Nick Ward takes us through his favourite music videos ever
At just 19 years old, Sydney-based artist Nick Ward is releasing emotive bedroom pop that takes listeners to vulnerable yet very relatable places.
At just 19 years old, Sydney-based artist Nick Ward is releasing emotive bedroom pop that takes listeners to vulnerable yet very relatable places. With his first release 'Crush' in 2018 and the support of triple j Unearthed hailing the young artist an up and comer, Nick is sparking conversation around self-acceptance as he breaks down societal stereotypes that have forced conformity his entire life. Feeling liberated that he can finally embrace his sexuality and queer identity, Ward has now released his latest single 'I Wanna Be Myself or Nothing At All' with Lontalius, breaking down stereotypes in his own bold and authentic way.
Telling a story from his past while attending an all-boys school, 'I Wanna Be Myself or Nothing At All' is a tale of growth, with Ward recounting the constant fear and pressure to act and feel a certain way. Fighting those societal 'norms' we're fed from such a young age, he embraces the freedom of being himself and refusing to settle for nothing but true authenticity. With gorgeously gentle vocals that shine with vulnerability, personal storytelling, atmospheric guitars, delicate keys, and a moving melody, 'I Wanna Be Myself or Nothing At All' is a powerful exploration of what it means to be not only Nick Ward himself, but anyone feeling the pressures that come with society's expectations. With the addition of Lontalius' soulful and soft vocals, this track becomes a hyper-emotional anthem that exposes the inner-struggles many experience in an already chaotic world. With so many feeling like they don't fit in, 'I Wanna Be Myself or Nothing At All' is an encouraging hug to be truly and unequivocally yourself.
An exciting taste of his forthcoming debut body of work, 'I Wanna Be Myself or Nothing At All' comes with a nostalgic music video featuring home footage that shows Ward's growth and evolution into a person of self-acceptance, fully embracing his sexuality and chosen path in life. Directed by Nick himself, this clip showcases his deep passion for film which he's previously explored in the Tropfest Junior-winning short-film, 'Boys Don't Cry'. Given this deep love of film and video, we chatted to Nick to find out his most favourite videos ever. Take a read below!
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
The Scientist - Coldplay
This is like the platonic ideal of a music video. I think it holds up so well and I tear up every time. Like the song, it's undeniably timeless.
Bruise Boy - Jean Dawson
Jean is up next for sure. I think he has some of the best music videos out there at the moment. The way that the special effects are woven into the shots is something to behold.
Mitski - Happy
Everyone should be a Mitski stan. This video is crazy. The Wong Kar Wai references are pretty tasteful too.
Nikes - Frank Ocean
The fact that these are some of the only visuals we got from Blonde is nuts – that album is so evocative that it's almost like a film or TV series in itself. Lebon is one of the best directors in the game. The Heaven's Gate references went over my head the first couple times.
SOPHIE - Faceshopping
Nightmarish. Freaky. Sleek. Everything you think a SOPHIE video would be. Gaspar Noé meets the crazy video art my high-school teacher would show us.
Honourable Mention:
Kevin Abstract - Miserable America
Kevin Abstract changed my life. All of the Brockhampton videos are so inspiring and really proved to me that you can whip up a great video in an afternoon. I guess this one is slightly more produced and less candid, but I just *die* when he starts dancing at the end. My hero.
'I Wanna Be Myself or Nothing At All' is out now — stream here.
Introduction by CLAUDIA FALLON
Image: Supplied
SEE ALSO
More From Our Network
