Right now, producer, songwriter, and touring live act nimino is at home in London, caught in the whirlwind of prepping for his upcoming tour. He’s decided to take on the task of creating his own visuals, something that’s proving both exciting and nerve-wracking. “I’m balancing a fine line between kinda minimal and just straight-up dog poo,” he jokes, acknowledging the creative pressure he's under. Still, he’s determined to pull it off and make the visuals a key part of the live experience. He’s soon to embark on another North American tour to support the viral reaction to his latest track, “I Only Smoke When I Drink,” which currently holds a spot on the Billboard Dance charts for the sixth week in a row. He’s doing his best to enjoy every second of the success.
“It’s crazy,” he says, reflecting on how the track has taken off. “I’ve never had it before where, days after release, I’ve passed by cars and cafes playing that song.” For him, it’s been eye-opening, trying to analyze what it is about this particular track that’s struck such a chord. While he’s had other songs gain traction, the widespread connection with this one has been a whole new experience.
“I Only Smoke When I Drink” is a central part of his set, but what excites him most is the fresh material he’s bringing to the stage. “Loads of new tunes, which I’m really excited about, but the main thing for me is these visuals,” he shares. He’s pouring his energy into making sure the visuals create a cinematic atmosphere that enhances the performance. “Dancing is always encouraged, but it’s obviously not mandatory,” he says with a laugh, explaining that he wants even the most casual attendees—those standing toward the back—to feel connected to the show through what’s happening on the screen behind him.
Over the years, nimino’s sound and visuals have evolved while remaining true to a core concept that drives the nimino project. He explains that the project has always been about the idea that we don’t consciously choose our music tastes. “It’s rare that you can explain why you’re listening to the styles you are at that time,” he says. The nimino character represents his own musical journey, from lighter, more soothing sounds to darker, more underground vibes, capturing the fluid nature of musical preference.
When it comes to touring the States, nimino hesitates to pick a favorite city. “Honestly, I'm not trying to play the field here, but I’ve loved everywhere I’ve been,” he says. That said, Denver holds a special place for him. “Denver has a sick music scene, and everyone there is so welcoming and enjoys staying up late like me.” It’s a place he could see himself living if he ever made the jump to the U.S., though he admits that he hasn’t spent enough time in any one city to form a definite opinion. “Come back to me in a couple of years,” he laughs.
His love for video game music is another constant source of inspiration. Right now, he’s been playing Steep, a snowboarding game, and though he’s not a snowboarder himself, the game’s visuals have captivated him. “My god, that game is stunning!” he exclaims. He suggests checking out gameplay footage for anyone unfamiliar with it just to see how visually magnificent it is.
Looking ahead, nimino is most excited about getting back on stage and seeing how the new tunes land with his audience. “I’ve spent the last month or so just making stuff, so now it’s about seeing if everyone feels the same way I do,” he says. The recent success of “I Only Smoke When I Drink” hasn’t changed his plans much, but it has certainly added to the anticipation.
As for what’s next, nimino remains coy. “Love you guys at Earmilk, but everything special I sort of save for my mailing list gang,” he says with a grin. If you want to know what’s really in the works, he suggests joining his mailing list for the inside scoop.
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