The NYC Daily Post interviewed Tom Nitti, a singer and songwriter, currently on NBC’s The Voice. His songs include Take You Away (2021) and Babe (2020). In his interview, Tom Nitti discusses his aspirations, transition from military service, and the impact of those who have supported his music journey. You can listen to his songs on any music platform by searching Tom Nitti music or find him on social Instagram, Facebook, and Tik Tok.
Q: What drives you to make music?
My children and passion for writing a good song that at the end of the day touches people to the point of making them smile. I love that my voice is a gift from God that ultimately makes people smile.
Q: You sing and play guitar. How did you learn to create music?
I’ve been singing music since I can remember and playing guitar since my senior year in high school, I taught myself to play by watching YouTube videos after losing a competition at the NYS Fair to a guy who sang and played guitar. That drove me to elevate my singing abilities.
Q: How do you describe your writing process, including the topics you choose to sing about?
Honestly a lot of my writing ideas come to me while I’m driving in the car and what I’m ultimately feeling. I tend to jot words down and put them together to give me a good start. Oftentimes I don’t know what I’m writing about until the last word of the chorus comes out. I have written many songs knowing what I want to write about. For instance I wrote a song called “Drove” that has everything to do about the good days when you were a kid, before you can even drive a car.
Q: Who are your favorite country artists and how did they influence you? As a follow-on question, which non-country artist(s) do you admire?
My favorite country artist is Cody Johnson, I love his passion and drive mixed with a soulful country sound. His stories are amazing and well written within his songs. He was also a correction officer and wound up following his dreams in music much like me. My favorite non-country artist is by far Stevie wonder. I love to mix his sound with mine and put it together with my country music and writing style.
Q: If you have a favorite song, what is it and what does it mean to you?
I don’t have a favorite as it tends to change quite often. For instance right now my favorite is the painter by Cody Johnson. I’m currently going through a divorce and while on the voice I met a girl who changed my life and thoughts on everything. She is my rock and the girl I’m meant to be with due to her abilities to change my outlook. There’s a line in the song that says “ with every wall I built she saw a canvas, I thank God every day for how he made her, my life was black and white but she’s the painter” this song has helped me through so much. And realize this girl has changed me and she’s the one I’m meant to be with. The real love of my life. Without a doubt in my mind, I will marry this girl!
Q: Do you have a favorite album?
I don’t have a favorite album.
Q: What song(s) did you most enjoy creating? Why?
My most enjoyable song I’ve written is an original called “one night stand”. It is something I’ve written that doesn’t mean what the title implies. It’s creative and fun.
Q: Is there anything about making music that you find particularly challenging?
The most challenging [part] is staying on a creative and no predictable path.
Q: Anything you find particularly pleasurable?
The final result of the song. Looking back on it and saying “ I did that!”
Q: What has NBC’s The Voice done for you?
So much I can’t put it all in writing – from amazing vocal coaches to an amazing mentor and even better advice from the one and only Reba. The voice has put my vocals to so many tests, not to mention being around other amazing singers makes you push yourself and learn so many new things like playing guitar or certain runs your voice can do that you would have never tried.
Q: Can you describe your transition from military life to now?
It wasn’t too difficult. It was ultimately in 2014 and I immediately joined the New York State Police which is a paramilitary organization.
Q: Has your time in the military influenced your music or any other aspect(s) of your life?
The only thing the military did for me music-wise was give me enough experience to be able to write a song about my boys while in Afghanistan.
Q: What’s next for you after The Voice?
Keep working for the New York State Police until I retire or hope to get a record deal that ultimately allows me to do what I love to do while still being able to provide for my family.
Q: How long did you serve in the military and why did you leave?
4 years and I left because the military was always supposed to be a stepping stone for the New York State Police. This was ultimately accomplished.
Q: Do you have anyone you’d like to give a special mention to?
My parents for raising me to be the man I am today and keeping me on the right path and supporting me. My father for being my idol in so many ways, my mother for loving me no matter what. My kids who see me as a hero in so many ways! My grandparents for being there having my back. My girlfriend Ashley for being the rock and supporter she’s seen me cry more than anyone and had held me up when I was down.
Q: Where can listeners find your music?
Any music platform, Tom Nitti music on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Article Images: Performance photos: Greg Gayne/NBC; Headshots: Dave Bjerke/NBC
Edited by: Steven London
