Scott BresslerIn the studio, his flow is certainly reminiscent of the laid-back insightfulness of Jay-Z or Common, but on the stage Nite Owl stakes out territory that is all his own. Much of this credit is due to Team N.I.T.R.O., the full band that backs Nite Owl at his live shows; their injection of funky energy makes for an exciting show by itself.
But “N.I.T.R.O. with the nice flow,” as Nite Owl tends to refer to himself, is responsible for the majority of the good times had at one of their concerts. He admits that his style may not be appropriate for clubs, but “more for hanging out with your friends, just chilling.” But witnessing his thoughtful rhymes and expert showmanship on stage only proves that any party would do well to have some Nite Owl on the back burner in case things slow down.
His presence is a slow intense burn and this comes across just as clearly on his records.
Nite Owl’s newest release, “Now You Can Boo Me,” was the Riverfront Times best independently released local album of the year. Available for all to purchase at Vintage Vinyl, the record is a good showcase for his many talents. Mixing blues, funk and hip-hop, the album offers bountiful lyrical content for those interested in exploring and slippery sweet beats for anyone who wants to just keep things simple.
What separates Nite Owl from other wordsmiths trying to make their way from the local scene to a larger audience is his dedication to the craft.
When asked what music he was listening to, he responds, “Well, me, actually,” without a hint of irony or pretension. “This is my job, this is what I do. I have to make it the best I can.”
He keeps busy, booking dozens of shows a year around town, headlining in such venues as the Pageant and Blueberry Hill’s Duck Room.
His use of Team N.I.T.R.O. at shows also opens him up to a wider variety of opportunities. Most rappers are ineligible to compete in a battle of the bands or band showcases. Nite Owl faces no such restriction with the added benefit that his is the only act on the bill not offering rock.
“I freshen things up a bit. Offer something a little different. People like that.”
But he certainly doesn’t hog the spotlight. He constantly refers to the talents of his DJs, members of his band and even other local artists. At a recent concert at the Schlafly Tap Room, he invited two other artists on stage to perform, and the band played a song by the Upright Animals, another local group whose singer was on hand to perform.
What Nite Owl represents is the ultimate hip-hop dream: working to the top with talent and sweat. Be thankful N.I.T.R.O. works as hard as he does, because not only does he have several shows coming up, but an album of collaborations is also on the horizon.
An Oct. 19 show at the Duck Room will feature many of the other artists featured on the upcoming album “Collabo Kingz” as well as the man himself. He has a more Nite Owl-focused concert at the same venue in November, and don’t be surprised if you see him on the stage with the Upright Animals at their show this weekend during the Play: STL festival in the Loop (more on that event from Cadenza this Wednesday).
More than anything, Nite Owl wants you to hear him or see him any way you can. because he knows if you do, you will never forget him.