12 Facts About Franz Nicolay

Franz Nicolay was born on 1977 and is an American musician and writer.

Franz Nicolay is best known as the keyboardist and pianist for the indie rock band the Hold Steady, with whom he has recorded seven studio albums.

Franz Nicolay has worked as a producer, arranger, session musician, and collaborator with Sincere Engineer, Mischief Brew, Leftover Crack, the Dresden Dolls, the Loved Ones, and the Living End.

Franz Nicolay has taught at University of California, Berkeley, and Columbia University's MFA fiction program, and is currently on faculty at Bard College.

Franz Nicolay grew up in Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, and graduated from New York University's music program.

In 2001, Franz Nicolay organized "An Afternoon of Anti-Social Chamber Music" at Columbia University, a program of new music from emerging New York-based composers.

In 2010, Franz Nicolay announced he had left the Hold Steady after five years with the band.

In 2007, Franz Nicolay released Black Rose Paladins, a set of solo demos.

Franz Nicolay published his first story collection, "Complicated Gardening Techniques," on Julius Singer Press.

Franz Nicolay produced the album The Birth and Death of Meaning and EP "Follow Me" by The Debutante Hour, as well as playing several instruments and providing guest vocals.

Franz Nicolay co-produced the album Killing the Darlings by the New York trio Pearl and the Beard.

Franz Nicolay appeared in the video book trailer for Salman Rushdie's Luka and the Fire of Life.