Nicholas Brown is Coming Up
Photo credit: Errikos Andreou
Nicholas Brown has released his debut single titled ‘Up And Coming’, a playful, soulful and buoyant track, that is accompanied today by a music video, filled with psychedelic flourishes and Bollywood disco nods. Nicholas Brown’s new song also coincides with his exciting lead role in the new ABC musical four-part TV series In Our Blood, which premiered on Sunday, 19th of March. We got the chance to chat to Nicholas were we asked him about the new ‘Up and Coming’, the mini series and the advantages of attending entertainment based educational facilities.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how would you describe your sound? What genre box do you put yourself in?
I’d call it pleasurable electronic pop music. Definitely in the pop genre. And dance genre. If there was a prance genre I’d be in that too.
You have just released your first solo track 'Up and Coming'. What was the inspiration for writing the song?
The inspiration came from a time in my life when everything seemed like an uphill battle. I wanted to write a song that celebrated a difficult journey rather than be discouraged by it. Perhaps it’s a distant grand cousin of the eighties classic “What About Me.”
“So for the finale I need a black angel goddess to fly down from above me, release her umbilical cord so it lands in front of me...”
Up and Coming has it's own accompanying video, who came up with the concept for the visual release? Any memorable moments during the making of it?
I came up with the concept of the music video. I was deep in rehearsals and re-writes for my play Sex Magick which was part of the Sydney World Pride. The play takes you on a psychedelic cultural journey and I suppose the music video does the same. One of the animators probably hasn’t had much to do with magical realism and absurd storytelling - he would always question me when I would tell him what I wanted to happen in the music video. “So for the finale I need a black angel goddess to fly down from above me, release her umbilical cord so it lands in front of me and then I’ll pull it like a gentleman calls for their butler…then the goddesses birth juice will fall on me as my body arches back on the chair I’m in as a tribute to Flashdance.” I suppose he’d never been given direction like that before. Seems perfectly sound and straightforward storytelling to me.
Can we expect a full length album or Ep out soon?
Yes! I hope to have an EP out by the end of this year.
“I performed the song and a set for Sydney World Pride on Oxford St which was brilliant.”
Are there plans to hit the road and showcase 'Up and Coming' live for the masses?
I performed the song and a set for Sydney World Pride on Oxford St which was brilliant. I have to have some more live shows soon.
At what age did you realise that your future was in music and the arts? How did you make the discovery?
I’d have to say it was at about three. My grandma would teach me the piano and I’d sing along. It brought me so much joy, happinees and focus - I knew in my mind that I would pursue it.
Do you play a part in the production side of your music?
I’m very hands on with notes and direction re: the sound I’m after. I don’t have the technical skills to produce the tracks myself. I write all of my own lyrics and melodies.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
George Michael, Jamiroquai, Giorgio Moroder, Björk, Rufus Wainwright to name a few.
“The series is about politicians and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia who worked together to stop the spread of AIDS in the eighties”
Nicholas, you also have a lead role in the four part ABC musical drama 'In Our Blood' which is based around the aids epidemic in Australia in the 80's. Tell us about the series, what makes it a musical drama?
The series is about politicians and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Australia who worked together to stop the spread of AIDS in the eighties. The show is narrated by four singers who are like a greek chorus - they talk to the camera and guide us through the story by singing eighties anthems from that era that would have been dance floor favourites in the gay community. That’s what makes it a musical. I don’t get to sing in the series but I’m certainly seen several times on the dance floor busting a move.
What sort of research or preparation did you do for the role?
I talked to doctors and nursed from that time and I read several books written by doctors who dealt with the AIDS epidemic. One in particular that was super helpful was a book called Tell Me I’m OK by David Bradford.
“NIDA mainly toughened me up for the very difficult journey I was about to go on when graduating. Growing a thick skin has definitely been a blessing in this business. ”
You attended the Newtown High School of Performing Arts and then went on to the prestigious NIDA, has this musical training been a blessing now that you’re in the entertainment field?
Absolutely. At Newtown High School I sang in choirs, performed in ensembles, wrote many songs, accompanied myself with the piano - it was a wonderful creative time to experiment and to be surrounded by others who were into the same things as me. NIDA I didn’t write music but I certainly learnt how to rigorously study. NIDA mainly toughened me up for the very difficult journey I was about to go on when graduating. Growing a thick skin has definitely been a blessing in this business.
Do you think your educational training has helped to open doors for you? Is this something you recommend for people that want to break into the industry?
Yes - the best thing about going to acting school/art school or music school is the communtiy that surrounds you and the contacts you make. The people you study with might be people who make decisions about your career in the future or vice versa. I think it’s important to be professional and to look at training and study as the start of your career. I highly recommend training in any field that you want to break into. It’s not necessary in this business because a lot of it is chance - but if you want a certain career in your life - surely it makes sense to formally learn how to do it? Having said that - I sometimes prefer an untrained singing voice over a trained one. There’s something raw and exciting about someone who doesn’t have the most amazing technique but sings emotion and connectedness. Often I find trained singers to be too formulaic and set in their ways. In this business there are no rules to be honest. You make them up as you go!
Up And Coming Single Cover Art.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Sakgra the producer of Up And Coming created those eighties dance beats. Kudos to him. My writing partner Justin Gagnon definitely deserves a shout out. I wouldn’t have this song if it wasn’t for our band we had in LA. Tim Hagan produced the Bass Traps remix of Up And Coming. He’s an absolute legend and talent Zach Lurje who directed the music video was definitely a good sport when dealing with my ridiculous requests. He’s also a very talented animator and director.
What's next for you? What can we expect from Nicholas Brown for the rest of 2023?
More music, more acting, more TV roles, more writing and more collaborating. I would really love to spend some time in Peru this year too. I’m madly manifesting it all.
