Chattanooga’s Rising Music Star: The Journey of Nic Bevins
Chattanooga has a vibrant community of artists, but one emerging musician, Nic Bevins, is drawing attention with his inspiring story and soulful songs. Nic, who originally hails from Loudoun County, never imagined he would end up in the music scene. He moved to Chattanooga to finish a degree in physical education at UTC, dreaming of returning to the family farm after graduation. However, life has a way of surprising us, and Nic’s path took an unexpected turn.
The Pandemic Push
“To cope with the loneliness of pandemic learning, I taught myself to play guitar,” Nic recalls. This self-taught journey didn’t stop there; he soon began singing and writing his own songs as a way to express his feelings during those isolating times. Four years have gone by since that fateful decision, and Nic now finds himself not just as a musician but as a beloved part of the local music community.
Finding a Mentor
Every artist needs a little push now and then, and for Nic, that push came in the form of Roger Alan Wade. This well-respected Chattanooga songwriter, who happens to be the uncle of a well-known celebrity, took Nic under his wing after recognizing his potential. “I went and listened to him play for weeks before I ever told him I played,” stated Nic, showing his humble nature. When he finally opened up, Roger was more than willing to share his wisdom on songwriting.
“He told me to read,” Nic continues. “He said you can’t be a good writer if you aren’t a good reader. He suggested starting with Hemmingway.” This advice laid the groundwork for Nic’s lyrical journey. Another precious gem of advice came from musician Eric Turner, who encouraged him to steer clear of writing songs about romantic relationships, often fraught with clichés.
Writing from the Heart
Instead, Turner nudged Nic to draw inspiration from family, friendship, and his cherished memories of home. Ironically, this advice led him to pen a touching song about a woman—his late grandmother. This heartfelt piece, titled Lighthouse, symbolizes how she collected lighthouse statues and serves as a metaphor for how she was a guiding light to her family.
A Unique Take on Music
In a time when many musicians hastily record and release music, Nic is embracing a more deliberate approach to cultivating his craft. At this moment, there aren’t streaming albums or YouTube clips to showcase his talent. Instead, those interested in experiencing his music will have to catch him live. And there’s a perfect opportunity coming up.
Upcoming Performance
On November 2nd, Nic Bevins will perform alongside other talented musicians, Rachel McIntyre Smith and Jerry Holiday, as part of the Quiet City pop-up concert series. This exciting event promises to bring some of the best local music to uniquely charming venues, and this month’s show will be hosted at Julie Darling Donuts on Frazier Avenue. Music kicks off at 8 PM, and there’s a small cover charge of $10.
As Nic juggles the final stages of his education and navigates life’s big decisions, you can feel the weight of those choices in the air. With his graduation approaching and the looming question of what comes next, it’s uncertain how often we’ll have the chance to experience Nic’s performances in the future. So mark your calendars, and if you’re in Chattanooga, don’t miss the chance to witness this promising musician on the rise!
