Nicholas Chim is a singer-songwriter from Singapore who has been performing with his guitar, since 1999. He has 2 solo albums out and 4 with his previous band Vertical Rush.
His seventh release “The Greatest Enemy” is out now on iTunes, Bandcamp and Spotify!
In this interview, we have a virtual pow wow with Nicolas to discuss his newest project, influences, and more.
Full Q&A, links and the video for Overboard below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
My journey with music started with me being in an emo band. After a few years of that, I felt that I needed another outlet to express myself fully. I felt drawn towards the singer/songwriter genre because it allows me that emotional range, especially if I had to perform solo. I knew that most of my friends in the Singapore music scene would be moving on to different careers, so being practical I had to find a way to keep going.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I started this solo project about 6 years ago, near the end of the aforementioned band.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
When I started writing my solo material, I was introduced to the works of Nick Drake and its depth still continues to inspire me. My other favourites would be Damien Rice, Bon Iver and William Fitzsimmons. It doesn’t hurt that the stories behind their music is something that I can strongly relate to.
Some days it’s really hard but when that happens, I remind myself of a couple of fan mails I’ve received in the past. They describe end of relationships, terrible situations, just the painful side of being human. Yet somehow, my music gave these people comfort and strength. To be the one who writes the words that others couldn’t find to express themselves is a vocation that I’m proud to have.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
My previous records were more loose and ethereal, so this time around I wanted to try to do something with a larger band presence and lush arrangements. I guess I felt confident enough that my vocal performance would be able to take on more muscular material already.
Thematically, I wanted to explore expressing emotions other than unrequited love. I realised I was getting more frustrated and angry at my current circumstances and I wanted to get to the root of those issues. The songwriting process has always been cathartic for me, so I figured I could write to work through long standing emotional issues. It wasn’t easy having to face that ugly side when I usually repress it, but I’m glad that I’m learning to work on being the best version of myself.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’ve been listening to Radiohead’s “A Moon Shaped Pool” a lot recently and the last track “True Love Waits” really gets to me. The emotion captured in that performance is amazing. I love that more often than not, a well written song doesn’t need to be overly complex in structure. They found the perfect balance in this song.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
CDs for me. I especially like to buy those from indie bands I meet on tour. You know that you’re supporting someone to continue to work on their craft in a very real way. To me, that’s how music should be.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I prefer Bandcamp because their revenue share model seems the most fair to me. It also helps that I feel that they make the most effort to keep improving the experience for both artists and audience. I also tried the Pro version for a month leading up to the launch of my latest EP in Singapore. With that, I could provide exclusive streaming to editors of publications. This proved to be key in the success of the local campaign.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I think that one of my biggest challenges is trying to find listeners who like my style of music, which is considered niche especially in this region (Southeast Asia). Touring would usually be the solution to that, but I’m hindered by weaker currencies and language barriers in Singapore’s neighboring countries.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
There aren’t many places for my style of music in the region, so I trying to make touring in Europe a yearly affair. I’ve performed in Germany in the past couple of years and am looking for opportunities in the neighbouring countries.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
You can visit my website at www.nicholaschim.com, where you can listen to official releases as well as some b-sides. All my social media portals are linked to it too!
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
My friend introduced me to a book called “Zen Guitar”, which places the teachings of Zen within the context of music. After reading it, my approach to music changed completely. On days when I don’t feel as confident, I always hold on to a line from that book: “Play the truth and it will remain the truth for listeners to discover when they are ready.” To fellow musicians and songwriters out there, remember that you have an important role in this world. Be proud of your talent and use it to do good!
