A Quick Chat with Nicholas Brown

Can you tell me a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Up and Coming’?

It’s a tongue in cheek ditty about the frustration of climbing up in the world. I wrote it at a low point in my life when I was living in Los Angeles and was feeling quite overwhelmed by the mountain that I had to climb in order to reach the goals I had set for myself. The song is a reminder to celebrate the journey. 

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

I’m heavily influenced by my subconscious mind and try to listen to that inner voice that calls out begging to be scribed in some way. Sometimes that voice ends up in song lyrics and melodies or in scripts that I write (I’m a playwright and screenwriter also). To me, they all come from the same source. I’m interested in taking listeners on a journey when writing a song - and a complex one (because let’s face it - life is complex) but I like to disguise it with accessible pop melodies and production. I love it when pop music has a message and isn’t just rhyming for the sake of it. 

What’s the creative process like for you? 

It’s always collaborative. I usually start with a melody in my head and then the lyrics come. If it’s a collaboration with other musicians, I might create a melody and lyrics to an instrumental piece that’s given to me. It depends on my mood, where I’m living, where I’m traveling, what I’m experiencing, if I’m in love, if I’m heartbroken, if I’m in lust, if I’m feeling more connected to the metaphysical, if I’m feeling vulnerable, defiant, exposed, adventurous, destructive - there are so many variables. Musically I tend to be quite spontaneous. If I’m in a team or band  - I obviously co-write with them - but if I’m doing my solo stuff - I’ll see who’s around me (more often than not I attract creative types into my life) and collaborate with them. 

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

If I was asked that question ten or fifteen years ago I’d have said racism or homophobia. That’s all changed now thank goodness. Now I’d say ageism. I think it’s devastating that the music business mostly relies on youth to be our storytellers. The more you experience in life, the more you have to channel into your art. I just saw Björk perform at Perth Festival, and it was a spiritual experience. She’s in her mid fifties and has so much to say and contribute to the world. 

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 

I’d probably have to jog a lot or have a ridiculous amount of sex because without music, there’d be no dancing and without dancing there’d be no way for our bodies to express themselves. To me, music and dance is ceremony - it’s something that humans have been doing for thousands of years. Without music as an outlet, I’d probably be screaming in a lot of caves. 

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why? 

I’d love to collaborate with Hercules & Love Affair, Ólafur Arnalds, Kiasmos, Sussanne Sundfør- basically any artist with a slashed o in their name ør a dãsh or dōts above letters of their names ‘cos that means their tötes cûlturäl.  

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 

Don’t wait for other people to give you the opportunity. Do it yourself. Start a band, do a course and learn how to produce your own music, do it yourself - the rest will follow. 

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met? 

Musically and recently, I’d have to say Tim Minchin. We worked together on season 2 of Upright. I play a ridiculous cult leader called Chubba. I love Tim Minchin’s songs, his lyrics, and his sense of humour. When I was living in Mumbai I collaborated several times with a brilliant artist called Louiz Banks - he’s India’s most beloved Jazz pianist /musician. Singing and jamming with him was definitely a brilliant experience. We were working on a Blues musical version of Othello and Louiz was writing jazz melodies to the iambic pentameter of Shakespeare. I’ve always loved Othello and it was pretty damn special to be singing it to original jazz/blues music.  

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

I just did a set on the Oxford St Stage for Sydney World Pride and have been asked to do a show in a Sydney cabaret venue. Would love to do some night club gigs etc - we shall see. Hopefully there’ll be some more live gigs soon.