A few of us here at HypeTune.com remember being mesmerized by a video on Youtube about 4 years ago. The video featured an incredibly unique talent that stuck with us for a while.  Nick Pitera, now a graduate of the Ringling College of Art and Design and a 3D modelor at Pixar’s Animation Studios, sang his rendition of the classic Disney Aladdin song, “A Whole New World.”  Sure, a lot of musicians have taken their shot at the masterpiece, but Pitera did something that blew our minds.  He sang both “Aladdin” and “Jasmine’s” parts, changing the octave of his voice each time.  The video has amassed over 27,000,000 hits up to now.  Today, we’re very honored to be featuring Nick Pitera on our site with an exclusive interview.

Over the past few years, Pitera has continued to put out amazing videos.  He’s also auditioned for Glee, performed on The Ellen Show, and released three albums on iTunes.  Pitera has also collaborated with many fellow Youtube musicians such as Sam Tsui, J Rice, The Shures, Shan Malaika, and more!  His most recent accomplishments have included a spot on The DigiTour and the launch of his own merchandise store.  His Youtube channel is now at over 263,000 subscribers and 89 millions video views.  That’s something to be proud of, but not surprising.  His talent is unmatched.  High octave or low octave, his vocals are brilliant.  Pitera’s performances also have a lot of personality.  You can feel the passion.  His first album, “The Covers: Volume 1,” is a collection of hit songs covered by Pitera himself.  He followed that release with a second incredible album full of Christmas music.  His latest project was “The Covers: Volume 2″ which released just this summer.  We have a few songs off that album for you to sample below.  Also check out our EXCLUSIVE interview with Pitera where he talks about his work in animation, original releases, advice for independent musicians, and much more. While your reading, be sure to check out some of his other brilliant videos.  Find it all here on HypeTune.com.  Get on the hype.

Nick Pitera on Myspace | Twitter | Youtube | Merchandise

GET PITERA’S LATEST RELEASE “THE COVERS: VOLUME 2″ HERE!

Grab his music on iTunes! The Covers: Volume 1 | Christmas

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH NICK PITERA

HypeTune.com: You have over 250,000 subscribers on Youtube, with your most viewed video reaching 26,000,000+ views.  Congratulations, that is amazing!  How has Youtube influenced your career as a musician?

Nick Pitera: It allowed me to start one. Before YouTube, I assumed I would never be able to move forward with music. I always hoped and dreamed, but never really thought it would happen. It has opened up so many doors, and been such an amazing platform for promoting and continuing my musical journey. I am extremely grateful and feel so so lucky.

HypeTune.com: What’s it like working at Pixar Animation Studios?  What is the coolest project you’ve worked on?

Nick Pitera: I love it. I has been a childhood dream, and goal, and  I feel extremely lucky. I really loved working on a short called “La Luna” which will be shown theatrically this summer attached to Pixar’s feature film Brave.

HypeTune.com: Any plans to release original tunes in the future?  What can we expect from Nick Pitera in the next few months? 

Nick Pitera: Yes! I have been dying to put out original content for quite a while, and I can happily say it is now in production. I had a blast releasing a set of “covers” EPs, and they have done quite well, but I can’t wait to finish up and share my own music. The plan is to get a small EP of original content out in the next few months.

HypeTune.com: If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be and why?

Nick Pitera: Mariah Carey. I think she has the most amazing voice, and is a genius when it comes to writing great pop songs. I grew up learning how to sing by butchering her songs up in my bedroom.

HypeTune.com: If you could have composed and recorded a song for any previous Disney movie, which would you choose and why?

Nick Pitera: I don’t know if I could choose just one. I have too many favorites. I will say it would have to be one of Alan Menken’s compositions. He has written some of the most beautiful,  memorable, and timeless songs. From Mermaid, to Beast, to Aladdin, all the way up to Tangled. They are all so good. I would kill for a chance to sing one.

HypeTune.com: Your success as an independent musician is admirable.  What advice do you have for independent/unsigned musicians on how to make a name for themselves in the industry?

Nick Pitera: Not everything comes fast or easy. If you really want it, keep working, and despite everything try to keep a positive outlook. The Internet has opened up so many opportunities for people that might not otherwise get a shot. Do what you love, put your all into it, and hope for the best

HypeTune.com: Any personal favorites here on HypeTune.com?

Nick Pitera: I was a big fan of all the Christmas posts you guys did this month. Really got me in the spirit!