Written by Scott Semet of At The Shore
Nancy Malcun knows just how hard it is to get to the upper levels of the music industry, and she’s determined not to let any of the usual pratfalls prevent her from getting there. She’s been performing in overtime lately, bringing both her talent and work ethic to many local establishments. She’s already garnered many accomplishments to her name, but feels as if this is just the beginning.
“I never thought I’d be at this point,” says Malcun, reflecting back on her music career to date. The talented Absecon native, who until recently worked full time as a server in a local restaurant, has managed to make performing and writing music her full-time occupation. With gigs this week at Applebee’s, Chickie’s and Pete’s and a set in Pennsylvania, she’s ready to spread her music to as many stages as possible.
Malcun is a self-taught guitarist who utilized all of the resources available to the modern musical student. YouTube was her primary teacher, along with various online guitar tab sites, which she calls “my go-to measure.” In fact, she actually began composing long before she even picked up the guitar.
“I started songwriting very young,” she says. “I had the melody in my head, but I couldn’t play any instruments.”
Recently, Malcun has played in several local spots, gigging several times each week. Though there are many venues with live music, most prefer cover bands or established artists, not newcomers with something to prove. Her sets are comprised primarily of solo acoustic renditions of classic cuts from the 1960s and ’70s, along with some personal favorites.
Though Malcun is a self-confessed “big fan” of that era, her main priority is trying to perform as many original compositions as possible. Often compared to Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift and other pop singers, Malcun says she also incorporates rock and R&B into her sound — and will even throw in a little Johnny Cash.
As for the lyrical content, Malcun says she is tackling “universal themes” and writes about experiences that everyone has felt at one time or another.
“Everybody goes through heartbreak, relationships and love,” she explains. “You know, all that mushy stuff.”
Though many of her songs retain a positive energy, Malcun also dabbles in some heavier topics, including emotional and verbal abuse.
“It took awhile to convince myself to release it,” she says. “But if I’m helping someone through it, it’s all worthwhile.”
The next step, Malcun says, is to begin moving beyond the South Jersey area, with an eye on bigger musical markets, such as Philly, where there are more opportunities for original acts.
Although she has yet to perform an entirely original set, she’s been working overtime in the studio on her debut release “Only the Beginning,” which is available on iTunes.
Malcun has already begun working on her follow-up release, and feels she actually has to pull the reins in from time to time.
“I have to hold myself back sometimes,” she says. “You need to build anticipation.”