Nakhane Chats Life Influences, A New Album And OHM Fest!
Last week Ungrained had the amazing opportunity as part of Ohm Festival to chat with Nakhane, the multi-talented Singer, Songwriter, Writer and Actor who’s fresh off the release of the late 2022 EP ‘Leading Lines’. We chatted all about Nakhane’s life, influences and some sneaky little information about their upcoming album ‘Bastard Jargon’.
Hey Nakhane! It’s so nice to have you here with us in Australia! Tell me about your journey in the world of music, what were your inspirations and passion that led you to where you are today?
Wow. This is a big question. Music has been something I’ve been obsessed with since I can remember. I remember my mom taking me to a concert of a gospel singer I used to love before I was even 5. I just sat on the lip of the stage watching her, in awe. I used to ing myself to sleep. When I started going to grade school that’s when it really started: with me in choirs and musicals, playing trombone, steel drums. It took over my entire life and has never stopped. The only thing that changed was that after I left high school I decided to write my own songs. I was tired of reciting.
What about your creative process, how do you transmute the ideas in your head into the music you create?
I normally have an idea for weeks or months before I commit it to tape or the page. It stays in my mind, getting formed and then - maybe because I know what a commitment it is to actualise an idea - I finally sit down and work on the goddamn thing. While there are a few lovelies that are made in a single session, most of them need to be wrestled down.
When you walk into the studio ready to record whats the biggest thing on your mind? Whats the first thing on your mind?
Now it’s, “This is not a big deal. You’ve done this before. You have no one to impress but the song and the gods. Be honest and sing your heart out.”
You just released your EP 'Leading Lines' a few months ago. What song did you have the most fun recording and why?
It’s a toss up between ‘Tell Me Your Politik’ and ‘Do You Well’. The former because with every iteration of it that got developed the song got nastier and nastier. The blood in its mouth just wouldn’t stop frothing; and I loved that. The latter because it was so much fun. I was with Emre Turkmen - the person I wrote it with, and I remember having to take my trousers off to hit them high notes.
Your new EP has a pretty big change in sound to your earlier works. Where did you draw your influences this time around and what made you want to switch things up?
So much dance music, particularly South African early 2000s house.
We're so excited to hear what's next for you, do you have any little secrets you can let us in on for your new album 'Bastard Jargon'?
One of my favourite bassists, a person who’s played and has written in albums by D’Angelo And Solange added his spice to one of my songs.
Do you have a happy place? Where do you feel most at peace? Real or not.
Happy place is in bed. There are few things I love more than sleeping
We're can't wait to see you tear up the stage this Saturday for Ohm Festival, what can we expect from the night?
All of me.
Get your tickets to Ohm Festival now!
Brisbane Powerhouse presents
ΩHM
FESTIVAL OF OTHER MUSIC
Peaches, Future Islands, The Chills, Kae Tempest,
Monolake + Electric Indigo and more
Pushing boundaries through sound, music and performance
Feb-Mar 2023 at Brisbane Powerhouse
brisbanepowerhouse.org