BY ANDREA HOFFMAN
Credit: Aaron Nathaniel Saltzman x Young & Sick
Young & Sick, also known as Nick van Hofwegen, is a visual artist whose work has been featured on multiple popular album covers including those of Foster the People, Maroon 5, and Mikky Ekko. However, he is also a musician himself and has been releasing his own music since 2012. We were able to talk to him about his most recent single “No Static,” along with his future plans involving his music. He will also be playing his first Los Angeles headline show in four years at the Moroccan Lounge on July 25th which will also include an immersive art exhibition that we will be covering, so make sure to check it out with us!
Can you tell me a little bit about your latest release, “No Static” and the artwork made for the single?
Young & Sick: “‘No Static’ is about following your own advice, and realizing how hard that is. It’s easier said than done. The artwork is me holding up a skull to remind myself the preciousness of life and of my own mortality.”
Your artistic style is very unique and identifiable within your music and art. How would you describe it to someone who has never experienced it before?
Y&S: “My music directly correlates with the art I make. They’re very much synonymous. I always let one influence the other, back and forth, to infinitum.”
What is your creative process like, whether it be with music or visual art?
Y&S: “I wake up early daily. I’m definitely a daytime work kind of guy. I generally start with either music or art before even eating food, but in no particular order. I’ll draw or work on music until I’m feeling more gravitated toward the other side. It helps keep me fresh and ensure I don’t nail big creative blocks often. Having my hands in multiple mediums ensures I’m never lacking inspiration.”
What can we look forward to hearing or seeing from you in the future?
Y&S: “I have a few more tracks coming out on this EP. My next single, “Letting Go of Giving Up” is out next week before my debut show back in LA at the Moroccan Lounge. It will be a special mix of both my art and music. A week later I also have my first gallery show opening Saturday [August] 4th at 1051 Gallery. Mid-August I go back to NYC for a show at Elsewhere, again a mix of music and art. I’m working hard on my second record, so this is all a big lead up to that. Can’t wait to share.”