Brighton-based Night House are delighted to announce the release of their latest single, Unfold, out now via Back In The Woods Records.
The brainchild of singer, songwriter and producer Nick Williams (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, synthesizers, drum machine, mandolin, production), Night House effortlessly blends elements of minimal electronica with atmospheric orchestral arrangements and melancholic vocal segments.
Mixed by Dan Brown (Massive Attack, Jerry Williams), Unfold was written for a close friend, lyrically reflecting on lost relationships and how the hurt experienced by both parties will only be temporary. The themes, sonically, pour out from the speakers as Williams’ repeats the line, “If it’s more than you feel you can take, then hold on.”. Aching emotion, gushing through every note.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Night House about the latest release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I love mixing genres and styles with my music. Some of my songs can be very warm, orchestral and acoustic with others more electronic and cold. For my recent single Unfold I wanted to bridge the gap between these styles and meet somewhere in the middle. I’ve always been drawn to solo singer-songwriters, great lyrics are the key. However the first artist to turn me electronic music were Radiohead. I remember the first time I heard Idioteque’s pounding, sad, unrelenting beat, I knew I wanted to create something similar. Where machines and meet acoustic sounds, at the moment for me, that’s the best place to be.
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I started writing songs from an early age, most of them terrible but I was utterly hooked on the catharsis of songwriting. It now feels very much a part of who I am, I’m not sure I know what else I could do! Even if I stop performing live, I’ll never stop writing.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
My taste has definitely changed considerably over time. I used to be a bit of a folk songwriter purist, really only listening to the classic 70’s artists. But now I enjoy listening to so many different genres, from Hip-Hop (Anderson Paak’s album Malibu has been on constant repeat since it’s release), Electronica, through to songwriters, jazz and soul. My biggest musical influence is Joni Mitchell, I adore how she refused to put in a box as “sensitive female songwriter”, embracing jazz and rock.
Lyrically my work is very autobiographical, drawing from events in my life and of those I’m close to.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
This album is my most honest work yet. A lot of the songs are very personal about my relationships, family and history. When writing the record I wanted to strip back some of the artifice of writing lyrics and just be honest. I’ve also been more adventurous the arrangements, throwing in electronic beats with orchestras and everything in between.
What was the last song you listened to?
Night Shift by Lucy Dacus
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Over the years over accumulated so many cd’s of other artists that live in my van. I love diving into the glove box to find something you’ve forgotten you ever had! I’m a big streamer, so listen to a lot of music that way but if I love an album it’s got to be Vinyl.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I think Spotify have made it so easy to access music, it’s my go to for new music. However Bandcamp are the best paying artists.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
I think the best way to getting people to connect with music is by them seeing it live! I think one of the issues facing Uk artists is that unlike in other EU countries, here in smaller club shows aren’t very well paid. So life on the road is a bit harder.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
Keep up with our tour dates at www.facebook.com/nighthouse
We post lots of live clips and info to our Instargam so follow us there! www.instagram.com/nighthouseuk
All our new music will be Spotify so follow us there to make sure you don’t miss a release.
Our new website will be up soon at www.nighthousemusic.com
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Our new music video for Unfold directed by the fantastic Elliot Tatler will be out in the next few weeks. Make sure you keep an eye out for that!
