138: The Untold Story Behind “Pacific Coast Highway”

In this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, I sit down with Nils to talk about his journey from Germany to becoming one of the most recognizable names in contemporary jazz.Nils shares how growing up on rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple eventually led him toward funk, fusion, and artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Herbie Hancock, Larry Carlton, and Steps Ahead.We talk about the success of “Pacific Coast Highway,” how his sound evolved over the years, and why understanding what audiences connect with changed the way he approaches writing and producing music.Nils also opens up about the realities of today’s music business, including touring, producing for other artists, teaching, streaming, social media, and why modern musicians must think like entrepreneurs.We also discuss his approach to covering classic songs like “That’s the Way of the World,” the challenge of honoring legendary music while still making it your own, and what continues to inspire him creatively after all these years.This conversation is honest, insightful, and a real look behind the curtain at what it takes to build longevity in contemporary jazz.Connect with Nils: https://www.nilsmusic.com/