Nic Armstrong & The Thieves

"Few would argue that emigrating - on a whim - to the United States has proven not to be a genius stroke of career kamikaze. However, if you lose something you invariably gain something or so the story goes.*

Born and raised in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Nic Armstrong has been based in Austin, TX, for the past five years. Utilising and drawing from a wide field of current and off-kilter resources and influences, he composes scratchy, hook-laden, left field, rock and roll with a dip of tobacco psychology. Temporarily confined to playing select showcases and residencies, Nic is finalising the arrangements of 40+ compositions - five years of work.

At the tail end of his second tour with the amazing Paul Weller (The Greatest White Liar was his album of the year) - three sold out nights at London's Hammersmith Apollo - Nic flew out to the United States to promote The Greatest White Liar. A hard working ethos and high energy live shows led to his US network TV debut (Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson), US and UK dates with Oasis (reluctantly had to turn down a full UK tour...boo!) and festival appearances (Coachella, ACL, La Gloria, SXSW, Festival des Effervessone, CMJ). Down Home Girl, a cover of a Lieber & Butler track was picked up and featured in Superbowl 50. Full UK, European and North American tours - including two US tours with The Pretenders. Oh, and lucky enough to play just before Iggy Pop in France too.

An anomaly of a non-driver in America, Armstrong landed in pre-gold rush Austin, TX, with one carrier bag of clothes, a critically acclaimed record and a burgeoning live reputation. On his very first night in the USA, a wizened Austin soothsayer-cum-cartoon-bad-guy howled at Nic, "Once you are here you will never leave!". Surprised by the weather and the warmth of the locals, it appears that Armstrong has followed the curve of this prophecy.

Do not be fooled by this for one second.

In his workshop, Armstrong has been forging onwards: consistently writing, composing, arranging and documenting all parts to a very diverse and exciting body of work. All energies focused on the road and horizon ahead. The vanishing point.

EP then EP then LP. #refreshing #unique

*writers take note