#MusicExchange: John Niel releases new single "The Good Ones"

Niel stepped onto the music scene in 2018 after being discovered at the Just Inspired Live Acoustic Sessions.

Since then, Niel has been paving his way through the music circuit with live performances across the country.

Breakthrough singles such as “Heart of Mine” and “Trouble” were both well supported on radio and helped put John Niel on the local map while he steadily worked toward the release of his debut album, Long Time Coming.

I spoke to Niel last week.

The new decade means:

Bigger goals and a renewed mindset.

Fame is about:

Sacrifice.

I don't do:

Celine Dion songs. Or blind dates.

What does music mean to you?

I make a living playing music. So it must mean life to me. And freedom.

I would love to co-write with:

Kenny Chesney.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

The feeling of being free and not having to work in an office all day. Some people like that life. I don't.

Any funny moments on stage:

Sometimes I forget the lyrics of songs that I cover, so I just freestyle rap about the crowd until I remember the words again.

My heroes:

In the music industry: Neil Young and Ed Sheeran
In life: My Mum and Dad because they decided to keep me even though I was a super-naughty little boy.

My style icon:

Dwayne Johnson.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Jim Carrey because, as a boy, he lived in a car with his family and learned how to be funny just so he could make his mother smile. He also never gave up on his dream to be known for his talent.

What is your most treasured possession?

My guitar. Without it, I'd have a boss.

It’s your round, what are you drinking?

Jack on the rocks.

What makes you stand out?

The lyrics in my songs.

Nicknames?:

Rocky, short for Rockstar. Given to me by my lifelong friends from high school.

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I'd learn how to become one.

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Friendly, kind, loving, nostalgic, tenacious.

Five favourite SA albums:  

Matthew Mole - Ghost
Fokofpolisiekar - Lugsteuring
Karen Zoid - Chasing the Sun
Demi Lee Moore - Mis Eet Slaap Herhaal
Die Heuwels Fantasties - Wilder as die Wildtuin

What is your favourite word?

Bohemian - a nonconformist who lives an unconventional life.

Favourite fashion garment:

A leather jacket.

Top of your bucket list:

To build my own tour bus. And travel the country and Europe.

Your greatest achievement:

Landing a record deal and having my music playlisted on radio stations. Also releasing my debut album Long Time Coming.

What do you complain about most often?

People who are famous for being famous.

Happiness is:

When you enjoy getting out of bed in the morning, being healthy and doing the things you were born to do.

On stage, I tend to:

Make a fake trumpet sound with my lips when I feel a solo should happen like right now.

Wishes and dreams:

I wish to always be positive about the future and I dream of being a famous singer-songwriter one day. That's all.

Social media:

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