Today, Nick van Hofwegen, musician and visual artist known as Young & Sick, has released a brand new collection of songs titled the Ojai EP, out now via B3SCI Records. Stream the digital EP bundle everywhere now here and purchase the limited edition 7" vinyl here.
Alongside today's EP release is the introduction of new single "The Road," a track that further embodies the sentiment of Nick's recent travels through smalltown America. On the evolution of his sound since his debut album, Nick notes, "I'd rather have [this one] sound rougher around the edges. Maybe it's not the best guitar take or the best vocal take or the best anything, but it's capturing that moment." Check out "The Road" now
here, as well as Complex's premiere
here.
Following the new EP release, Nick will hit the road to play select spring 2018 live headline dates (to be announced) as well as multiple shows at SXSW 2018 - his first live performances in 3 years. More details to come.
Since his re-introduction fall 2017, Young & Sick has been on a steady rise, trickling out new tracks and showcasing brand new original artwork. Check out NYLON's recent in-depth artist profile and interview with Young & Sick
here.
Released October 2017 alongside an original
flip-book visual, "Ojai" was the first song to see a release from Young & Sick's new EP and was the debut of a fresh musical chapter, sowing his recent travels through the American South with his European roots. The song itself was written in the small town of Ojai, California, about 1.5hrs outside of LA. Citing the process, Nick notes, "I was staying at a hotel there called The Rancho. I just had a few drinks and I was in the sun, and I just let a very apparent feeling hit myself, hit me. I got to make a song about taking too much on your plate and how that affects you and how you can have, like, a micro-meltdown because you've put too much on yourself." Check out the gorgeously pared-down solo piano version of "Ojai" as well right
here.
Young & Sick also released a funky fresh cover of Fleetwood Mac's timeless 1977 classic "Dreams," an ethereal slow-burner turned stomping disco jam putting Young & Sick's slick production chops and silk-smooth vocal on full display. The track was released alongside a moving visual representing a series of Nick's personal interpretations of the original "Dreams" cover artwork. See the video
here.
Born in southern Holland, Nick attempted the traditional route of art through design school. Its cookie-cutter leanings led him to drop out in his first year and, at 20, he quit his 9-5 at a car parts factory in rural Holland and moved to London where, by a crux of fate, comedian
Andy Dick came across a piece of his art. Nick's friend Mark had introduced them about a week prior. Suddenly, Nick had his first client.
Shortly after, Mark's own band-a then little-known outfit by the name of Foster the People-asked Nick to do the artwork for their debut album
Torches in 2011.
Nick has gone on to designing for others including covers for Maroon 5's Overexposed and Mikky Ekko's "Kids," as well as designing his own single/album artwork.
Since releasing a pair of 2013 7" singles and a 2014 self-titled debut album, which collectively spawned tracks such as "House of Spirits," "Heartache Fetish," and "Glass," Young & Sick has toured with Chance The Rapper, played festivals including Coachella, Austin City Limits, and SXSW and has pursued other music projects such as SHARER (with JD Samson of Le Tigre) and Mr. Sanka (with Mustafa and James). Nick also writes and produces with other artists including various music and art collaborations with The Velvet Teen who in fact contributed piano work to "Ojai."
To celebrate the new EP / 7", Nick has also debuted a design partnership with footwear company Bucketfeet featuring three original designs aptly named after tracks on the upcoming release - check out the collaboration
here. The partnership is a natural progression from past fashion collaborations with brands such as
MeUndies and
Rag & Bone.
Nick is also a proud member of the
The Creative Alliance, a group of the top American ad agencies, creatives, and storytellers collaborating together to brand for social good. Obama even invited him to theWhite House for South by South Lawn.
Keep your eyes peeled for new music and live dates from Young & Sick to come in 2018.
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