At a time where staying connected is more important than ever, House of Solo has launched ‘Party of One’, a series providing intimate insight into how your favourite artists are dealing with isolation and what we can expect from them during lockdown.
Nick Hakim, a soulful and genre-bending artist, first impressed critics with his 2017 acclaimed album Green Twins, an inimitable work of art which featured tracks that were both made into an HBO theme tune and deeply resonated with listeners. He is now back with a new album: WILL THIS MAKE ME GOOD out today, a complentative body of work, reflecting Hakim’s personal journey and his thoughts concerning the changing socio-economic climate. The video for his latest track BOUNCING was out on 11th May 2020. We chatted to Nick over email to discuss which tracks should make it on to your isolation playlist and what lockdown’s been like in New York.
How are you doing? Are you settling into lockdown life?
I’m doing well, thank you!
What does lockdown look like for you? Who are you sharing your space with?
I’m in my room most of the day with a few synths and guitars and a recording setup to record demos and finish projects. I like to cook and make my coffee then watch the news or stream TV and movies and listen to music…normal stuff that I do everyday.
You’re isolating in New York right? What’s the atmosphere there like?
It’s pretty strange. Folks seem antsy.
I really enjoyed listening to your tracks like ‘Needy Bees’ and ‘Cold’, they make for perfect isolation listening, really calming and introspective. What other songs of yours would you recommend for an isolation playlist?
Esg – my love for you.
You count figures such as Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfeild amongst your idols, and you can really hear their influence on some of your records. If you had to be isolating with any one of your idols, who would you choose?
Hmmmmm..Willie Nelson.
I liked your NPR TINY DESK, how has it been for you creating social content while in isolation?
It’s actually really easy once you just do it ! can’t …stop…watching….hulu!
You released the track ‘Crumpy’ a few days ago, can you tell me a bit about what this song means to you?
This song is about many things, falling off my bike, going crazy in New York, being drunk at a friends show, wanting to fight someone, being in love..riding the train.
Your new album WILL THIS MAKE ME GOOD is coming out on May 15th. This body of work has been three years in the making, tell me a bit about the concept/inspiration and how it sits amongst your other discography?
I feel like I’m always circling around the same themes in my songs. I wanted to challenge myself with writing about things that affect me but that also directly affect or have affected other people. I wanted to raise awareness concerning how we are living on this planet and that if we don’t respect that, Mother Nature will destroy us. Raise awareness to class struggle. Raise awareness to those who descend into depression. Raise awareness to the healing powers that exist in our everyday world but are overlooked. Raise awareness about respecting and loving those around you because one day they may not be here anymore. Raise awareness that all medicine is from the ground and the snake oil salesmen sell their elixirs and tune these earth mined potions to control the minds of the people…
What are you missing most/most looking forward to doing when lockdown ends?
My family here in NY, Philly, DC and South America . I will come visit first thing when I get the ok….
If society could take one lesson away from this time in isolation, what would you like it to be?
Respect our mother…she’s tired and complex…
Album link here
