Nick Voelker
A self-described disciple of John Mayer and Joji, artist Nick Voelker is setting out to make his mark in the world of soft pop. Listening to his hottest single, “Mood,” it’s apparent that Voelker is comfortable exploring uncharted waters—the singer-songwriter manages to seamlessly transition from a gentle lofi-esque beat to a moody vocal hook. His style is right at home for younger listeners: there is an idyllic feel in Voelker’s songs, symbolic of the new generation of 21st-century artists. It comes as no surprise that Voelker is a Cloud main in Super Smash Bros. and a fan of Tarantino flicks. Fans of this prolific musician can expect more soon as Voelker will be releasing five original songs in October—so as always, stay tuned! We recently spoke to Voelker about his musical inspiration, songwriting process, and more!
How did you start making music?
I started making music because I wanted to be like my older brother - he played shows we'd go to as a family when I was in middle school, and I wanted to grow up and do that too.
Apart from making music, what’s something you like to do in your free time?
When I'm not making music or videos I like to get outside. I go on runs and walks everyday just to clear my head and feel connected. I love to play Smash Bros. Cloud is my main. I am also often opening my phone to catch Pokemon and flex them to my friends.
Do you find writing songs easy or difficult, why?
Writing songs can be both easy and difficult. Some songs literally happen in 30 minutes, start to finish. Others are ideas that have been around for years - hooks and beats that never saw completion. I definitely spend a lot of energy chasing songs that I believe in, but aren't coming easy. I have a lot of projects that feel so so good, and could turn into amazing songs if I found the missing parts. You have to be patient, but also work tirelessly to crack the code of a song you really really think is special. It's so fun and rewarding once you get there, but sometimes you never do. You have to balance that pursuit with coming up with new ideas.
How do you overcome writer's block?
Writer's block is tough. I find myself most blocked when I'm lacking confidence and not finding joy in what I'm doing. The best thing I can do to shake that tree is to just have fun. Fuck it. Let go of trying to make something good, and just make something. Make something stupid. Eventually something will inspire you and give you that feeling you're looking for. Don't stop writing because you're blocked — write through it.
You recently released your song, “Nightmares”. What does this song mean to you personally?
I wrote “Nightmares” when I was feeling low, and consumed with self-doubt. That's where the defeated tone comes from. It's less of a "I'm gonna change things" song, and more of a "I'll just keep hoping things will change" song. This song came from that energy - from a powerless place. The lyrics are not really about inspiring someone to feel better, or building up an ego that can go do good. This narrative hasn't evolved into action yet, and that's ok. It's all about empathizing with being totally depressed but having completely loving intentions. I wouldn't even call it hopeful or optimistic... I think the best way I can help people feel better isn't to tell them what to do or how to feel better, but to just relate to them and show them it's ok.
Who would you love to write a song with?
I've always been a huge John Mayer fan, and would be completely over the moon if I could write with the man. I'd also love to experiment with someone like Joji who just has a vibe I'm just entirely on board with. Lately I've been listening to a lot of Thundercat, and I feel like I'd learn so much just being in the same creative space as him.
Any projects that fans should keep an eye out for?
YES. All these singles I've been putting out will be on a project I'm putting out in October. I'm really looking forward to it... probably like 10 songs or so, 5 of which will already have been released as singles. I'm producing/mixing/mastering all of my own tracks from start to finish, so I've been putting songs out along the way as I build up to the full project.
