Wednesday April 5, 2023
Australian music artist Nicholas Brown pays homage to the unforgettable 80s on his latest single, Up And Coming, the track skilfully blending the energetic vibes of Italo Disco and Hi-NRG dance music. This fusion awakens nostalgia, capturing listeners with its inventive mix of styles that defined a generation.
The versatile musician, actor, and singer-songwriter taps into the spirit of legendary bands like Dead or Alive and Bananarama, and brings in the playfulness of Frankie Goes to Hollywood. Brown says, ‘Up And Coming is a song for frustrated ambitious people.
It’s about striving for something greater than yourself and celebrating that journey rather than being overwhelmed by it.’ Written with bandmate Justin Gagnon during a challenging career period, Brown’s experiences ranged from playing a Bollywood villain alongside Indian star Hrithik Roshan to a Wesley Snipes action film that was cancelled due to Snipes’ arrest. Conflicting advice from his manager about body image and becoming ‘Hollywood-ready’ only fuelled Brown’s frustration, leading to the creation of Up And Coming.
A palpable sense of amusement and fun permeates Up And Coming, and it’s this infusion of a distinct, exuberant flair that sets the track apart, rendering it both memorable and engaging for listeners. While rooted in the 80s, Up And Coming transcends its origins by addressing contemporary issues. Brown hopes listeners connect with the lyrics, experience an emotional shift, and dance before reflecting on the deeper meaning. As he states, ‘My experiences with racism are always channelled into my writing.
Being queer is something that’s infused into my work as well. I’ve had to fight for visibility in my life and career, being part of several minority groups, and I’d like to think that the message of empowerment is in all of my music.’ Up And Coming delivers infectious melodies, heartfelt sentiments, and dynamic vitality, revitalizing a cherished musical epoch with steadfast fervour.
