Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with T@gged’s Nick Fink

When we last saw Jake Brown on T@gged, he was off training for the police force, leaving us wondering when he’d make his epic return. Well, we’re happy to report that time has come! Jake’s home (where he belongs) to protect the ones he loves, but more importantly, this means we’ll be seeing a lot more of Nick Fink, the talented actor who’s captured everyone’s heart in the role. Pop Culturalist spoke with the ever-charming Nick Fink about Jake’s return, the T@gged family, and why this season is a special one for him.

PC: You’ve been a part of T@gged since season one, has there been anything about Jake’s journey that has surprised you?
Nick: His journey hasn’t really surprised me. Once Jake met Rowan, he knew what he wanted to do and who he wanted to be. He’s continued on this path of being the protector and trying to be there for the people he cares about.

PC: In season three, we see Jake re-enter into the fold. What can you tease about his arc?
Nick: Jake comes back in town for Ash. He’s there to try to make his life easier and to keep a smile on his face. His relationship with Rowan is still forbidden, which is tough for Jake. He’s also still out of the loop and everyone is keeping things from him. I guess, in a lot of ways, it’s more of the same, but with new little twists thrown in.

PC: We see Jake interact with more characters this season. Besides his relationship with Rowan, which of his relationships is your favorite to explore and why?
Nick: Definitely his relationship with Ash. Tim [Granaderos] and I hadn’t gotten to work together too much. It was a lot of fun, and we became great friends over the course of the show. Jake respects his relationship with Elisia, and likes how Ash has been there for her. They have a cool relationship and it’s nice to see them interact and keep each other in check.

PC: Having played Jake for three seasons now, what’s your favorite part about playing him and what’s been the most challenging?
Nick: My favorite part about him is his heart and how much he cares for everyone. He’s this protector and I admire that about him.

In terms of the most challenging, it’s probably Jake toeing that line between wanting to let his guard down and express himself to Rowan, but also telling himself that he shouldn’t.

PC: If T@gged is picked up for season four, where would you like to see his story arc head?
Nick: As of right now, we know that he’s been training to enter the police force. I’d like to see him continue down that route. It’d be interesting to see how he would handle everything going on with the girls from a law enforcement angle.

PC: This season one of your original songs, “On My Mind”, was included. How did that come to fruition and what was the inspiration behind the track?
Nick: Thanks for asking that! It came to be because the people who make this show really care about us. They knew that music was a hobby of mine, especially Jina Jones [producer] and Hannah, our director, so they reached out and asked if I had any music I could bring in. I’ve been sitting on this song for a while—it’s actually one of the first songs I had ever written—so I sent it to them and they really liked it. I laid down the track and they put it in the show. I have a song out there now, which seriously wouldn’t have happened, at least on this timeline, without them. It was incredibly kind and thoughtful and I’m super appreciative of them. They would honestly do this for anyone in the cast.

PC: Will you be releasing more music in the future?
Nick: Yeah, definitely. It’s something I do to keep myself creatively active when other things aren’t moving, but I definitely think I’ll be releasing more music next year, so you can be on the lookout for that.

PC: T@gged has built this incredible fanbase and they’ve really championed the show. When you joined the series, did you ever imagine it would become what it has?
Nick: Of course not! You never know with any of these things. I knew that I was excited by the writing and even more excited after meeting the cast and getting to know Hannah, who’s our incredible director and creator of this madness. It became more exciting and interesting as it went along. To see the fanbase that’s developed is incredible; they’re so thorough and passionate. Things like this don’t happen without them…even if they ship Rowan and Brandon more than they ship Jake and Rowan. [laughs]

PC: When you look back at the last three seasons, is there a moment that stands out to you either onset or offset?
Nick: This past season, my character was a little more involved, so I was down filming more often. Even though I’ve been part of the show since season one, I haven’t really had the chance to get to know a lot of people all too well, but I had that opportunity this last season. There was one night specifically, where we had an incredible bonding experience, mainly because of Lukas Gage. He tends to bring that out of people. That’s a standout for sure. I loved getting to know everyone better and learn their stories instead of who they are in the show.

PC: Besides T@gged, do you have any other upcoming projects that you can chat about?
Nick: Well, I’m in Atlanta right now shooting something, but I’m not allowed to say anything else. It’s one of the shows they film in Atlanta. [laughs] I also just went to a screening of this feature I shot a year ago called The Way You Look Tonight. That’s about to hit the festival circuit, so hopefully that’ll get some eyes on it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Nick: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

PC: Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Nick: London

PC: A place you’d like to visit?
Nick: France

PC: If you weren’t an actor, what would you be doing?
Nick: Musician

PC: A person you’d like to meet?
Nick: What can I say? You sound like a great guy. It’d be great to meet you.

Make sure to follow Nick on Twitter and Instagram, and binge-watch all three seasons of T@gged on Hulu today!

Photo Credit: Awesomeness