Musician profile: Ranting-Thespian

Genres: Blues, Classical, Folk, Indie Rock, Jazz, Metal, Modern "Alternative", Oldies: 50s-70s, Progressive, Rock/Pop General, Rockabilly, Something Else, Too cool to be categorized, World Beat/Ethnic

My name is Nick Roberts, but I go by the name Ranting Thespian as well (a stage/artist name).

I am a musician who is very serious about playing. Music has been a part of my life since I was born.

I played Clarinet through grade school and middle school. I dropped it in 1998. In 2000 I picked up the guitar, taught myself to play, and now it has consumed half of my life. I can play rhythm, lead, and I am very skilled at finger picking both in free form and classical styles.

In the past I have played and can still play Mandolin and Bass when needed.

I am a singer with a decent range (including falsetto) , and I write my own songs. My song styles do vary, but most are either rock, folk rock, and/or instrumentals.

Playing music publicly with others is a goal of mine. For me, stage fright is non existent. I prefer to work with others as well, and want to encourage others to add input to my songs. I also want to work with others in writing new songs, or working with their songs.

I have acoustic guitars and electric ones. I have my own equipment including effects, pedal boards, amps, PA system, and a small home studio setup in my bedroom.

Here are some of my favorite musicians/bands:

John Lennon (my hero), The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Gray, Dave Matthews Band, Tim Reynolds, TR3, Barenaked Ladies, Neil Young, Dream Theater, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Emmy Lou Harris, Arcade Fire, Howard Shore, Swell Season, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, Death Cab For Cutie, Ravi Shankar, Warren Haynes, Gov't Mule, Daniel Lanois, U2, SRV, Garbage, Dire Straits, Paul Simon, Damien Rice, Beethoven, and more . . .