We’re in the middle of summer and we’re all still feeling the rush from Troye Sivan’s third studio album Something to Give Each Other, a hot sticky boy pop record that’s never left our playlists. A year later, Sivan’s mega camp moment has stuck around in our queer orbit. Now, the artist has used his platform to bring attention to a new Aussie star that everyone needs to know about – Nick Ward.
Based in Sydney, Ward has writing credits on Sivan’s latest full-length project and, more recently, announced his highly anticipated debut album, House With The Blue Door, a project which follows Wards’ two previous EPs. The upcoming release explores themes including childhood, family, religion, trauma, growing up queer. Ahead of the project coming out, the singer-songwriter released ‘Shooting Star’ — a heartfelt track exploring what it means to have self-confidence and self-worth, notably crediting his mother for her unwavering support to him.
So, as Ward sets up for the milestone release of his first record, GAY TIMES sat down with the musician to hear more about his creative process, the queer artists on his radar and more.
Hey Nick! How are you – what have you’ve been up to today?
I’ve actually been at home sick for the couple days. I haven’t left my bed this morning.
We love your singles ‘Shooting Star’ and ‘Gimme’. How did those songs come about?
Thank you! Both those songs came together really quickly. The songs that you get the most excited about usually come together that way. I made ‘Gimme’ with my friend Gab Strum and Shooting Star with my friends FRIDAY* and SOLLYY. I think they both came together in an afternoon. I don’t think anyone was seated while making either of those songs.
Brand New You came out in 2022, how have you grown as a musician since then?
I’ve learned so much since. I don’t really listen to stuff once it’s been released, but on the occasion where I hear any of those old songs – I really hear the path towards this new album. Over the course of those EPs I became a lot more confident in myself as an artist. I think confidence is the only thing that will actually make a difference to your music. It doesn’t matter if you get better gear or learn the guitar better if you don’t feel like you can take a big swing. I’ve also learned a lot about structuring music and ‘pop’ as a format rather than a sound.
For your Brand New You EP you described feeling like you were “cut in two”. What’s the driving emotion/feeling behind your new project?
Without giving away too much, the new project is about DNA and family, and the memories from childhood that stay with us when we get older. Even though it feels very hyper-specific to my life, I think a lot of people my age will relate to the feeling of coming to terms with your own childhood.
Over the recent year, which musicians have you been taking inspiration from and why?
To be honest, I don’t really listen to much new music. I keep tabs on some things but I mostly just listen to stuff from the past. From the things I’ve been keeping up to date with, I really love the new Porches tracks. Each of his records have a really distinct palette, so it’s been interesting hearing where he’s taken this new record. I think Bickle’s also constantly fresh and exciting. Nilüfer Yanya is awesome. Panda Bear is one of my favourite artists ever. My favourite album of the year is the Vampire Weekend record I think. I’m just rattling off names now. I guess the truest answer would be my friends in Sydney who I make music with.
Queer & Now is about spotlighting rising stars in the LGBTQIA+ community. Who has been on your radar?
For a very long time, I’ve believed that Dylan Atlantis will change many people’s lives.
Can you give us some insight into how you create music –what does your process look like?
I have a studio in my old bedroom where I make all my music. I often start a writing day by working on my Eurorack synth or chopping samples – the feeling of reacting or working against something is a lot more inspiring than a blank slate. I have a sample library I’ve been building for a few years that comes in handy when I’m working remotely. I’m usually making instrumental music 80% of the time.
What would your dream collaboration look like?
I’m not sure. There are a few heroes that I’d love to work with but whether or not we’d be compatible as collaborators is another story. I’m doing a lot more traveling this year so I’m excited to be meeting more people.
What’s a surprising fact most listeners wouldn’t expect to know about you?
That I can’t drive and probably won’t learn. To be honest, that’s probably not a surprise.
Lastly, we can’t wait to hear what you’ve got coming next. What are your big music plans?
We’re doing our first-ever UK and Europe shows in August, which I’m stoked about. I have a lot more music in the vault that I’m excited to share. Other than that…you’ll just have to wait and see.
Nick Wards’ debut album House With The Blue Door is out on 4 October.
