Nick Agostino
The decision to leave behind familiar lives for an uncertain future is one which needs to be taken with courage, determination and above all lots of imagination with in mind a quote by a famous philosopher, who shall remain anonymous, who once stated that "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations".
And so on a cold European winter’s morning in February 1970 a handsome young man, just over sixteen years of age and full of imagination, embarked on the smart ship Angelina Lauro of the Flotta Lauro Lines for the long journey which would take him from the shores of the Calabria region of Italy to the distant port of Fremantle in the land Down Under.
This was the beginning of the story of singer, musician, songwriter and entertainer extraordinaire Nick Agostino who, together with mum Angela and dad Raffaele, were following their dream of adventure in the new continent.
And what an adventure it has been!.
It didn’t take long for Nick to conquer local audiences with his magical voice and high energy performances and he promptly became keenly requested to appear at an array of Perth metropolitan venues either as a solo artist or with the several popular bands which along the years he fronted such as Vagabondi, Ribelli, Rio, Dallas, Vegas, Playboys and Nostalgia.
The musical journey continued non stop with enthusiastic performances on prestigious platforms not only in his home state but also at events in the major cities of the Eastern States of Australia and overseas in Europe and South East Asia.
In the West Australian capital alone at functions, ceremonies, concerts and festivals Nick has graced the stages of all of Perth’s five star venues from the Hyatt Regency Hotel to the Sheraton Hotel (now the Pan Pacific) to the Parmelia Hilton not to mention the Perth Concert Hall, the iconic Astor Theatre in Mount Lawley and the celebrated Regal Theatre in Subiaco and just about every other place in between!
Nick cemented his reputation as a true professional by winning multiple singing contests which recognised not just his vocal qualities but also his ability to sing across a wide spectrum of musical genres and styles in both Italian and English languages.
Qualities which have ensured Nick would be continually sought after to appear as support act for international stars touring Australia, particularly those from Italy of Sanremo Song Festival fame and TV and recording artists which have included, to mention just a few, illustrious names such as Mal Dei Primitives, Pupo, Ricchi e Poveri, Zucchero and Eros Ramazzotti.
With his powerful voice, infectious energy and an undeniable ability to turn any occasion into something everyone will remember, Nick remains always very much in demand to appear at festivals, hotels, clubs, restaurants and shopping centres whether leading a live band, commanding the room as a singer/DJ or surprising audiences with his popular and unique singing baker performances (in reference to his “other” life as a successful baker).
His appearances at the Fremantle Italian Club’s Hey Hey it’s Friday dance nights are regularly sold out as are his legendary shows at the Laguna Veneto Club and on any given weekend you’ll find him entertaining crowds at other various venues including the Abruzzo and Molise Sporting Club, the WA Italian Club, the Bunbury Italian Club and, well, the list could go on and on!
Nick has been a regular guest artist at the yearly Sound Of Italy Concert, dubbed the Sanremo Junior Australia International Song Contest, in which the young contestants compete for a chance to represent Australia at the Sanremo Junior Finals in Italy and where Nick once rendered a memorable and emotional Italian version of the famous song “My Way” which literally brought the house down.
The Perth Italian Festival held at Langley Park along the banks of the beautiful Swan River is another very popular event to which Nick is always invited to provide his services both on stage with a live band and as a singer/DJ entertaining patrons at one of the bars within the festival grounds such as the Peroni/Spritz Giardino.
Songwriting is another facet of Nick’s artistry and as a hopeless romantic in true latino style Nick writes mainly about love, fiery, poetic and passionate love. One of his songs titled “Scusa" was included in the Italian Love Mix CD Various Artists compilation released by GMP featuring thirteen original tracks by Australia’s leading exponents of contemporary Euro song and Scusa proved to be one of the more popular songs receiving significant airplay on a number of diverse radio stations.
Many of his original songs have been recorded and released with the collaboration of some of the best available local musicians invariably under the auspices of Nick’s great friend and quintessential Perth music icon pianist, arranger and musical director Sammy Pizzata.
And so the years have passed but years which have seen Nick Agostino develop into an accomplished and well regarded entertainer who commands respect from industry peers and audiences alike also because, as Nick puts it himself, music isn’t just a performance, it’s connection, celebration, love and above all it’s fun — serious fun!
It’s been a long journey since that cold fateful day in February 1970 but one which, true to the adage of our anonymous philosopher, began on a difficult road but ultimately led to a beautiful destination and, may we add, to a beautiful outcome!
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