A new release from Nyxen brings on a lively and edgy synth-pop feel with sharp synths and an almost cinematic and orchestral backing that all build into beautiful and alluring vocals that touch on a certain nostalgia.
"Pxnk" is a massive track with a gorgeous soundscape that breeds a digital revolution of rebellious and retro-pop influenced styles that end up feeling anthemic and powerful.
This release is amazing, colorful and boasts a very particular energy that takes you away to another place all together.
It's the soundtrack to a fantasy come to life.
It's lifting and impactful with swirling textures and ultra-choruses that you end up singing along with by the end.
The groove is heavy, and you will end up shaking your ass wherever you are. You can't not dance to this single.
This is a wonderfully woven and tastefully performed single that embodies such a pop culture and does it with sexiness and a brightness that never loses its attitude.
This release is meant to be turned up. Way up, and you'll put your fists in the air, and you'll feel great.
This single also comes with a great video that also shows the artists allure and presence on a stage which is always a plus. Especially in this case.
With such a killer drop, we wanted to have a chat with Nyxen to find out where this came from and what may be next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay so let's start with "PXNK". The track has a killer future-pop tonality to it Where did this single come from?
The writing process all started with those first few seconds you hear in PXNK (punk).
I was playing around with my Prophet and got into a groove with an arp sound. I immediately associated the sound with scores by John Carpenter, Daft Punk, Vangelis and Don Davis, visualising Cyberpunk styled scenes is not uncommon for me (big sci-fi fan).
It was clear to me from that moment PXNK was going to be a synth driven nod to the Cyberpunk tones and themes I find myself drawn to.
Buzz Slayers: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
My biggest influences are probably Metric, New Order and Bruce Springsteen. They’re the big three that I always revisit. The main being Metric, I’ve been listening to them since I first heard their album ‘Fantasies’ in 2009.
Buzz Slayers: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with making music?
I was always so curious of music, I remember most Saturday nights when I was young, my parents would get us in the car to do a loop of the city driving over the Anzac Bridge, Harbour Bridge and up the highway, listening to this radio show that played 90’s Eurodance and 80’s music. I think that’s where my love of those styles of music was formed, I’d stare at the city lights listening to these really electric songs.
I played a few instruments as a child, moving toward writing my own songs as I got older. After finishing school I asked my Dad to gift me Ableton for my 18th birthday.
I think the early years working on Ableton made me fall in love with making music. I was addicted to figuring out how to make the sounds in my head playback out of my computer speakers.
Buzz Slayers: What's next for you as an artist?
My debut album PXNK will be released on the 1st July, so lots of touring planned around that in Australia and overseas.
With the album finished I’ve been able to focus on new music and hopefully album two, it’s interesting listening back to the music I’m making now,it’s definitely in the same world as PXNK but a step in a new direction.
Buzz Slayers: What inspires you to write a song?
I’d say it’s the process of writing 9/10 times. The search for a feeling, the need to document a moment. I love being able to piece all the elements together and live in another world that I’ve created for a few minutes.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I’m usually working on something music related if I’m honest haha. When I’m not doing that I’m usually with my friends and my dog.
Buzz Slayers: Who are you listening to right now?
Three songs I have on high rotation right now are Gerry Rafferty - Right Down The Line, Johnny Hunter - Dreams and Mr Floyd Larry - Time Time Time.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing live performances?
Yes! I’m actually just about to head off to a sound check for a show I have tonight.
I’ve been performing live for a few years, tweaking the set constantly. It’s interesting how playing live really shapes the music you create. I think about how songs will translate live much more when writing them now.
Buzz Slayers: This single seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
I would just say make the music you want to hear and learn how to do the things you think are beyond your capabilities.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thank you for listening! My album PXNK (punk) will be released on the 1st July. I hope you escape into the world I’ve created for a moment and I’ll hopefully see you at a show very soon.