Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, can come off as an unassuming place. Thanks to Shippensburg University, the area, including Chambersburg, becomes a melting pot of artists, ranging from painters to musicians.

Nick Andrew Staver is one of those local musicians. He grew up in Shippensburg and went to Pittsburgh and many other places to play his music, “averaging 120-140 performances a year,” he says.

Staver recently released his new album, “Small Lights,” in January 2015. “Small Lights” really exemplifies what I love about the local and indie music scene. The eight-track album, filled with his standout acoustic guitar and soulful voice, flows naturally.

The production on the album is fantastic. Staver’s vocals and acoustic guitar take the lead, but the drums and bass hold their own to create a fresh and crisp sound. It likely sounds even better live. Staver has a voice that echoes and demands attention.

Staver has done himself a favor by getting into blues music, because that is where he really shines.

“Small Lights” sounds like it comes from a very personal place and it turns out that is exactly the case.

“My biggest inspiration for “Small Lights” was myself. I had just decided to quit the comfort of steady income through a day job. I had to sacrifice many of the normal day-to-day luxuries that people have when they know money is coming in. All my life I performed in other bands, now it was my name out there on the line, night after night. So I decided to step up, be my own leader, focus in and do what I do best. I knew if I did that for the recording of “Small Lights,” I wouldn’t have regrets. Now after taking the album out on the road for at least six months, and seeing how people react to the music and purchasing the album, makes me very proud and happy, but readies me for the next album,” Staver said.

Throughout the album, you can hear the influences of various rock and blues elements. Staver said he grew up listening to jazz, rock and blues. He mentions singers, such as B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Edwin McCain and more being influences for his music and play style.

His first album, “Blue Wildey,” was self-recorded in his Philadelphia apartment. “Small Lights” was done in a studio with him doing the vocals and guitar, with friends Tim Carr on the drums and Ryan Kane on the bass.

He said that his peers were a big influence, as well, and that he has been “extremely fortunate to meet and know so many great musicians over the years.”

Staver is going to be touring up and down the east coast this summer, while working on his new album, which he plans to have on “many talented friends as special guests.” He is also interested in getting into other areas of music.

Most of Stavers performances are solo, but in the South Central Pennsylvanian area, he plays in a small acoustic trio. He also mentioned he occasionally plays with his friend Dan Emig on violin.

You can check out his website at nickandrewstaver.com to stream his music, purchase it and see upcoming shows.

Share