Meditative Animal is singer songwriter Nick Mirisola’s music project.  It is indie alternative folk rock with jazz, blues, hip hop, funk, and reggae influences that come together in a timeless original sound.  Frequently featuring other artists, Nick plays guitar, harmonica, hand percussion, keyboards, and bass in addition to singing, and writing the songs and lyrics.  Nick also does the artwork.  He is a lay Zen monk, shaman, ordained Dudeist priest, and self dubbed Duddha.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Nick aka Meditative Animal about the music, favorite songs, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Are you able to choose a favorite song of all time? Or would you label this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 10?

I personally feel like different songs resonate with me in different ways, and I try not to play favorites anyways.  Here is a list of ten of my most revered songs of all time, though it should not be considered set in stone.  Sublime’s What I Got, Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd, Ripple by The Grateful Dead, Castles Made of Sand by Jimi Hendrix, Redemption Song by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Angel From Montgomery performed live by Susan Tedischi, Thick As A Brick by Jethro Tull, Soulshine by the Allman Brothers Band, Who Will Save Your Soul by Jewel, Elderly Woman Behind The Counter in a Small Town by Pearl Jam.  And I’ll throw in Mercedes Benz by Janis Joplin as a bonus eleventh, because while it may be the simplest one of them all, it is also one of the most powerful.

What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

The album was hailed as “an authentic masterpiece” in the online press, which was very validating, considering that I had dreams of honing my craft to that point, while retaining my DIY ethos and salt of the Earth vibes.  It was extremely inspiring to see my unorthodox approach to music be embraced by some big blogs who usually report on more polished versions of perfectionism.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I am inspired by all that life brings my way to create music.  I am a lay Zen monk and DIY shaman, so music is sacred to me, and is one of the most potent avenues for social progress, change, and medicine to me.  I love helping people deal with life’s different adversities in constructive, enlightening, and entertaining ways.  I also grew up as a visual artist, and try to approach music with a respect for it as an artform, not just some commercial product to peddle.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

I would love to collaborate with any of the artists I listed in my favorite songs question, but for this question I will highlight another artist I didn’t mention yet.  Nahko and Medicine for the People is one of my favorite bands that I have been listening to a lot recently, and I feel like we could make sweet music together.  They are wise and have heart, soul, and vibrant spirit.  Check them out here.

Also, I think it’s important to mention that even if I could theoretically collaborate with anyone dead or alive, famous or unknown, I would still want to collaborate with my brother John Dixon Mirisola.  We have been making music for decades together, and have always had a synergistic natural chemistry.  He is extremely talented and well versed on many instruments, and is also a gifted production partner whose meticulous recording and writing process brings out the best in both of us when paired with my looser, more raw style.

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

The song I’ve had on repeat lately is Novels of Acquaintance by Rising Appalachia.  They are one of my favorites, in addition to all of the bands listed in my favorite songs question, but that list is far from comprehensive, so I’ll add to it.  I also love Led Zeppelin, The Wu-Tang Clan, G. Love, Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Trevor Hall, Jurassic 5, MC Yogi, Zakir Hussein, The Roots, The Wood Brothers, John Scofield, Strangefolk, Neil Young, and many more.

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

My official website is the best hub for my content, so visit https://MeditativeAnimal.com for news and content.  My twitter handle is @MeditativeAniml and my YouTube channel is http://youtube.com/user/MeditativeAnimal where you can find lyric videos and live performances.  My Facebook page recently got hacked, so while it is still up I am not sure I am going to be able to access it in the future.  I am also on TikTok, Reddit and Pinterest as Meditative Animal.

I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?

You’re very welcome, thank you for your time too, and I am honored at the opportunity to do this interview with you.  I have a couple of projects in the works.  The first thing I’m working on is my hip hop debut.  It is a song I’m working on featuring Killah Priest from the Wu-Tang Clan.  Once I get that finished and released, I am planning on doing some visual art for some new Meditative Animal material, and recording video of the making of the artwork which will be set to the music and available on YouTube and my official website.  Thanks to everyone for listening to me, much love and many blessings to everyone out there.