San Diego, California
The Euroshredder
Guitar virtuoso, instructor, performer & recording artist
Biography
Born in 1983 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nikola Milic survived a war-torn country as a young child. During these difficult times he found solace in listening to American rock music he purchased at his local record store. It was in this time of escape into music that he began to realize that he too wanted to perform for people needing a place to escape as well.
After moving to the United States he began his musical journey by starting as a trombone player in the school band. Eventually his deep infatuation with heavy metal music would lead him to pursue virtuosity with the guitar and bass guitar.
In addition to stints in various rock bands, studio session work and decades of playing experience, Nikola's earliest musical endeavors date back to his junior high school days where he performed with the prestigious San Diego City School Honor Band. As a trombone player his hard work, talent and dedication earned him a spot as section leader which opened the door to learning other instruments.
While under the instruction of award-winning SDSC band director and guitarist Philip Marcus, Nikola decided to pick up the guitar and bass. His transition from trombone to guitar served as a musical quantum leap towards becoming a virtuoso shredder.
In later years as he mastered guitar he worked with a variety of bands including the thrash metal act Skelator, classic rock cover band Mysterious, as well as collaborated with notable musicians Manuel Dorado and Avon Burell.
Regarded as one of the most technically accomplished San Diego-based guitarists, Nikola's style is heavily influenced by legendary guitarists Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen. What sets Nikola apart from other guitarists is his uncanny ability to infuse feeling and emotion to his playing while maintaining incredible speed, accuracy and articulation.
Most notable for his use of sweep and speed picking, Nikola incorporates the Lydian and Ionian modes, harmonic minor scales as well as a tasteful array of classically inspired licks and phrases into his playing.
Gallery
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Listen
Debut instrumental release
Updates
After a busy touring schedule with Dust N' Bones, Nikola has shifted focus back to solo material and new projects. He's now a Kahler Tremolo endorser and has teamed up with Leigh Guitars, who are building a custom Nikola Milic signature model featuring a 36-fret, 3-octave, fully scalloped fretboard designed for serious shredding.
After numerous production setbacks involving lineup changes and studio relocations, Nikola is back in the saddle recording all guitars, bass and keyboards with engineer Dave Shuman. The EP features all-instrumental tracks and will be available on iTunes, Amazon, and major stores worldwide.
RecordingNikola appeared at the Winter NAMM convention alongside recording artist and Randall Amps endorser Christine Rage. He performed lead guitar on her upcoming recordings, marking the start of an exciting collaboration.
LiveDust N' Bones were nominated for Best Tribute Band of 2011 by Vegas Rocks Magazine, capping off a year of performances at the Belly Up Tavern, Pala Casino, and venues across Southern California and Las Vegas.
RecognitionA wild 4th of July weekend at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, performing Guns N' Roses classics with 80s Heat DJs and a legendary costume contest. One of the standout shows of the touring run.
LiveInstruction
Locally recognized as a San Diego guitar instructor extraordinaire, Nikola's proven teaching methods have been acknowledged by San Diego's finest musicians. His students range from beginners to highly accomplished professionals.
As a classically trained brass player who studied under college guitar professor Gary Tuttle and award-winning SDSC band director and guitarist Phillip S. Marcus, Nikola brings a unique depth of musical knowledge to every lesson.
His client list has included the likes of music producer and composer Toby Weiss (son of jazz legend and Guitar Institute of Technology co-founder Joe Diorio), pro touring guitarist Christopher Eck of Masterguru, former students of guitar virtuosos Greg Howe and Joe Stump, and many other serious amateur and professional musicians.
Get in Touch
Interested in booking a guitar lesson, collaborating on a project, or just want to say hello? Reach out below and Nikola will get back to you.