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Nick Zielinski

A man with glasses, a gray beard, and a beige beanie smiling outdoors near a large inflatable snowman's nose.

Drums

Nickolai "Nick" Zielinski is an drummer, percussionist, musical improviser, and electro-acoustic composer based out of the Midwestern United States (primarily Iowa and Wisconsin). He is best known for his highly dynamic, inventive drumming style that bridges avant-garde jazz, experimental rock, and electronic soundscapes.

Musical Style & Projects

  • Experimental Drumming: Critics have praised his rhythm work as spectacular, "uncluttered," and anchoring heavy grooves, drawing stylistic comparisons to progressive rock legends like Carl Palmer.

  • Electro-Acoustic Music: He specializes in up-cycling traditional audio artifacts into electro-acoustic sound collages. He uses custom-built software and algorithmic processes to challenge conventional song structures.

  • MANTIS: Zielinski performs in this experimental jazz trio alongside Anders Svanoe (baritone saxophone) and Brad Townsend (bass). The trio is known for upgrading the traditional saxophone format with improvisational freedom and heavy rhythms.

  • Arp of the Covenant: He also collaborates in this progressive/avant-garde jazz project alongside Townsend and Mark Siegenthaler.

Groups