A Dirty Dozen with NICK PISCITELLO from SPARK OF LIFE – June 2025

According to a recent press release: “They say you have your entire life to write your first record, and only months to complete your second. But for Spark Of Life, the malleable post-hardcore band that formed in the suburbs of Los Angeles almost 25 years ago, this life has been anything but predictable. In their original formation, the band-comprised of various musicians over the years, but always centered around the songwriting nucleus of singer Steve Jennings and guitarist Nicholas Piscitello-found themselves an outlier in the pre-social media, pre-everything-at- your-fingertips world of punk rock in the early ’00s. It was here that Spark Of Life first honed a sound-and a fanbase-that leaned more melodic than the hardcore set, and proved far weightier than what was happening in the world of melodic pop-punk.” We get guitarist Nick discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not catch the first or second time they listen? Are there any hidden nuggets you added for diehard fans?

We wrote this record to take the listener on a journey. It’s aggressive, melodic, slow, loud—and everything in between. Spark of Life has always been its own thing. You can hear our influences, sure, but you can’t pin us down as just a pop punk or hardcore band. We’re all of those things. Fans who’ve been with us since ’99 will appreciate the growth—in our songwriting, musicianship, and vocals. Steve really pushed himself to explore new styles that complement each song. Each track has layers meant to draw listeners in and transport them somewhere else. And those layers include surprises you might not expect from a typical hardcore record—piano, synths, strings, distorted horns, and even an organ on “Waiting.” The vocal layering also adds depth. We wanted people to walk away saying, “What was that?”—in the best way possible.

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

I was 12 when I picked up an acoustic guitar for the first time. It probably didn’t sound great, but for the first time, I could feel, see, and hear myself. What I couldn’t express before, I now had a way to figure out. It quieted the noise in my head. Around that time, I was getting into punk and metal—basically anything my parents didn’t want me listening to. Then, at 13 or 14, I saw my friend’s brother’s band play a backyard show at a high school party. That was the moment I realized there were others like me—kids who felt alone, misunderstood, and found their outlet in music. From that point on, I knew I had to play music for the rest of my life.

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

That’s a tough one—I could talk all day. But Still Life’s “Sunrise, Sunset” from From Angry Heads With Skyward Eyes was a game-changer. Seeing them play it live at The Cobalt Cafe in Canoga Park CA, left a huge mark on me. The raw emotion pouring through their music showed me the power of honesty. I wasn’t skilled enough to rip Metallica or Iron Maiden solos, so I just focused on writing what I felt. That authenticity in other bands gave me the confidence to do my own thing. Fun fact: my high school band, Angels Landing, ended up playing shows with Still Life. Other bands that shaped me include Sunny Day Real Estate and Jimmy Eat World—Diary and Static Prevails are songwriting masterclasses. And I have to mention Fugazi.

4. If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Right now, I’d say Post Malone. Not because he’s huge, but because I think he’d genuinely appreciate what we’re doing. I’d love to see what someone with his style could bring to our sound. Plus, he seems like a genuinely kind person—and that’s rare these days.

5. What’s your favorite activity outside the studio or off tour? How do you unwind?

Food. I’ve been doing the chef thing on the side for about 15 years—private parties, pop-ups, catering. After leaving the advertising world a few years ago, I was ready to go full-time with it. Things were taking off, then COVID hit, and life threw some other challenges my way. But I still love it. Food brings people together. Seeing people laugh, connect, and enjoy each other’s company around a table makes me feel like I helped quiet the chaos—just like music. On stage, the world disappears. And when I went to shows as a kid, my problems disappeared too. Hardcore music saved my life—that’s not hyperbole.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it? Any comparisons that made you cringe?

Spark of Life is honest. We don’t write songs with the intent, “This is the one.” We bring what’s real. We write for ourselves first. This record was a gift to each other. From the moment we starting putting the demos together, I kept telling the guys, “I see the finish line.” It was a new lease on life to see what we had and where it was going. This band still writes and plays by our own rules. One cringe comparison came early on when someone said we were trying to be Rage Against the Machine. I mean, it’s a compliment—but also wildly off base. We sound nothing like them.

7. When your band hangs out, who cooks, who gets drinks, and who grabs the acoustic guitar first?

Well, I’m the cook—we’ve established that. I’m also the first to pick up the acoustic. This record was mostly written on one. During our hiatus and even now, I’ve had a solo acoustic project going. There are guitars all over my house, so I’m always fiddling with something. It’s hard to have a conversation with me without one in hand.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck?

I ran into Butch Walker at a grocery store in Malibu. We struck up a conversation and even exchanged a few DMs afterward. He sent me a text complimenting my music, which was pretty surreal.

9. What’s the best part of being a musician? And if you couldn’t do music, what would your dream job be?

Creating something out of nothing. Sitting with a guitar and a blank page and seeing what comes out—it’s a connection to something bigger. Music lets me give back. And when I see people dancing or singing along at shows, it takes me right back to being a kid connecting with bands that saved me. If I couldn’t do music, my dream job would be running a small destination restaurant attached to a farm, with my family.

10. What’s one question you’ve always wanted to be asked—and what’s the answer? Any questions you’re tired of?

I’ve always wanted someone to ask: “Why is playing music so important to you?” The answer is: because music saved my life more than once. It gave me purpose when I couldn’t find it in myself. It gave me a voice when I couldn’t speak. Music connects us in our highest and lowest moments—and it keeps our memories alive. Even if you can’t play or sing, we all carry certain songs with us through life. I can still put on a Red House Painters record and feel every person, place, and memory tied to it. The question I’m tired of? Probably “What genre are you?” We don’t fit in a box.

11. Looking back, is there anything you wish you could do over?

Honestly, no. Everything that happened brought us to where we are now. Sure, part of me wishes we’d never taken a break—but then we probably wouldn’t have written this record. The band is exactly where it should be, and we’re still growing and learning together. My brother is in the band. Steve Jennings has been my best friend since high school. Steve Sain has been in my life for 15+ years. These guys are family.

12. If you could go back in time and be part of the recording session for any album, which would it be?

Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot—though the documentary kind of made me feel like I was there already. So I’ll say No Division by Hot Water Music. That record is pure magic. I’m still trying to write something that powerful. It embodies what hardcore means to me. You can feel the texture of the strings, the groove of the drums, the emotion in the vocals—like an ocean wave crashing through the speakers. Peaceful and powerful, all at once.

SPARK OF LIFE LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews