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Founded in 2012 on Long Island, Nick Tangorra Band is made up of Nick Tangorra (vocals), Rafe Tangorra (drums/musical director), and Will Ahrens (guitar). Their brand new single “I Want You” – a fantastic summer anthem, dropped last week on Long Island’s WBLI (106.1 FM) & requests for the single are growing by the day.
In addition to their radio play, Nick Tangorra Band will also be performing at the BLI Summer Jam on June 13, 2015 [Nikon at Jones Beach Theater] hitting the stage alongside Nick Jonas, Charlie XCX, Flo Rida, Tove Lo, Echosmith, Carly Rae Jepsen and R5, to name a few.
Nick, Rafe, and Will also lend their support to Rock Out Autism founded by member Rafe. A humanitarian benefit that raises money for the Fay J. Lindner Center which offers Autism services throughout Long Island.
* You can see more on the band here: nicktangorra.com
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Any music influence?
Nick: for me, my musical influences have always been artists like Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars.
Rafe: I take influence from every song I hear! Most notably I would have to say on a song writing aspect my influences can be very eclectic. There are songs I have written that take influence from rock legends like Meatloaf and Lenny Kravitz and other songs that are heavily influenced on the opposite ends of the spectrum from artists such as Bruno Mars, and The Killers.
Will: My biggest music influence is The Beatles. I think they’re one of the greatest songwriters in the history of rock n’ roll. I really like their style of songwriting & the way they brought their music to the stage.
Explain your sound in 3 words?
Nick: “We are awesome” haha I really couldn’t give you just three words to describe our sound just because there’s no explaining it really. We do pop one second, rock another, then some doo-wop! It’s different and it’s awesome!”
Rafe: Retro, Heavy, Funky
Will: Alternative Pop Rock
Tell us about your future performance at BLI Summer Jam?
Nick: We are so excited and so grateful for this opportunity! It’s going to be surreal for us to perform on the same stage that I’ve grown up with and watch some of my biggest inspirations perform on. I will most definitely shed a tear.
Rafe: We are STOKED to share the same stage with Nick Jonas, Flo Rida, and Walk The Moon! What makes this an incredible show for me personally though is that I’ve been to so many concerts at Nikon Jones Beach Theater and now to be actually on stage playing my music/art is a dream come true!
Will: We’re so excited to perform at Nikon Theater at Jones Beach on June 13 for BLI’s Summer Jam. We’re excited to perform both new tunes & songs off our first album! It’s going to be awesome to finally perform on a stage that we’ve seen so many concerts at.
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Who you would love to collaborate with and why?
Nick: I would absolutely love to collaborate with Bruno Mars because there’s definitely a lot of similarities between both bands and I just feel like together we could make some incredible tunes
Rafe: I would love to work with 30 Seconds to Mars. I truly believe that Jared, Shannon, and Tomo are the most gifted songwriters in the world!
Will: I’d love to write a song with Paul McCartney. I think he’s an incredible singer, bassist, & songwriter.
Are you guys planning a tour for this 2015?
Nick: The Nick Tangorra Band is officially going on tour this summer!! We’re so excited to visit places we’ve never been to, but also to revisit some of our favorite spots! I think I’m most excited to just meet all of the fans at each stop. I love them all so much!
Rafe: Yes we are! And it’ll be this summer… But you’ll just have to wait a little bit longer for more details ;P
Will: Yes we are! Our 2015 tour is in its finalizing stages now. Our goal is to perform at new cities & meet as many Fangorras as possible, especially those that we’ve only spoken to through social media.
Who is your favorite Singer or group? Why?
Nick: My favorite singer is Amy Winehouse. I’ve always been head over heels in love with her tone, her rasp, and the feeling that she possess with each song. Whether you knew the song or not, whether you even knew the words, you could hear and feel the emotion. I’ve always loved that about Amy.
Rafe: 30 Seconds To Mars. As I said before I truly believe they are incredible songwriters!
Will: My favorite modern band is Switchfoot. I think each of their albums is so different but awesome in its own way. The band uses Christian lyrics, which I believe makes their songs all the more meaningful.
Do you support any charity?
Group: We actually founded Rock Out Autism. Rock Out Autism is a 501(c)3 that provides funding for Autism related services and programs throughout the nation! We’ve also written and go around to schools performing our anti bullying anthem “Find The Courage”. In addition, we have done so many events for the Ronald McDonald House, Haiti Relief, St. Baldricks, Cancer Research, Relay For Life, and so many more. We have been blessed with healthy lives and complete happiness, this is just our way of saying thank you.
How did you guys got involved?
Rafe: Well Nick has known me his whole life!… Considering I am his big brother! We have always been performing together. As for Will, he and I met while we were both playing in another band. At the time the Nick Tangorra Band’s usual guitarist was out of town and we needed a fill in for a show on Long Island. I approached Will about it, and he gladly accepted. After the first song both Nick and I were so blown away, not only with his talent, but how well he would fit with us. We knew at that moment we had found the missing ingredient.
How’s a normal day in your life?
Nick: I don’t think we’ve had a “normal” day in a while haha our standards of normal have definitely changed over the years. Okay let’s just say it’s a weekday, so I’ll personally wake up in a bad mood (I’m not a morning person), then I’m off to school for the day. As I’m in school, aside from learning I’ll be checking my phone constantly for any emails we may be receiving from anyone on our team. When I get home it’s phone calls, writing sessions, meetings, photo shoots, recording sessions, agreeing on merchandise for future shows, designing on stage looks with our stylist, and so on. Not what a typical teenager does haha but I love it and wouldn’t have it any other way.
Rafe: There’s never a normal day. I feel like I live a double life. All three of us have been attending school throughout the band’s history so I would say an episode of Hannah Montana would correctly portray the double lives we’ve been living!
Will: An ideal day would include spending time with my family & friends, writing songs with the band, & discovering a new restaurant!
Any other future plans you guys want to share with us?
Nick: We are going to be releasing our EP extremely soon! In addition, we have so many new music videos to share as well as a tour and then finally our second album! If you haven’t heard of the Nick Tangorra Band already then you’re about to!
What music we can find in your iPod?
Nick: On my iPod you can typically find a lot of Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars, Michael Jackson, Jackson 5, Jessie J, Frank Sinatra, and of course The Nick Tangorra Band!
Rafe: Everything. From Led Zeppelin to Randy Houser to Slipknot to One Direction to Frank Sinatra, if it’s music I have it!
Will: The Beatles, Switchfoot, P.O.D., Underoath, For Today, Hillsong, Maroon 5, Vampire Weekend, Matchbox 20, Smallpools, Death Cab for Cutie, Imagine Dragons
Any advice for upcoming singers?
Nick: Don’t give up! That’s best advice I’ve ever been given and that’s the best advice I could ever give someone else. You’re going to face so many obstacles to get to where you want to be, but those are just tests to see if you can handle what’s to come! Don’t give up and of course always believe in yourself.
Rafe: Practice, and ALWAYS DO YOUR WARM UPS.
Will: Write, write, write. There’s nothing better than recording & performing your own original music!
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your life? Why?
Nick: For me my biggest inspirations is my family. My parents are just incredible. Absolutely incredible and I love them both to pieces. They’ve been nothing but supportive of me and my brother since day one and have loved us unconditionally. I could’ve have asked for better parents. I’m honestly blessed. My brother and the bands drummer inspires me each and every day to work harder than yesterday! He too is extremely supportive.
Rafe: My brother. When times get tough and life gets hectic, if I look to my side I see Nick right there with me. We face struggles together and it allows us to work hard for each other. Nick is my biggest strength!
Will: Jesus. Without God in my life, I don’t know where I’d be right now. He’s protected me, lifted me up, & carried me through so much in my life. Each day, I try to live my life in a way that honors Him.
Any last message for our readers?
Nick: Thank you to my fans who have been absolutely incredible. I love you all so much! Each day you shower with me so positivity and support. I’m forever in debt to you all! Thank you so much!
Rafe: The power of positivity is life changing. Life gets hard, stay positive and never quit.
Will: Thank you so much for all of your support for this band! We couldn’t do this without you.
How important is Social Media for you?
Nick: Social media is SO important! It allows me to be able to connect with my fans in ways I thought we unimaginable. Over the past few years, I’ve been able to talk with fans on a more personal level. I made the decision that I wanted to develop a friendship with our fans. Like I said, these girls and guys mean the world to us all. Their support means the world. They’ve been there for us, and I want to be there for them.
Rafe: It’s a great tool for connecting with my fans, and it allows me to thank them for the amazing support they give the band!
Will: Social media is an awesome way for us to connect with fans, especially those that live outside our home state, New York, who we don’t get to see regularly. Thinking about it now, I think Twitter has been the most useful social media outlet for us to connect with our amazing Fangorras!
Where we can follow you?
@NickTangorra
@RafeTangorra
@WillAhrens
•• Nick Lightning Round:
My favorite food is probably just a crispy ranch snack wrap from McDonalds haha I’m easy when it comes to food!
My favorite movie is “Stand By Me” haha yup a classic!
My favorite TV series would be “Orange is the New Black”! Well is that a TV series? Haha it’s Netflix! Well regardless it’s one of my favorites!
My favorite book is: “The Cat in The Hat” because Dr. Seuss is just awesome.
My Favorite Quote is: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
My Sports team: I love the NY Yankees, the NY Rangers, and the NY Giants!
My favorite festival would have to be Coachella even though I’ve yet to go. I need to go!
My favorite travel destination is my bed. It’s so comfy haha
•• Rafe Lightning Round:
Favorite Food: Sushi
Movie: School Of Rock
Tv Series: WWE Monday Night RAW
Book: Great Gatsby
Quote: “speak softly, and carry a big stick.
Sports Team: NY Giants
Festival: Isle of Wight
Travel Destination: Mexico
•• Will Lightning Round:
Favorite Food: Sushi & Buffalo Wings!
Movie: Forrest Gump & Jaws
Tv Series: Heroes
Book: the Bible
Quote: Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Sports Team: Jets, Mets, Rangers, Knicks
Festival: Woodstock 1969
Travel Destination in 3 words? Disney World, Orlando[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
