Veteran Birmingham Musician Goes Solo: 5 Questions With Les Nuby

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Les Nuby has been a staple in the Birmingham music scene since he was a teenager, and with good reason. The multi-talented, multi-instrumental musician has been part of a major-label band, played on the David Letterman Show, toured Europe opening for R.E.M. and has produced hundreds of records for bands in his studio in Birmingham.

Something Nuby has not done until now is release a solo record, despite having written hundreds of songs in his lifetime. Nuby's release on Cornelius Chapel Records, Clouded, has already received national airplay with the release of the album's first single, "Know What She Said," which has been streamed more than 15,000 times on Spotify already.

Patch was able to catch up with Nuby to discuss the album, and what has brought him to this point in his career.

After more than 3 decades of making music, how did you decide now to put out a solo record?

After releasing the debut album from Holiday Gunfire, I just kept writing songs. And they didn’t really have a home anywhere else. It only made sense to finish them up on my own. I finally felt like it was time to put my money where my mouth is. It’s really easy to direct, and guide other musicians, (but) It’s a whole other story when it’s all on me. No one to blame.

What makes this album different from the albums you have released as part of a band?

I just had a vision for how I wanted it to be. And I can be a little bit of a control freak. I find myself in the studio, often wanting people to play things a little bit differently. So I just approached it as a DIY project. I’ve truly enjoyed playing with other musicians, but when it comes to my own material I often am not the most gracious about other peoples ideas.

As one of the most respected producers in the southeast, you have built a great reputation in the studio. Do you prefer producing/engineering ,music to playing music? Or vise versa?

I love all of it! I am enjoying working on my own material right now, but I’m still actively working with bands in the studio. And right now no one can play live music anyway! So it’s a good time to try out new tricks in the studio with bands.

What has been your favorite moment/memory as a musician?

Touring with Idlewild, opening for REM is a real highlight. Seeing behind the curtain on that large of a level, was eye opening. Little things can go a long way. Just stay focused and work on it all the time. No time to just sit around wondering what “could have been."

What is on the horizon for Les Nuby?

The next album is already in the works. About half of it is mixed. And it’s the natural progression for me. There’s no shortage of material. And people seem to enjoy it.

Learn more about Nuby and the album from Cornelius Chapel Records.