Music

Primarily growing up playing classical and jazz music, Nick has played piano since they were six years old. They also have picked up the banjo, guitar, and harmonica. Now they have expanded their playing to writing original music for their solo project, sandalwood, as well as the band goodtree. Nick also composes film scores with Andrew Gonzales.

Additionally, they teach piano and guitar lessons to students of all ages, either at their home in Los Feliz or at the student’s house. Most recently, Nicholas has been busy with the latest sandalwood album, worn out joy, which was released on January 19, 2024.

sandalwood

Founder of solo indie folk project.

They have had two full length albums since starting in 2023, seen below, and have performed at iconic Los Angeles venues, including The Viper Room, El Cid, The Silverlake Lounge, & Molly Malone’s.

released January 19, 2024

songs written throughout 2023. recorded primarily in Oct-Dec 2023. all songs written by Nicholas LaDue*⁺

co-produced by Andrew Gonzales & Nicholas LaDue. mixed & mastered by Andrew Gonzales.

Nicholas LaDue: vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo (2,10), upright piano (7), synths (1-3,5,9,10), keyboard (6,8,9), vibraphone (6), harmonica (5,7), bkg vox

Andrew Gonzales: vocals (6), drums (3,4,6,8-10), banjo (1), electric guitar (2,5), acoustic guitar (6,8), bass guitar (1), synths (5), shaker (1,2,6,8), güiro (2), claps (1), rain stick (3,4,10), bkg vox (2,3,6,8)

John Lisi: bowed bass (2-4,9,10), upright bass (3,4,6,10)

Jacob Olson: slide guitar (5,9)

Biata Shem-Tov: clarinet (8,10)

Norell Sherman: vocals (3)

Dylan Wynne: background vox (8)

*i'll follow the moon is co-written by Marcia Wiesenfeld & Nicholas LaDue

⁺just be happy features a verse written by Andrew Gonzales

released February 28, 2023

dedicated to fiona

all songs written & performed by Nicholas LaDue*⁺

co-produced by Andrew Gonzales and Nicholas LaDue. mixing & mastering by Andrew Gonzales.

deluxe tracks featuring upright bass (and bowed bass) from John Lisi & slide guitar from Ray Warth

*death wish is co-written by Fiona Pestana & Nicholas LaDue

⁺my angel is a cover, originally written & performed by Adrianne Lenker

Piano & guitar lessons

After having received lessons for 12 years themselves and over 17 years of piano experience, Nicholas is now teaching piano lessons out of their home in Los Feliz. They can also travel for an additional fee if necessary.

Can teach a variety of genres and caters to the individual student’s interests and needs as a pianist, whether that be reading sheet music, learning theory, playing by ear, improvisation, and more!

Additionally, they teach guitar if requested, with a specialty in fingerpicking.

Currently taking new students! Reach out via email or phone to schedule a lesson.

Additionally, if you are a vocalist looking for piano accompaniment or someone with which to practice live, email or call the number to the right and schedule a time!

Composer

Floater (2024)
Directed and Written by D.M. Harring. An independent short film. Premiered at Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival, Vancouver Horror Show Film Festival, Leeds International Film Festival, and more. Ask for private link to film. Co-composed with Andrew Gonzales.

Introductory (2023)
Directed and Written by Greg Lloyd & Abbey Kincheloe. An independent comedy short film. Currently being sent to festivals. Co-composed with Andrew Gonzales.