Check Out Nick Schrader’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Schrader

Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a big, musical family–I’m the sixth born of seven kids! My siblings & I were always singing around the house and my parents forced us to take piano lessons (much to my young dismay). I eventually came around to love playing–those hours of private lessons might be among the greatest gifts my mom and dad provided for me.
From a young age I was writing my own little songs–I can remember starting a band with my twin brother and a neighbor friend. We sold out our first show in my buddy’s living room, but eventually dissolved because of “creative differences” (which were that none of us knew how to play in a band).
I didn’t really start writing seriously until after I graduated college; I had started a career as a pediatric RN in Fort Worth. I was working nights on a renal transplant floor (I got to serve young patients who were getting new kidneys!). The work was so fulfilling, but also so humbling and daunting. The anxiety and weight of caregiving led me to hours of earnest prayer. As a church kid, I had been raised to believe in a God who was my Comforter and Peace; however, it wasn’t until I was nursing for sick kids that I really came to deeply depend on Him for those attributes. Those prayers and outcries eventually translated into real, honest songs about faith and Jesus.
Today, I am still both nursing for kids as well as writing songs about my walk with God. Last year, I wrapped production on my very first full-length record! I’m beyond excited to start sharing my new music with people. Ultimately, my prayer is that–whether at a hospital bedside or from a music stage or through some magically generated Spotify playlist–whoever I come into contact with might be blessed and know a little more that Jesus loves them.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being an independent musician can definitely have its challenges. I think one of the hardest things I’m still learning is how to be a self-starter. The reality is that no one really asked for me to produce a full-length Christian record–except for maybe my parents. But I wanted to do it (and maybe more honestly, I felt compelled to). Indeed, at any point an indie artist might decide to quit and only a handful of folks might ever know the loss.
As humans, I think we all have lonely or discouraging mornings–I think when I have mine, the loudest temptation I face is the voice telling me to give up writing and singing and performing. And it can feel so appealing some days to call it! However, those moments of self-doubt are when I find myself praying to Jesus all the more and reminding myself of the calling I believe that God placed on me to be a musician.
In seasons when I’m feeling uncertain or directionless, I am also blessed to have a host of friends and family who are insanely supportive of me. Very rarely will a week go by that I don’t get some sort of text or DM from a loved one telling me about they’re praying for me and rooting for my work. I think it’s moments like these that make me realize that no personal endeavor is really all that personal. It takes a village of cheerleaders and encouragers!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an independent Christian singer/songwriter! I write strange, quirky music about my relationship with God. The feedback I receive pretty consistently is that my songs sound like “Holy Spirit Disney Music” or “Queen Meets Jesus”. That has me flattered and elated. Growing up doing musical theatre and VBS, I’m excited for any of my music to celebrate those tones and styles. I also think Freddie Mercury is a legend.
I love sharing my music out on the road, playing house shows and at churches typically. There is nothing like getting to sing your songs while looking folks in the eyes; I love getting to connect with audiences.
Of all the moments and experiences writing music has given me, I think my proudest achievement has been finishing my first complete record. It includes some of my most favorite songs I’ve ever written, and pretty much says exactly what I want it to. The whole album is a church potluck, an Easter egg hunt, a birthday party, a Christmas morning; it’s loud and boisterous and all about childlike faith and undignified worship. I’m looking forward to starting to release it (hopefully) this spring.

How do you think about luck?
I moved to Nashville in the spring of 2022, and feel like I’ve been lucky ever since. Seriously, I’m incredibly blessed to be in proximity to musicians and Christian songwriters that I’ve admired for years. Now they live in my neighborhood and we see each other around town! I also love being around so many other indie songwriters who are “doing the thing” too. On the days where I’m feeling “bigly”–either in inspiration or discouragement–it’s so meaningful to have friends and a community who know what it’s like, and can help lift my head up.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickschradermusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556784324029