the Foo Fighters as the band backing it all up.

Were you involved in music before your acting career?
If you count me as a 2 year old banging on a piano ... I started acting when I was 6 years old and I started playing music when I was 14 years old.

Please tell those of us who may not know, about the role and character you played in American Pie and other roles.
My first big break was when I was 12 and I played Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year. As you may or may not know, it's very difficult to transition from being a child actor into an adult career. So, I was very fortunate when I landed the role as Kevin in American Pie. (yeah, that's the guy with Tara Reid) At the time I didn't know that we would make 3 films, but it was a lot of fun and it opened up a lot of doors for me. Fast forward through a number of films and roles that I am very proud of, like Rules of Attraction, I currently am gearing up for the release of a new film by Nicole Holofcener called "Please Give" The film stars Amanda Peet, Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt and is set to be released to theaters in June.

Did you come from a musical family?
I wasn't really aware of the musicality of my family until I started playing myself. I mean, I knew that people in the family played but I wasn't fully paying attention. My mom played since there was a guitar sitting in the living room, which was the first instrument I began to learn on. Then there was my father and my cousin that both lived in Las Vegas. Plenty of singing cousins on both sides of the family with beautiful voices. Along with a fair share of piano players, orchestrators and more.

How does this new CD differ from your first CD “WithoutWarning”?
This time around I have my own band. The first CD was me with a lot of great musicians, like Bruce Kulick (KISS) Chris Chaney (JANES ADDICTION) Tony Franklin (the FIRM) Dan Lavery (TONIC) John Corabi (MOTLEY CRUE) Eric Gardner (Gnarls Barkley) Don't get me wrong, it was an amazing experience, but without a record deal, there was no way to tour with all those cats. Since the release of Without Warning in 2008, I have been touring with various inceptions of a band. I finally found the perfect blend of musicians and decided it was time to make a new record. The new record feels a bit more organic, simply because we tracked it live. We of course had over-dubs but the core of the band was recorded together. Giving Heroes Are Human an intangible element.

What has been the most rewarding part of your acting career and your music career so far?
The main reward for me in both acting and music is that they are what I love. Getting to do what you love for a living makes it not seem like work and that is in and of itself the reward.

Are there any famous musicians you would like to collaborate with that you have not had the opportunity to yet in the future ?
Yes. I would someday like to work with all the musicians that have inspired my music. It could be on an album or even just on the road, opening for their band.

Is there anything you would like to update us with in your acting career?
I'm very proud of my performance in the upcoming film "Please Give" I credit the director Nicole Holofcener for bringing out such honesty and depth from all of her actors.
There is also a possibility of American Pie 4 with the original cast. So look out for that.

I heard you are originally from Las Vegas, is that true?
Yes that is true. I was born in Sunrise Hospital and lived in Pahrump about 50 miles outside of Vegas. I moved to Santa Cruz when I was 2 years old and then to LA when I was 6 years old. I still have family in Las Vegas and I visit there at least a half a dozen times a year.

Is it also true you answer all your myspace fans personally?
(That might cause a major computer crash if everyone finds out!)
Yes that is true too. I run all the social networks for the band. Myspace, facebook, twitter, reverbnation, purevolume, sonicbids, etc

Please tell your fans anything you would like them to know about you and your new CD
Heroes Are Human was produced, engineered and mixed by my bass player Thai Long Ly. So the record sounds exactly like we wanted it to sound. Since we are still independant, meaning - Vegas Rocks! Magazine - Sally Steele

Who were your influences?
I grew up listening to classic rock bands like Led Zepplin and The Who. At the same time I was in Jr High when bands like Nirvana, Weezer, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam were hitting the scene. I modeled my sound after Switchfoot, I discovered Bruce Springsteen, rocked out to Foo Fighters and I wish that I had the vocal range of Chris Cornell and the writing genius of John Mayer.

Describe your sound
People ask what we sound like and I say, listen. But that won't really work in an interview, of course, you could stop what your doing go to our website and then come back to read this interview. If not, then how about imagining this ... Bruce Springsteen singing, John Mayer writing the melodies and the Foo Fighters as the band backing it all up.

Were you involved in music before your acting career?
If you count me as a 2 year old banging on a piano ... I started acting when I was 6 years old and I started playing music when I was 14 years old.

Please tell those of us who may not know, about the role and character you played in American Pie and other roles.
My first big break was when I was 12 and I played Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year. As you may or may not know, it's very difficult to transition from being a child actor into an adult career. So, I was very fortunate when I landed the role as Kevin in American Pie. (yeah, that's the guy with Tara Reid) At the time I didn't know that we would make 3 films, but it was a lot of fun and it opened up a lot of doors for me. Fast forward through a number of films and roles that I am very proud of, like Rules of Attraction, I currently am gearing up for the release of a new film by Nicole Holofcener called "Please Give" The film stars Amanda Peet, Catherine Keener, Oliver Platt and is set to be released to theaters in June.

Did you come from a musical family?
I wasn't really aware of the musicality of my family until I started playing myself. I mean, I knew that people in the family played but I wasn't fully paying attention. My mom played since there was a guitar sitting in the living room, which was the first instrument I began to learn on. Then there was my father and my cousin that both lived in Las Vegas. Plenty of singing cousins on both sides of the family with beautiful voices. Along with a fair share of piano players, orchestrators and more.

How does this new CD differ from your first CD “WithoutWarning”?
This time around I have my own band. The first CD was me with a lot of great musicians, like Bruce Kulick (KISS) Chris Chaney (JANES ADDICTION) Tony Franklin (the FIRM) Dan Lavery (TONIC) John Corabi (MOTLEY CRUE) Eric Gardner (Gnarls Barkley) Don't get me wrong, it was an amazing experience, but without a record deal, there was no way to tour with all those cats. Since the release of Without Warning in 2008, I have been touring with various inceptions of a band. I finally found the perfect blend of musicians and decided it was time to make a new record. The new record feels a bit more organic, simply because we tracked it live. We of course had over-dubs but the core of the band was recorded together. Giving Heroes Are Human an intangible element.

What has been the most rewarding part of your acting career and your music career so far?
The main reward for me in both acting and music is that they are what I love. Getting to do what you love for a living makes it not seem like work and that is in and of itself the reward.

Are there any famous musicians you would like to collaborate with that you have not had the opportunity to yet in the future ?
Yes. I would someday like to work with all the musicians that have inspired my music. It could be on an album or even just on the road, opening for their band.

Is there anything you would like to update us with in your acting career?
I'm very proud of my performance in the upcoming film "Please Give" I credit the director Nicole Holofcener for bringing out such honesty and depth from all of her actors.
There is also a possibility of American Pie 4 with the original cast. So look out for that.

I heard you are originally from Las Vegas, is that true?
Yes that is true. I was born in Sunrise Hospital and lived in Pahrump about 50 miles outside of Vegas. I moved to Santa Cruz when I was 2 years old and then to LA when I was 6 years old. I still have family in Las Vegas and I visit there at least a half a dozen times a year.

Is it also true you answer all your myspace fans personally?
(That might cause a major computer crash if everyone finds out!)
Yes that is true too. I run all the social networks for the band. Myspace, facebook, twitter, reverbnation, purevolume, sonicbids, etc

Please tell your fans anything you would like them to know about you and your new CD
Heroes Are Human was produced, engineered and mixed by my bass player Thai Long Ly. So the record sounds exactly like we wanted it to sound. Since we are still independant, meaning - Vegas Rocks! Magazine - Sally Steele