NIKOTIN is a rare Austrian music gem that captivated us from the very first note. What’s the magic? His music is a captivating blend of electronic, retro, and pop influences, infused with his own electrifying energy. Unpretentious while undeniably unique, he carves his own path in the scene, leaving a lasting impression on listeners.
So, who is the person behind the artist NIKOTIN, who has already captured attention with his single ‘1010‘? He’s not a complete mystery box, but there’s enough written to pique your curiosity and let you form your own unique impression. Deep down, his main goal is to produce music—and he does so with extraordinary talent. Yet, he remains elusive, and that’s part of his charm.
His latest single, ‘Goldener Traum,’ is once again enticingly cheeky and catchy. With its accompanying video, directed by Vesely Marek, we are drawn into a story where a dream woman seemingly steals one’s sanity, blurring the lines between reality and desire in a wildly intoxicating way. Forever süchtig.
AC/Gaffer: Willi Rose – Set Design: Nicole Frisch – Makeup & Styling: Victoria Kirchner – Models: Lou & Veronika
“Goldener Traum” is fantastic – love it! Also, the lyrics are fresh and cool. That’s a strong statement coming from someone who doesn’t usually enjoy German lyrics. (laughs) Can you tell us a bit more about the song’s inspiration?
To be honest, I was in Berlin at the Circle Studios with 2 friends, and we were jamming around with the chords of the track, and I suddenly started singing the verse and the chorus. The process of writing “Goldener Traum” was pretty fast; we finished the first demo of the track within a couple of hours. I feel that the best music happens when you become a vessel and let the moment fuse with you and the music. When something like that happens, nothing can go wrong.
Has the process of creating ‘Goldener Traum’ taught you anything new about yourself as an artist?
Sure, I discovered my true love for big eighties keyboards, and I’m in love with that cold disco sound.
I’m curious, is there a ‘dream woman’ in your life at the moment?
(Laughs) Maybe.
We’ve read some interesting things about you, like your preference to simply focus on making music. However, you say that staying relevant in today’s industry requires a lot of additional effort. How do you find the balance between creative freedom and the realities of promotion?
Well, that’s a hard one; I try not to take myself too seriously at all times, and I just get my shit done. When you are in the machine of the industry, you just have to go with the flow. Don’t panic, don’t let yourself down. Just keep going is the key. It’s not a sprint; it’s more like a marathon.
“When I am sad or angry; at these times, I feel the more inspired.
Modesty is certainly a virtue, but it doesn’t seem to apply to you. What values do you consider most important?
Loyalty, hard work, passion, and love.
You come across as someone with a complex perspective, perhaps even ambivalent at times. In what ways do you find this ambivalence influencing your music and creativity? (smiles)
Well, I really do what I love, and I don’t care if someone loves or hates it. I try to break boundaries without having any taboos; I just do what feels right and try not to question myself too much. At the end, we all go down in flames.
So, when do you feel most creatively inspired?
When I am sad or angry; at these times, I feel the more inspired. Then there is this weird feeling in my stomach which says, yes, go now and create; let all the shit out and relieve yourself from the bad energy.
“I really do what I love, and I don’t care if someone loves or hates it. I try to break boundaries without having any taboos…”
Reaching number one seems to be a goal for you. If you achieved that position, how would you celebrate and where?
I would rent a baroque castle somewhere in the countryside and invite all my friends and my team.
Do you have ambitions to expand your reach beyond the Austrian/German music scene?
It would be awesome to go fully international! If it happens, it happens, but I cannot force it. Forcing things never turned out to be in any way good for me. So let’s see what the future holds.
Thank you so much for your time!
Follow NIKOTIN for more:
www.instagram.com/viva.la.nikotin
