Nick was raised in a home where music was a constant presence, his grandparents played the organ and piano at church, his mother was a classically trained vocalist, and his father played guitar and sang. These early influences fueled his love for music, and once he got his first guitar at age seven—an old Ibanez acoustic gifted by his grandmother—he was hooked.

His musical tastes were shaped by a wide range of influences. Growing up, he and his father would listen to Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Van Halen, The Eagles, YES, and Cheap Trick, among many others. His personal style developed through inspiration from bands like Simple Plan, Paramore, Relient K, Foo Fighters, Rascal Flatts, Brad Paisley, and John Mayer. He was also drawn to heavier bands like Underoath, The Devil Wears Prada, and Saosin. Additionally, his time playing in church led him to admire players like Droff, James Duke, and Michael Chislett.

But what truly sparked his desire to play music? A movie—That Thing You Do. Watching it as a kid lit a fire in him, and to this day, it remains one of his favorite films.

Building a Career in Music

Nick’s musical journey began with his first band, The Awakening, based in Colorado Springs. This was also where he got his first taste of the recording studio. Over the years, he played in various projects, including a pop-country artist from North Carolina and a band that performed at youth conferences.

His defining career moment came in 2016, when he was able to pay his rent and all of his bills solely from playing music. “That was the moment when I realized I could maybe actually do this for a living, and it’s fueled me for years,” Nick recalls.

Today, Nick plays for Zach Williams, a role he landed after a two-month audition process that included both video and live performances. Before that, much of his time in Nashville was spent working in the studio, honing his craft.

Connection to Veritas Guitars

Nick first discovered Veritas through Gear Talk P&W in 2014. The following year, his band performed outside of Vancouver, WA, which gave him the opportunity to visit the Veritas shop and meet Casey Marvin. Seeing Casey’s meticulous attention to detail was all it took—Nick knew he wanted to play Veritas guitars.

Since then, every one of his Veritas guitars has been a perfect fit for him, both on stage and in the studio. “They fit like a glove,” he says. “Every time I pick one up, it’s inspiring. No matter what the road throws at them, they always work and stay in tune. The quality is unmatched.”

As a player who performs hard and demands reliability from his instruments, Nick needs guitars that can handle the intensity. His Veritas guitars provide exactly that—consistency, durability, and inspiration.

One of his most cherished Veritas memories came in 2020 while recording a Christmas album at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. Using his Veritas 503, he was tasked with recording a slide solo for “Silent Night” in the same room where Duane Allman once stood. “It was intimidating, to say the least,” Nick admits. But after his bandmates left him alone in the room to work through the solo, he emerged with a track he’s deeply proud of.

Creative Process & Performance Routines

Nick’s approach to music is deeply collaborative. When recording, he focuses on the vocal melody and the interplay between instruments, particularly with the keys and other guitarists. His goal is to serve the song rather than dominate it—playing a support role until it’s time for a solo, where he can shine.

His pre-show routine is simple but effective: a few warm-ups, a couple of hours of practice if possible, and a good cup of coffee—especially if the venue is cold. As a self-proclaimed coffee snob, he always seeks out great coffee shops while traveling and insists on making pour-over coffee every morning.

Words of Wisdom

For aspiring musicians, Nick offers this advice: “Be kind, proficient, reliable, and on time. Practice and play as much and as often as you can.”

His journey is proof that dedication, passion, and the right tools—like his Veritas guitars—can lead to an incredible career. We’re honored to have him as part of the Veritas family and can’t wait to see where his musical path leads next.

Follow Nick Mayer’s journey and catch him on the road with Zach Williams!