A Dirty Dozen with JOSH FAIRMAN from NITECAP – November 2024

Photo credit: Brittany Teuber

According to a recent press release: “Harnessing the powerhouse talents of Adam Deitch, Josh Fairman, and Ian Gilley, supergroup Nitecap have released their new single “Things Of That Nature.” “Things Of That Nature” features an upbeat combination of cutting-edge, funk-laced synths, warm bass, and rhythmic drums and marks the second track off Nitecap’s debut album, out early 2025 via Perception Records. Despite being a new group, Nitecap made their live debut in 2022 at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver, have performed as part of KUVO’s Jazz Odyssey Presents series, Denver’s long-standing, prestigious jazz station, and have no shortage of accolades. Adam Deitch (drums) is a four-time GRAMMY-nominated drummer, songwriter, and producer best known for his work in funk band Lettuce, EDM/live hybrid group Break Science, and his long tenures with historic artists and bands like Average White Band, John Scofield, Wyclef Jean, and Pretty Lights. Ian Gilley (keys) has made waves with his longtime duo project DIASTRATA, which has played at prestigious venues around the country, and as the keyboardist for both Midnight.Blue and the Flamingosis Live Band. Multifaceted musician and producer Joshua Fairman (bass, engineer) is quickly becoming a household name as both a bassist and engineer known for his work touring with his band Sunsquabi and his innovative production techniques.” We get Josh to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about “Things Of That Nature.” What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

“Things of That Nature” really leans into a tight, layered groove that’s deceptively simple on the surface. But if you’re listening closely, there’s a lot of subtle work happening across the rhythm section—little ghost notes and accents that add depth without jumping out immediately. With every listen, something new reveals itself. There’s a lot of subtle interplay happening, like a conversation between long-time friends.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I’ve been playing music for as long as I can remember—it started with banging on pots and pans. My elementary school had a program where we got free lessons and could pick an instrument. I played trombone and started taking piano lessons from a local jazz pianist, Tom Andes, in my hometown. He showed me the power of improvisation, and I was hooked. The idea of not just reading music but creating it in real time was an amazing experience. My brother gave me my first bass when I was 13, and by high school, I was playing multiple gigs a week. I never looked back.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

My parents had Parliament’s Mothership Connection on vinyl. I became addicted to the funk. Then I got into Kool and the Gang, and as I got older, I discovered bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Flea was a huge pop star but was also deeply rooted in funk. They even had an album produced by George Clinton of Parliament.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

Herbie Hancock, for sure. He has been an inspiration to me and countless others. His Headhunters album changed my life when I heard it—it probably pushed me to study jazz in college. His sense of harmony, melody, and timing truly embody my ideal sound. He seems like such a warm guy, and I’d love to see what he could get out of us as a group.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

Scuba diving is a huge passion of mine. To me, it’s one of those activities that’s just so pure. It’s adventurous, relaxing, and meditative all at once. For me, it’s a form of meditation. You have to control your breathing—breathe deeply and calmly for an hour, all while conserving air and controlling your buoyancy. It’s like breathwork, and the entire experience is about appreciation. Being underwater, surrounded by that world, and just feeling grateful for the earth and the opportunity to be there—that’s what I love about it.

6. How would you describe Nitecap’s music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe, or you disagreed with?

Luckily, we haven’t had any cringe-worthy comparisons yet. It’s a new project, and the fans I’ve encountered are really tuned in. I’d describe Nitecap’s music as an exploration of Electro Neo Soul. We try to use harmony and rhythm to tell a story. A lot of the time, the melody is shaped by Ian or Adam’s incredible chord choices.

7. When Nitecap is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

There are never acoustic guitars, haha. But Adam and Ian are both quick to play my 100-year-old piano when we take breaks from making music. Adam is usually the first to bring out some nice wine, courtesy of his partner in Lettuce, Eric “Benny” Bloom. As for cooking, Drew is definitely the best chef—he’s the grill master most of the time.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Probably when I was in Ohio, just hanging outside the hotel after a gig. I thought we were getting arrested at first because a bunch of cops showed up. But then a black SUV pulled up behind them, and out stepped the legend, Stevie Wonder. It was epic to see someone so influential in person, that close.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part of being a musician is channeling the source energy of creation into a medium that connects with people. It’s so pure. And when that inspiration hits, and you get to share it with fellow creators and fans, it’s the best feeling on earth. I can’t imagine doing anything else, but if I had to, I’d either work with dogs—maybe in a shelter—or become a scuba instructor.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I’ve always wanted to be asked, What is your favorite color? The answer is green. As for the question I’m tired of, it’s, What does your band name mean?

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I try not to live in the past. Every move you make shapes your future, and I’m happy with where I am, who I am, and the people I’m with. I can’t think of a specific moment I’d redo, but I do wish I had always kept my temper in check and never let it get the best of me.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters. It’s the perfect album from start to finish, and it changed music forever in a direction I love. It would be amazing to witness that genius in real time and see the techniques they used in both the production and writing of that record.

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Category: Interviews