Local music artist and hip-hop promoter Nick DiDonato who goes by the stage name Nick Fresh performed for a sold-out audience at the Hard Rock Café at 12th and Market Streets in Center City, Philadelphia last Thursday night, pulling tracks from his recent album release, ReFreshed (available on iTunes and Spotify). For Fresh, it was one of the more rewarding performances of his young career because it combined two aspects of what he enjoys most: music and helping people.
“I donated all the proceeds I received for the performance to an upstart organization that helps teens and adults with developmental challenges find employment and become more socially active in society,” said Fresh. “Aside from writing about all the fun and my hardships a big part of my music is about being the best you that you can be and achieving greatness on a scale, according to the terms that you define for yourself,” he continued. “That mindset can apply to any area of life, not just for music artists. Those with developmental challenges deserve to have the opportunity to be the best that they can be, and achieve goals and milestones in their lives as well, whatever they may be, so I’m glad to do my small part and be able to support an organization that gives them the tools they need to help them succeed.”
As for achieving milestones of his own, Fresh has many plans. “I want to sell out bigger venues and have a single chart on the billboard Top 100.” I have a lot of goals in my life and a lot of them are based on my love for music. I love what goes into the entire process, the artistry and the craft of it. I also want to do what I can to help discover and promote other artists. There’s a lot of competition and drive in me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t share the love.”
This attitude is fitting for an artist from the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia is an integral component of Fresh’s creative energy, he says. “I feed off Philly, too. It’s a great city and I’m proud to represent it. It’s where I’m from and it’ll always be a part of my musical identity. Looking back years from now, when if not all but most of my goals are accomplished, I’m going to say, ‘That’s where I got my start.’”