NUSSY Hard As Diamonds Interview

NUSSY Hard As Diamonds Interview

The vibrant and unstoppable NUSSY has today announced her new single Hard As Diamonds, an exploration of the human reaction to hurt and turmoil, out Jan 30. The thrilling synth-pop artist has also announced a lustrous clip to accompany the track, produced in collaboration with Dan Smith of Head On Media (Gorman, Jo Mercer) and she'll be performing a string of shows in Melbourne and Sydney throughout February and March 2017, kicking off at Gaytimes Festival at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort on February 18, then moving through to Howler in Melbourne, Marley Bar in Sydney and finishing the run at Oxford Art Factory of March 17.

A song that would fit perfectly on the Stranger Things (Netflix) soundtrack, Hard As Diamonds opens with a solo, glitchy synthesiser, easing the listener into the secure sinewave wonderland of the track like a slow dive to the bottom of a cool, still pool. The track builds and reaches an intriguing climax as a distorted guitar solo sits eccentrically atop the electronic atmosphere, all the while, as unphased and disarming as ever, NUSSY sings intimately, wooing the listener with unique sincerity. NUSSY reflects on the track, 'Hard As Diamonds is about a person who has become jaded and built up walls to protect themselves from being hurt. It's about trying to unlock the beauty that is still evident within their soul."

Modern and on-trend, the clip for Hard As Diamonds is a testament to NUSSY and her ever-present finger on the pulse. Drawing upon strong, feminine themes explored in previous videos such as that of My Heroin, the Hard As Diamonds clip represents NUSSY as thrilling, genuine yet mysterious as her songs would have audiences expect. Speaking on the conception of the video, NUSSY says, 'Coming up with the concept for the video clip was a collaborative effort between myself, my management and Dan Smith who directed the clip. The story centres around a tough chick who drives around the city to embark on a mysterious mission. We drew a lot of influence from the film Drive and TV series Stranger Things."

An effervescent performer such as NUSSY cannot be kept from the stage for long, and audiences would be foolish to miss these upcoming performances from the outstanding pop vocalist. Thrilled to be getting back on the road and into venues, NUSSY looks back on the last 12 months and ahead to the upcoming year, 'I had a really great year in 2016, putting out three singles and can't wait to continue to release more music in 2017. I have been writing new tunes so I'm definitely keen to get it all out into the world!"

Stream single: HARD AS DIAMONDS               
Watch the video: HARD AS DIAMONDS                    
 Buy: HARD AS DIAMONDS

 

Nussy -Hard As Diamonds' Shows

Sat 18 Feb | Gaytimes Festival, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.eventbrite.com.au
Sat 25 Feb | Howler, Melbourne VIC | 18+ | Ft. Tigertown Dj Set, Lanks Dj Set, Owen Rabbit, Native Spirit, Jebu
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au
Thur 16 March | Marley Bar, Sydney NSW | 18+
Free Entry
Fri 17 March | Oxfard Art Factory, Sydney NSW | 18+

Free Entry

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Interview with Nussy

Question: How would you describe your music?

Nussy: I would describe my music as 80s-inspired synth-pop with a dark twist.


Question: What is the main inspiration behind Hard As Diamonds?

Nussy: Hard as Diamonds is about breaking down the barriers and walls we all put up to protect ourselves and seeing someone's inner beauty. Diamond is the toughest metal known to humans, it is virtually unbreakable, yet it is also considered to be the most beautiful. I think as we get older, it's easy to become jaded and a little pessimistic on the outside but what I wanted to convey in this track is that once you are able to break through that tough exterior, that's where kindness and beauty truly reside.

Question: Can you tell us about filming the Stranger Things-inspired clip?

Nussy: I had just finished watching Stranger Things when we started brainstorming ideas for the music video and I was absolutely obsessed so I think it's a no-brainer why we took the clip in that direction. I loved the mysterious element to the series, the fact that a lot of things are happening but the viewer is unsure how all the pieces fit together until the very end and I wanted to bring that into the storyboard for the video. Daniel Smith from Head on Media produced this video and I have worked with him before so the actual filming of the video was so much fun! I got to drive around the most amazing old car which was rigged up with some really amazing neon lights on the inside. We began before sunrise, took a small break and then filmed through the afternoon and into the night. It was a long day but it was a million times worth it. The crew Daniel put together were just phenomenal and made the whole experience really enjoyable.


Question: What was it like supporting Lanks?

Nussy: Lanks is an awesome guy and so incredibly talented. We played together at The Workers Club in Melbourne and it was a really fun show so I'm stoked to have him on the line-up for my show at Howler on February 25th.


Question: What should we expect from the upcoming shows?

Nussy: Lots of glitter and fun! My live show is a way for me to project my personality through my music in a real life setting.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Nussy: I went to music school fresh out of high school and was instantly surrounded by like-minded people. Being around so many artists made me really aware of just how many talented people and just how much competition there is to be in that small group of artists who really "make it". It made me realise that to get there, you have to be truly dedicated, totally in love with what you're doing, and HUSTLE!


Question: What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?
Nussy: My most recent Spotify playlist is a mixture of Safia, Hayden James, Client Liaison, Total Giovanni and that's just to name a few! A group I've recently come across that I am loving is Promises Ltd.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Nussy: I love writing new music but performing live is just something else entirely. When I'm performing music I've written live and the crowd is digging it, that's just a rush of magic!


Question: What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Nussy: I grew up in a household where there was always a record playing. My parents aren't musicians themselves but they loved having music blaring in the car or in the house all the time. I grew up around a lot of disco and 80s pop. I remember listening to ultimate boss ladies like Annie Lennox and Madonna and thinking they were just the most inspiring people I could imagine.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Nussy: Being a girl. It's a man's world, it's true. And the music industry is no different.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Nussy: Wake up. Snooze. Snooze some more. And then some more - I am definitely NOT a morning person! Check emails and check social media, all with a cup of lemon and ginger tea with Manuka honey. What happens from there is anyone's guess... It's hard to have a routine in this industry but I love that every day brings a new exciting task - there is never an opportunity to get bored! My days mostly consist of writing new music (whether that's solo or with others), singing lessons (I've been doing this a long time but I always believe I have something to learn), show preparation, shoots, interviews, rehearsals and admin (there is ALWAYS admin to do). All the while I am trying to decide what I want to cook for dinner - food is my other passion! If I'm not gigging, the nights are spent between my family, my friends, my boyfriend and my pup. Whether it's out for dinner and drinks or watching Netflix on the couch a home, without these pillars of support, I don't think I'd be doing what I'm doing today. At the end of it all, I make another cup of lemon and ginger tea and then it's bedtime.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Nussy: My favourite part is doing my absolute favourite thing in the whole world every single day and being able to make a living out of it. So many people complain about their jobs. I wouldn't change mine for the world.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Nussy: I would absolutely love to sing on a Flume track!


Interview by Brooke Hunter