Nicolas "VIKINGO" Meardi

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I find my creativity through emotion. If something awakens a feeling in me, it immediately becomes a source of inspiration. Music, for me, is a space where I can pour everything I am — every thought, every emotion, every bit of energy. When I give my all to the music, when I’m fully present and honest with what I’m expressing, inspiration seems to arrive naturally, as if it had been waiting for that exact moment to appear. A big part of my creative process also happens in the solitude I share with my instrument. In those quiet, intimate moments — just me and the drums — I often discover new layers of expression. There’s a kind of revelation that comes when you’re alone with your sound, free from pressure or expectations. Ideas flow more freely, and I connect deeply with my inner voice, letting it guide me through rhythms, textures, and emotions I didn’t even know were inside me. Through constant, intentional practice, I try to stay in tune with that emotional core. I imagine myself transmitting everything I feel through the music, and in that transmission, I find the most authentic and powerful version of my artistic expression. There’s also something very special that happens when I’m in sync with my bandmates. The energy shifts — it transforms. Inspiration becomes something shared, collective. Unique moments of creation emerge from that connection. The mutual listening, the trust, the shared commitment — all of it gives the music a different, deeper kind of power and life. When it comes to performing live, creativity and emotion completely overwhelm me. That’s when everything intensifies. You never really know what might happen when you step into that immense energy that the audience generates and shares. It’s unpredictable, powerful, and deeply inspiring. I surrender to that connection, and more often than not, it’s on stage where the most honest and transformative musical moments come to life.

WORDS OF WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF DRUMMERS

What I can share with the next generations of drummers is to always envision and stay connected to where they want to go — to be intentional and clear about their goals. Work hard with the instrument, and study all the drummers who inspire you, so that you can eventually find your own unique style. Personally, every time I study or rehearse, I visualize and manifest the way I want the instrument to sound, and the style I want to develop in order to feel truly comfortable. I believe that connecting with that vision makes the journey more personal and meaningful. Above all, I believe the most important thing is to never stop creating and to keep reconnecting with yourself, so you can express who you truly are in the best possible way

FAVORITE ZILDJIAN CYMBAL/COMBO

Currently, I’m playing Zildjian A Custom cymbals for their clarity and brightness, but I love experimenting with different sonic textures. I often combine them with darker, warmer cymbals from the K series to create a more dynamic and expressive palette. For me, each cymbal adds a different layer of emotion, and that keeps my playing fresh and inspiring.