Song Spotlight: Nico May's Give 'Em Hell (a night at Hotel Ziggy)

What got me heading out to the WFNM showcase at Hotel Ziggy on a late September evening? It was Nico May. I took a listen to all the bands and singers for the night and as soon as I heard "Lover, Who Hurt You?" on Spotify, I knew I was heading out. His vocals and music had influences from Benson Boone and Morgan Wallen with a touch of Shaboozey. During his set he mentioned that he is a fan of Zach Bryan so I'll include that country artist, as well.  

Nico May at Hotel Ziggy

Unfortunately for me, he did not sing that song and . . . his set was only six songs. Yet, he convinced me rather quickly that he was the highlight of the evening. He opened up the set with "Give 'Em Hell" that is a flowing country folk tune that highlights his vocals. The live version had him strumming his guitar while a friend played warm keyboard chords. It was a quieter version as compared to the recording and emphasized a moment of intimacy with the audience.  

It is a song about a significant other making the decision to move elsewhere. Nico May is 21 years-old so I'm just going to place a bet that the individual went off to college. Whatever the reason, this 2023 song shows a maturity to feel emotional disappointment, but also acknowledge that the other individual had an opportunity that could not be passed up.

Nico May at Hotel Ziggy

Going to the places where we used to

Yeah but now I walk alone

Wish I said "before you go"   

He is from Milwaukee, WI and so in 2023 he also made the decision to leave his hometown for Los Angeles. Perhaps there is a good ending to the song, because his significant other also left for Los Angeles? 

Nico May at Hotel Ziggy

His Spotify bio has the following tidbits, "He first began his journey playing saxophone in the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra's Jazz program, while also spending time creating songs on his family's computer using GarageBand. When Nico was in high school he began releasing his music online and performing in Milwaukee and Chicago at artist showcases." Also, of interest, in 2024, he was a contestant on Netflix's Building the Band, which didn't air until this past July.

Setlist: Give 'Em Hell, Something in the Orange (Zach Bryan cover), Firing Range, Fade Into You (Mazzy Star), Sparks (Coldplay cover), When You Walk Away.