[Exclusive Interview] Nightly on Patience and “Not Like You” Release

“songs to drive to”

As their bio states, the band Nightly, has the perfect tunes for your midnight getaways and your road trips away from the chaos. Warning: Their music will get you in your feels. The band touches on topics of broken hearts and unrequited love in their music while accompanying them with upbeat, pop tunes. Their music has always had this powerful ability to connect with the fans through the lyrics that usually portray relatable experiences and narratives. The trio has always made sure to keep this intimate connection for those who listen. That is why they have managed to have such a loyal following. With their name standing for “night, love you” in text language, you can already sense that they will be there for you, through thick and thin.

Though a lot of the meanings behind the songs can be seen as gloomy, there is something healing, sympathetic, and relieving to listening to their music. It’s the kind of music everyone needs to hear, because it’s like the best friend who recognizes, listens, and acknowledges your pain. Nightly’s sound is introspective, moody, dreamy, and vulnerable. Their music are the after-thoughts we have in a conversation with a lover, the late night thoughts we have in our heads, the roads we travel through alone, and the songs we sing and dance to in our rooms.

Today, the band released their new single “not like you”, which is an anthem to those not acting like themselves. “You got something I can’t forget, same jeans wearing the same jacket // Looks like you but it’s not like you…” they sing in trance-like loops, dizzying you just as much as the song describes it being. It’s a sensation we can definitely identify with, whether it’s for someone we know of or if it’s ourselves, like an imposter syndrome of some sort. Especially during these trying times, it’s only fitting that this song is released at a time when we’re all not feeling like ourselves. The music incorporates tasteful auto-tuning, electrifying guitar, and forceful drums, that overall produces an exciting, jam-worthy record. This is the alt-pop song of the summer that we’ve been waiting for.

Nightly originally hails from Nashville, Tennessee and is made up of 3 members including: cousins Jonathan Capeci (vocals) and Joey Beretta (guitar), and Nicholas Sainato (drums). They’ve toured with The Night Game, The Struts, K. Flay, and Kesha as well as have embarked on their own headlining tour with debut appearances in the U.K. In 2016, the band released their breakthrough hit “xo”, which truly put them on the industry map.

Photo by Zach Pigg

Soon after, their debut EP Honest was released, and in 2018, they followed up with their sophomore EP The Sound of Your Voice. The first two EPs were mostly created and produced in their bedrooms, and by their third project they graduated to full-blown studios.

In addition, the band’s branding has always captured my attention. The simple text heart “<3” as their logo and their imagery showering themselves in neon light in dark rooms, creates this aura of enticing mystery of who the creators behind the music are and what they’re like.

I’ve had the pleasure of covering this band for a few years now, and it’s amazing to see how far they’ve come and how much their music has grown, becoming a band that is fully understanding of their sound now and really establishing themselves in the forefront of fans and new listeners. So, as you can tell, I’m excited to be interviewing them again!

Here is our interview:

Neelu Mohaghegh [NM]: How have you guys stayed creative during all of these crazy times?

Nightly’s Jonathan [J]: “It’s been a lot of ups and downs for sure. Some weeks are super productive where we’re able to write or finish multiple songs, then some weeks it just seems impossible to get anything done. I think knowing when to take a break has been a good lesson, like not forcing it and taking a step back sometimes. Give yourself a little grace.”

[NM]: What was the inspiration behind "Not Like You?" What was the songwriting process like?

[J]: “It’s about someone I know really well not acting like themselves. We actually wrote this one the week before lockdown started in a studio here in Nashville. It was one of those songs that just came out super fast.”

[NM]: What’s your detour?

[J]: “I’ve been making a point to go outside as much as possible, it’s helped so much, whether it’s a run, hike, or just sitting on the balcony it’s been super good for me mentally. Also all three of us like cooking!”

[NM]: What’s something you’re learning right now?

[J]: “Oh god, I don’t know, patience? Ha. I’m actually super proud of how we’ve grown as a unit. Just our writing and producing has improved so much this year and I’m so proud of what we’re making now. We’re constantly learning what each person's strengths are and letting each other run full speed.”

[NM]: What’s to come down the line for you this year / what should fans be expecting and excited for?

[J] “An album!”

Thank you again to the guys for the time to chat. Can’t wait for the upcoming project!!

<3

Be sure to check out the band on YouTube and their Site and follow them on Spotify, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.