Today we’d like to introduce you to Nic McNamara.
Hi Nic, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, my father Stevin McNamara’s hometown. Because he was a recording engineer, my childhood was defined by moving between studios and cities. I grew up in Surrey, England, before living in Fort Lauderdale, Colorado, and California. Eventually, I landed in Oregon, where I currently live and create music.
Growing up in studios, I received a masterclass in the recording process from my father at a very young age. My first two records were with my folk-rock project, Black Bears Fire, but eventually, I felt a pull toward a louder, heavier sound. That transition is what led me to form Summer Colds.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy. We released our debut album, Here Comes Nothing, in 2019. It felt like things were really taking off and we were planning to tour when the pandemic hit.
I had to pivot, and I ended up locking myself in my home studio for the next few years to finally finish the album I had always hoped to make. Missing Out was the product of that focused time in isolation. It took a long time to get it right, but it was finally released on Halloween of 2025.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in creating music that balances a heavy, “wall of sound” production with melodic, introspective songwriting. I’ve always taken a very DIY approach, staying hands-on with every layer of the process—from the initial writing to the engineering and the final mix.
I think we are becoming known for that specific contrast: music that feels massive and loud, but still carries a sense of vulnerability. I’m most proud of our latest record, Missing Out. I spent a long time fine-tuning the sonics of those songs, and seeing the album finally reach an audience has been incredibly rewarding.
What sets the music apart is the focus on storytelling and melody that stays at the center of everything, even when the songs get loud and distorted. I’ve always aimed to make sure the emotional intent of the song doesn’t get lost in the production.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Waking up before the sun comes up, making a cup of coffee, and taking a walk in the woods with my dog while thinking of lyric ideas is where it all starts for me. I’ll record an initial thought on a voice memo, and then months—or even years—later, I finally get to hear that idea take shape into something tangible.
Music has always been the thing that makes me the happiest. It is a way to express the feelings I have inside and the experiences I have with other people. The sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing I inspired a feeling in someone or triggered an emotion in a listener is the most rewarding thing I’ve experienced.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summercoldsmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summercoldsband
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summercoldsband
- Twitter: http://x.com/summercoldsband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@summercolds
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/summercolds
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KO4w7F0yxQpGqN6w5unBn
Image Credits
Teek Sharma
Azure McNamara
Claire Cogliser
