Critic's pick: Multi-talented Nick Lutsko is worth checking out

Staff photo by John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free Press - Feb 4, 2015
Nick Lutsko plays guitar in the bedroom of his Hixson home Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, where he recorded his second album, "Etc."
Staff photo by John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free Press - Feb 4, 2015 Nick Lutsko plays guitar in the bedroom of his Hixson home Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, where he recorded his second album, "Etc."

Riverbend 2015 online

Visit timesfreepress.com/news/riverbend to get complete coverage of the 2015 Riverbend Festival.

Read more

Future of festivals looks brightRiverbend's director of sales oversees many facets of festival organizationStone Temple Pilots still going, trying to attract millennialsCritic's Pick: Nick Lutsko a local to see

There have been several really good local acts performing at Riverbend this year, but for me Nick Lutsko is the most interesting.

At 25, Lutsko is a veteran of the local music scene, having been a member of Infinite Orange while he was still in high school. The band garnered a decent amount of media attention for its original sound and live shows.

But what fairly blew me away was the sound and production he got on his recent solo CD, "Etc." It wasn't just that he did it all on a laptop with a few instruments in his bedroom, it was the musical influences and references that he based the record on.

He created a sound that reminded me of Frank Zappa, Brian Wilson and the Monkees in their psychedelic "Head" period I know that last one isn't exactly something to brag on if you're a Monkee's fan, but you get the point.

Part of the curiousity here is to see if Lutsko can do live what he did in his studio.

He performs tonight on Chevy Stage at 6:15 p.m. right before the Rock Skool of Chattanooga, another opportunity to check out local performers.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.

Upcoming Events