Singer-songwriters keep coming from every which way! They just keep finding us here. I thought this quote was great: “Graham Nicholas has created an emotionally resonant world inhabited by troubled and love hungry characters. Never alienated for their insecurities, his characters are instead respected by the empathetic voice of an honest songwriter. John Prine would be proud." (Americana UK). An original writer and performer from Toronto, Graham Nicholas brings his sound to The Cove Inn patio stage on Thursday, August 28 from 5 to 8 PM. Details and reservations here: web link

Seamus Cowan: I know this is your first time playing at The Cove, but I am also not sure if this is your first time playing in the area. To ring throughout, Ontario can be quite fruitful this time of year. What have you found to be the most enjoyable and responsive rooms and venues?

In Ontario specifically? Well, I always love a good house concert. That’s for sure! Been trying to do mostly those this summer. But I love playing the Cameron House, noonan’s and The communist’s daughter in Toronto. I love playing at Irene’s as a special guest at The Sunday Night Revue in Ottawa. I love playing Greenbank Folk Club and the second wedge brewery. And don’t get me started on Northern Ontario! A lot of touring musicians don’t love that stretch but it’s always been good to me. The east coast is also a huge stomping ground for me. I love it out there and try to tour there twice a year or so.

Q: John Prine seems to be mentioned quite frequently in your influences. What is it about the way that he told a story and put it to Music that is most inspiring to you?

Graham: Lyrically, he can hold so many things at the same time. In a very relatable and simple manner he can make a true to life insight feel funny and sad at the same time. There’s a lot of wisdom to find in that balance.

Q: Sounds like you have been a busy boy with now your fourth record that you have completed! Do you find that writing and creating records becomes almost a compelling, addictive process? Like you have something to say and you just have to get it documented?

I wouldn’t say that. Writing is really hard work and it’s not just something that just pours out of me. I love when I have a finished product that I’m proud of, but the road to that end can be a bit like pulling teeth. But I love language, reading and writing so much that it keeps me coming back. Don’t ever let anyone get away with telling you that it comes easy to them. It shouldn’t.

Q: The guitar continues to be a great platform for which to play songs and I know folk music and it’s incarnations is definitely an influence on you, but is there another type of music that might also drive you in the background?

Graham: I love punk, jazz and blues music. But reading and literature is probably a bigger background influence on me. I read more often than I listen to music these days. When I’m writing, I pile poetry books and novels around me (not that they have to be assembled as such. They’re just naturally piled on my coffee and bedside table.) and I flip through them looking to be turned on. Covid was a time that I really sank into reading as a creature comfort and it’s been an inspiring well to draw from.

Q: There is a simplicity about your music that is comforting. The story, the guitar. If there was something of a completely new challenge to you musically, what would it be?

I would love to push myself a bit more in the studio. I love really textured arrangements and would like to grant myself more time to explore that while still keeping the song simple. Those damn studio costs get in the way though, and sometimes I feel rushed. So I need to get out of my head and let that feeling go for the next record (which I’m hoping to start recording this winter). I want push my band. They’re amazing and versatile working musicians. I’m very lucky to be able to play with them and I know I can more edge and experimentation out of them. Posted: Aug 25, 2025