“The blues tells a story—it tells the story of life itself. It's about the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's about struggle, perseverance, triumph, heartbreak, success, and failure. The blues is honest and authentic, and that's what makes it so powerful.”

Nicky T: Nothing Bout The Blues

Nick Tabarias, known professionally as Nicky T, is a seasoned blues guitarist whose sound bridges tradition and modern expression. “Ain’t Wasting Time” (2026) stands firmly rooted in tradition while driven by the present. Inspired by the greats and honed through years on stage, Nicky T and The Snake Charmers deliver a set of originals shaped by timeless influences and a deep, abiding love for the blues — paying homage to B.B. King, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Magic Sam, and Ronnie Earl. Cuts like “Mistreating Mama” and “Feel Like a Hundred” capture the band’s natural swing and easy authority, while “Ain’t Wasting Time” and “Life on Life’s Terms” reveal a more introspective side, grounded in the realization that the time to chase what matters is now. Nicky T and The Snake Charmers also tip their hat to those who paved the way, with “Thank You Magic Sam” and inspired readings of B.B. King’s “Guess Who” and Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “Lead Me On,” both featuring the soulful vocals of Greg Nagy.

(Photos: Nicky Tabarias, known professionally as Nicky T)

A standout moment arrives with “The Glass,” a slow-burning blues featuring the masterful touch of Nicky T’s mentor, Ronnie Earl, alongside the emotive, bluesy vocals of Greg Nagy — a deeply felt exchange that underscores the album’s emotional core. Rich in soul and steeped in feeling, Ain’t Wasting Time was crafted with passion, honesty, and respect for the tradition — carrying its message with conviction from first note to last.

Interview by Michael Limnios                    Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity

How has music influenced your views of the world? What does the blues mean to you?

Music has played a very important role in shaping my view of the world. I've always believed that music has the unique ability to bring people together, especially during difficult times. With so much negativity, division, and violence in the world today, music serves as a reminder that there is still hope, compassion, and understanding. It transcends differences and connects people on a human level. Through music, I've learned that there is much more to the world than hate. At its core, music is about unity, love, acceptance, empathy, and bringing people together through shared experiences.

The blues means everything to me. The blues tells a story—it tells the story of life itself. It's about the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's about struggle, perseverance, triumph, heartbreak, success, and failure. The blues is honest and authentic, and that's what makes it so powerful. More than just a style of music, it's a feeling. For me, playing the blues is a way to connect with people, to share emotions and experiences, and hopefully make a positive difference in someone's life. It's a very selfless art form because it's not just about the musician—it's about creating a connection with the audience and making them feel understood, inspired, and less alone.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

When it comes to my sound and songbook, I would describe myself as a traditional blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter. My music is deeply rooted in the classic blues tradition and influenced by artists such as B.B. King, T-Bone Walker, Magic Sam, Ronnie Earl, and many of the great Chicago blues legends, including Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, and Earl Hooker. These artists helped shape not only my playing style but also my understanding of what makes blues music so powerful.

One thing all of these musicians had in common was soul. There was certainly a high level of technique involved, but what truly set them apart was the feeling behind every note they played. In my opinion, technique and soul should work together, but if I had to choose, soul is what people remember. You can play all the right notes, but if there's no emotion behind them, the music won't connect with people.

B.B. King is a perfect example of that balance. He had incredible technique, but what made him truly special was that you could hear his soul in every note he played and every word he sang. Sometimes he could say more with a single note than others could with an entire solo. That's something I strive for in my own music—to play from the heart, tell a story, and create an emotional connection with the audience. At the end of the day, great blues music isn't just heard; it's felt.

“Music has always played an important role in bringing people together and helping us better understand one another. Throughout history, music has been a reflection of society, giving a voice to people, preserving culture, and helping communities navigate both good times and difficult times.” (Nicky T, weaving blues tradition into modern expression / Photo by Bob Krause)

What keeps a musician passionate over the years? How easy or difficult is it for the younger generation to relate to the blues?

I think what keeps a musician passionate over the years is the desire to reach people through their music. It's about spreading love, making a difference, and creating something meaningful that connects with others. It's also about the constant pursuit of growth—not only as a musician, but as a person. There is always something new to learn, a new challenge to overcome, or a new goal to achieve.

For me, recording and releasing this album was the fulfillment of a longtime dream and a major personal goal. Another dream is knowing that people around the world can listen to my music and that it might have a positive impact on their lives. I've always hoped to travel, perform, and share my music with audiences in different countries and cultures. Those goals continue to motivate and inspire me every day.

As for the younger generation, I absolutely believe they can relate to the blues. The emotions at the heart of the blues—love, loss, struggle, hope, perseverance, and joy—are universal and timeless. The challenge isn't whether young people can connect with the blues; it's making sure they are exposed to it. It's our responsibility as musicians to help guide them, introduce them to the rich history of the genre, and share the stories of the legends who paved the way. When young listeners discover artists like B.B. King, Albert King, and Freddie King, they often realize that the feelings expressed in blues music are just as relevant today as they were generations ago. The blues is timeless because it speaks to the human experience, and that will never go out of style.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of the blues?

What I miss most about the blues of the past is the deep sense of history and authenticity that surrounds it. The blues carries tremendous historical significance. Its roots can be traced back to the songs sung by African Americans during slavery, and it evolved through the hardships of the Jim Crow South before eventually finding a new voice in cities like Chicago with the emergence of electric blues. Understanding that journey gives you a real appreciation for what the blues represents and the resilience of the people who created it.

My hope for the future is that more people, especially younger generations, will take the time to discover and appreciate traditional blues music and the pioneers who laid the foundation for everything that came after. The blues is not just a genre of music; it's an important part of cultural and musical history, and there are so many valuable lessons and stories within it.

My concern is that as the genre continues to evolve, it may sometimes move too far away from the traditional elements that made it so powerful in the first place. Evolution is important and necessary, but I hope the soul, feeling, and authenticity that define the blues are never lost. The challenge is finding a balance between moving forward and preserving the rich traditions that have made the blues such a meaningful and enduring art form.

“I think what keeps a musician passionate over the years is the desire to reach people through their music. It's about spreading love, making a difference, and creating something meaningful that connects with others. It's also about the constant pursuit of growth—not only as a musician, but as a person. There is always something new to learn, a new challenge to overcome, or a new goal to achieve.” (Photos: Nicky T, an exceptional musician whose sound bridges tradition with contemporary expression)

What would you say characterizes Ontario's blues scene in comparison to Detroit's scene?

I’m still relatively new to the Ontario blues scene, as I spent most of my life in the Metro Detroit area. Detroit is where I really cut my teeth as a musician, playing alongside many great artists and learning from some incredible mentors. One of the most influential people in my musical journey has been my mentor, Ronnie Earl, whose passion, soul, and dedication to the blues have been a tremendous inspiration to me.

Detroit has a rich musical heritage and a tremendous amount of soul. It's the Motor City and the birthplace of Motown, a city that has had an enormous impact on American music. The blues tradition in Detroit has been shaped by legendary artists such as Son House, John Lee Hooker, and countless others who helped pave the way for future generations. There's a certain grit, authenticity, and emotional depth in Detroit's music that reflects the city's history and character.

What I've come to appreciate about Ontario is that it shares many of those same qualities. There is a deep respect for the blues and its traditions, along with a strong sense of community among musicians. Ontario has produced and supported many talented artists who have dedicated themselves to studying the blues and keeping the music alive. While the scenes may have their own unique identities, both Detroit and Ontario are united by a genuine love for the blues, a commitment to the craft, and a passion for creating music that speaks to people on a deeper level.

What do you personally consider to be the decisive moments and pieces in your work and/or career?

There have been several defining moments in my career that have helped shape me both as a musician and as a person. One of the most significant was meeting Ronnie Earl. Ronnie has been a tremendous mentor and inspiration to me, and having the opportunity to record on five of his albums was an incredible honor. I also had the privilege of performing with him at several sold-out concerts, experiences that taught me a great deal about musicianship, professionalism, and the emotional power of the blues.

Another major highlight was performing at the Blues Music Awards. Sharing the stage at such a prestigious event was a memorable experience, and it was especially exciting when blues legends Kim Wilson and Bob Margolin sat in during our set. Moments like that remind you of the incredible community that exists within the blues world and the importance of preserving its traditions.

I also consider my years with Detroit's longest-running blues band, The Alligators, to be a very important chapter in my musical journey. Playing with such an established group allowed me to develop my skills, gain valuable experience, and deepen my understanding of the blues.

More recently, forming my own band, Nicky T and The Snake Charmers, has been one of the most meaningful milestones of my career. It gave me the opportunity to step into a leadership role, front a band, and share my own musical vision. It allowed me to find my voice as an artist, songwriter, and performer, and ultimately led to the creation of my own music and the fulfillment of goals I had been working toward for many years. For me, that's what makes it such a special and decisive moment in my career.

“What I miss most about the blues of the past is the deep sense of history and authenticity that surrounds it. The blues carries tremendous historical significance. Its roots can be traced back to the songs sung by African Americans during slavery, and it evolved through the hardships of the Jim Crow South before eventually finding a new voice in cities like Chicago with the emergence of electric blues.” (Photos: Nicky T, weaving blues tradition into modern expression)

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

One of the most important lessons I've learned is that success in music comes from hard work, perseverance, and patience. There are no shortcuts. I've also learned the importance of staying humble, treating people with respect, and building genuine relationships along the way. Music is a lifelong journey, and no matter how much experience you have, there's always something new to learn. Most importantly, I've learned to stay true to myself and my musical vision. If you're authentic and passionate about what you do, people will connect with it.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Music has always played an important role in bringing people together and helping us better understand one another. Throughout history, music has been a reflection of society, giving a voice to people, preserving culture, and helping communities navigate both good times and difficult times. The blues, in particular, tells stories that might otherwise be forgotten and reminds us of the struggles, resilience, and humanity that connect us all.

As an artist, I hope my music brings people together regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. I want people to feel a sense of connection, hope, and understanding when they listen. If my music can make someone smile, help them through a difficult time, inspire them, or simply make them feel less alone, then I've accomplished what I set out to do. At the end of the day, music is about love, compassion, and creating meaningful connections, and that's the impact I hope to have through my music.

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(Photo: Nicky Tabarias, known professionally as Nicky T)