They used to say that James Brown was the "Hardest-Working Man in Show Business," but whoever said that didn't know John Nilsen! As you will see, John has had an amazing career as a solo piano artist and composer, with his trio, and with his group, John Nilsen and SWIMFISH. Actually, someone was paying attention because John was recently inducted into The Oregon Music Hall of Fame! I first met John at one of the early Whisperings Solo Piano Radio concerts in Portland, OR in 2004 and was really impressed with both him and his music. John did his first house concert here in Florence, OR in 2012 and did a few other concerts here after that. We also did interviews in 2012 and 2019, and you can find out more about John's earlier career in those. In honor of John's Oregon Music Hall of Fame induction, this seemed like the perfect time to catch up! Enjoy!

KP: Happy New Year, John! It's been awhile - how have you been?

JN: I have been well.  Thank you.

KP: First, congratulations on your recent induction into The Oregon Music Hall of Fame! Other than being a fantastic musician, how did this come about?

JN: My induction into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame is a great honor.  It is the result of many things that came together for me during my career. I have recorded 22 albums that sold well over one million copies, toured all over the world including all 50 U.S. States and on 4 continents.  Each of those took a long time to accomplish. 

KP: I can only imagine! The induction was on October 12, 2024. What was the ceremony like?

JN: The induction ceremony featured a few live performances by bands and the inductions of those of us lucky enough to have been inducted in 2024. I offered a 5 minute acceptance speech.

KP: Who are some of the other artists who belong to The Oregon Music Hall of Fame?

JN: Tom Grant, Curtis Salgado, The Decemberists, Crazy 8s, Pink Martini and others.

KP: You have had a long a varied music career! Are you still performing 240 concerts a year?

JN: My career has been both long and personally fulfilling.  I've pulled back a bit from excessive touring.  I flew 24 trips a year for 25 years.  I'm down to about 8 flights per year now, but have also toured Europe each of the past 4 years.  I probably played 180 dates in 2024.

KP: How many years did you do 240 concerts each year?

JN: I played 240 performances a year for 20-25 years.  

KP: That's amazing! I would imagine that the pandemic had a big effect on your performances for a few years!

JN: Yes, that's correct.  The pandemic started my downturn from 240 gigs. The number of my annual performances will continue to slowly go down.

KP: You've more than earned a slower pace! You have had a solo piano career and also perform with your trio as well as John Nilsen and SWIMFISH. Are you still active with all three?

JN: Yes, I'm still active with all three.  I love them all and they're all different musically, but it's all my material. I haven’t grown tired of writing and playing music.

KP: You play guitar and sing as well as playing the piano. How does the music you perform and record with John Nilsen & SWIMFISH differ from your piano music?

JN:  John Nilsen & SWIMFISH is a rock band with 3-part vocal harmonies.  Most of my piano music, whether solo or with my piano trio, is non-vocal and includes elements of classical, folk, and jazz.

KP: How many albums have you released?

JN: I've had 21 albums released.  Album #22, a John Nilsen & SWIMFISH release, is nearly complete and will be a late-spring, early summer 2025 release. 

KP: How has your musical style changed and evolved over the years?

JN: I have implemented more harmonic density into my piano music as years have gone by.  I
credit that to my interest in jazz. I’ll never be a true jazz artist, nor do I want to be, but it
challenges me to learn, to improve upon my musical knowledge. The most important thing is that my music continues to grow.  I have no interest in playing like I did 30 or 40 years ago because I'm a much better musician than I was when I started my career.  I continue to forge ahead, learn, try and get better, and above all make sure my music is relevant and fulfilling to myself first.

KP: Do you think you'll ever retire?

JN: I think I'll retire at some point, but I don't know for sure.  I'll continue to slow down and we'll see.

KP: That's kind of where I'm at, too!

What kinds of things are you doing musically these days?

JN: I am constantly composing music.  That hasn't stopped in over 50 years.  I'm writing rock songs for SWIMFISH and my folk, jazz, classically woven piano music for the instrumental part of my career.

KP: I know you have performed in all 50 states and on four continents. Are there still any places you'd like to perform that you haven't yet?

JN: I'd like to perform in South America and Africa.

KP: I would imagine you have probably performed at least twice in most of the 50 states. Have you kept a tally?

JN: I have not kept a tally, but I have played in most U.S. States dozens of times.  I have played in Maine and Kentucky only once, but that is about to change. I have a large map of the U.S. on a wall in my home that has a small red pin in each of the towns I’ve played. It is fun to reflect upon.

KP: Your mother was an active piano teacher into her 90's! How do you think that affected your approach to music?

JN: My mom was an excellent musician and piano teacher.  She encouraged me to write my first song.  She unlocked my love of writing music.  I will forever be grateful to her for that, and, of course, many other things too.

KP: Which musicians have have been the most influential for you?

JN: Many classical and jazz players.  My favorite pianist is Lyle Mays.  From a rock standpoint, I've been a big fan of the Beatles, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Wilco, and so many others.

KP: How difficult was it to succeed as a professional musician/recording artist? Do you think it's easier or more difficult now with streaming and AI?

JN: I was lucky and I had a tremendous work ethic.  I think it's a harder business model today.  Streaming doesn't equate to the same sort of income as record sales did and that makes it tougher to make a living for young artists. It is extremely difficult to survive the industry for decades, let alone make a good living.

KP: Have streaming and AI had a positive or negative affect on your career?

JN: I'm not a big fan of streaming, but I recognize the convenience.  I could argue that I've been the beneficiary of both a positive and negative streaming/AI impact in my career. The old business model was better for serious musicians, though.

KP: What career accomplishments are you most proud of?

JN: I have been fortunate to reach sales levels of over one million albums sold. That's a rarity. I am pleased about that, and my longevity in the industry. Obviously my induction into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame reflects upon all of that and more.  I'm most proud of the fact that I have always kept my music about art first instead of writing what I believe will be best received.  That takes courage, but makes you a leader and keeps you relevant.

KP: AND, it means you are creating true art - something of a rarity anymore.

What's up next for you?

JN: A 2025 Europe piano tour, release of the forthcoming SWIMFISH album, and start composing and recording for another piano album.

KP: And my usual closing question: If you could have any three wishes, what would they be?

JN: 1) No war 2) Greater buy-in on slowing down global warming.  3) Feed the hungry.

KP: I really hope those come true! Congratulations, again, on your induction into The Oregon Music Hall of Fame, John! Hope to see you again soon!