2010 Nominee Q+A: Nick Thayer
| 2010-09-21 10:30 | Written By:
Australian DJ Nick Thayer [pictured right] is nominated for Best Dance / Electronica Album at this year's Jagermeister Independent Music Awards for his latest release, Just Let It Go. The music video for his Nick Thayer vs sevenmilligram DJ/AV showcase is embedded above.
Ahead of this year's awards night - more details on that at the bottom of this post - we briefly caught up with Nick Thayer to talk independent music.
What's your favourite song of 2010 so far by an Australian artist, Nick?
My favourite Aussie song so far this year is 'Don't Go To That Side', by Charles Jenkins. Not sure if it is even out yet, but it is from his new album. Charles' music is the kind that transports me places. He has such a unique way with lyrics and melody, and in this song the two come together so beautifully. It has a very Tim Burton quality in its overstated approach ("the men there cry tears as big as the moon").
Favourite musical moment of 2010 so far?
The new Chemical Brothers album [Further] for me was a real high point. Musically, as ever, they are pushing every conceivable boundary. But the thing that really did it for me was the dual CD / DVD release, with visuals to accompany every track on the album. This is an area I've been working hard in alongside visual artist sevenmilligram, so to see our ideas echoed by an act who, for me has been so influential, was a massive thing. I think the confluence of music and visuals is something that can be incredibly powerful, especially in a club setting. And the way the visuals are approached here is certainly from that perspective as opposed to the 'what is going to look good on MTV' version.
What does being independent mean to you?
To me, independent artists are the ones who do the work of pushing musical boundaries. Without the financial demands of major labels, independent artists are free to try new things that may, or may not work. Usually not, but when it comes together it can change the face of music globally. It is certainly not a solo venture though. Nobody could get anywhere without the help and support of their peers and the myriad other networks that are in place for independent musicians. For myself, though I am on an independent label, I have a great team around me with the label staff, management, booking agents, and the list goes on.
What's the biggest challenge you face as an independent musician?
Getting heard is the major issue facing every artist I think. As an independent, trying to shout loud enough to be heard over the rest of the independent pack is a constant struggle. There are certainly great vehicles for making your music available, like Soundcloud, Facebook, and to a lesser extent now MySpace, and of course the great work of stations like Triple JJJ and the more local independent stations. But how do you get people to visit YOUR Soundcloud? How do you get the station to play YOUR tune? It might be the most amazing record in the world, but with the ever increasing amount of noise simply getting people to notice that record is a mission.
Conversely, what's the best thing about being independent?
I alluded to it before, but for me it is the freedom. I have a very supportive label who are open to me trying whatever I want and running with it. Never being told 'make it sound more like this guy or that guy' is a wonderful thing.
As a musician, what would you ultimately like to be known and remembered for?
The things I like in other people's music are great ideas and great production. I'd like to believe that is reflected in the music I make.
Favourite music video of all time by an Australian artist?
You Am I's video for 'Heavy Heart' is wonderful [embedded below]. A beautiful ballad played out in a karaoke bar. Brilliant.
What's the best thing about being associated with AIR and the Jagermeister Independent Music Awards?
Being associated with AIR to me means that little bit of an extra shove to get my head above the rest of the pack! Like I said, being heard or standing out is the hardest thing, and anything that can help give me an extra shove is a beautiful thing.
Finally, which Australian independent act deserves to be the 'next big thing'?
I guess he kind of is already, but DCup is just killing it. Every release has those two things I mentioned above (great ideas and great production) in spades. I think Charles Jenkins is about due his just rewards too.
Thanks for your time, Nick! For more info on Nick Thayer, visit his MySpace.
The 5th Annual Jagermeister Independent Music Awards are held at The Forum Theatre, Melbourne on Friday October 1st, 2010, featuring live performances from British India, Cloud Control, The Amity Affliction, M-Phazes, Sally Seltmann and Joe Chindamo. Doors open at 8:00pm; tickets are $29+BF and available now via Ticketmaster.
For more info on AIR and Australian independent music, visit http://www.ausindies.com.au/
