By: Caleb Hellinger
When you think about what it takes to make a name for yourself in the music industry, words like talent, hard work, and versatility come to mind. For Caleb Hellinger, better known as Nice Kid, these aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the foundation of his journey as an artist, producer, and sound engineer. From his early days in Washington to establishing his own studio in Scottsdale, Arizona, Nice Kid has steadily built a career that’s as dynamic as the music he creates.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Growing up in Washington, Nice Kid was surrounded by music from a young age. By the time he was 10, he was already experimenting with instruments like the drums, piano, and guitar. These early experiences ignited a passion for music that would follow him throughout his life.
Fast forward to 2018, Nice Kid decided to turn that passion into something tangible. He launched Nice Kid Studios from his one-bedroom apartment in Scottsdale. What started as a small project has since grown into a respected name in the local music scene, attracting artists from all over the country. Reflecting on his journey, Nice Kid says, “I’m very blessed with the life that God has given me, and I want to give back by putting out great music and helping people along their music career journey.”
Exploring Diverse Musical Styles
One of the standout qualities of Nice Kid’s career is his ability to seamlessly transition between different musical genres. Whether it’s electronic house music or rock and alternative tracks, he approaches each project with the same level of dedication and creativity.
His recent house tracks, including “Without You,” “All That I Can Give,” and “Lost,” are a testament to his talent for creating music that resonates with listeners. Inspired by artists like Tinlicker, these songs blend deep, driving beats with melodic hooks that are both catchy and emotionally engaging. If you haven’t already, you can check them out on Apple Music.
On the other end of the spectrum, Nice Kid’s rock and alternative releases, like “Letter to You” and “Need You Here,” showcase his ability to craft powerful, guitar-driven tracks. These songs, featuring Jeremy Ray, are filled with raw emotion and energy, further proving that Nice Kid is more than just a one-genre wonder.
More Than Just a Studio
What makes Nice Kid Studios a go-to spot for artists isn’t just the quality of the equipment or the space itself—it’s the person behind it. As both a producer and sound engineer, Nice Kid brings a unique perspective to every project he works on.
He’s not just about layering drums over a pre-made loop; he’s about building something from the ground up. “Producing and beat-making is more than just adding drums around a loop,” he explains. “I like to create things from the ground up with my acoustic and electric guitar and unique drum sounds.”
This hands-on approach has helped Nice Kid Studios become a haven for artists who want to push their creative boundaries. Whether they’re local talents from Phoenix or musicians from across the country, they come to Nice Kid Studios because they know they’ll walk away with something special.
Looking Ahead
As he continues to evolve as an artist and a producer, Nice Kid has his sights set on expanding his reach even further. He’s committed to growing his brand and exploring new opportunities that will allow him to develop his skills and connect with a broader audience.
“My goal is to leverage my experience and connections to secure more prominent and diverse opportunities,” he shares. “I want to continue growing as an artist and producer, and ultimately, build a legacy of professionalism, creativity, and inspiration.”
With his drive, talent, and vision, Nice Kid is well on his way to achieving these goals. If you want to keep up with his latest projects and releases, make sure to follow him on Instagram and listen to his music on Apple Music.
Published by: Martin De Juan