It’s a song about just wanting to feel alive,” says NYC solo artist and electrifying performer Nick Vivid about his new hallucinogenic new synth-y, psychedelica single, “I Wanna Reign Again,” from his upcoming LP No More Secrets (release date: November 12, 2021 via MegaPlatinum Records). The track is about the idea that he, like most people after all the Covid lockdowns and restrictions, just wants to “get back out there and live again. I get all of the frustration out there. I feel for people who don’t have the patience or tolerance. I barely have it myself sometimes, but I try to balance that out with some faith that everything is going to work out for the best eventually if I get out of my own way and let things happen. That’s where the line ‘Help me get out of the way’ comes from – to stop trying so hard.”

Vivid says the ooey gooey psychedelic track is about being 100% completely and utterly “in sync with things.” He adds, “When I’m moving against the grain of the universe, I can tell and it’s not pleasant. Things don’t flow smoothly, my ego is probably working overtime, and my instincts are out of sorts.” The track began as two songs that were actually merged together, with the second half being finished first. “That’s a real Sly and the Family Stone influenced bit,” he says. “You can hear me copying a bit of the vibe of their track ‘Poet’ on that one. I will always proudly wear my influences on my sleeve.”

What’s your story as an artist?

I’m a solo lo-fi art funk musician. I coined the term “art funk” yesterday. I mean, it might exist, but I’ve never seen it used before. Intellectual funk music? That’s new to me. But that’s one way to describe one aspect of what I do. Lo-fi because my music champions that dirty DIY vibe. I mix my albums on an old tape machine. I use a lot of vintage gear. It’s important to me to never lose that spirit I had when I was 16 making my first records. I want it to be on point, but never too professional. I need some danger and rough edges in my music and performances. I want to be well-rehearsed, but I need the potential for things to go off the rails at any moment. My art thrives in that tension.

What do you want your music to communicate?

Uplift. When I was a little kid, music made me feel connected to something bigger than I was. I felt alienated from the rest of the world – the kids at school, parents, etc, but like so many others, music was a good friend to me. I just want to pass that on.

What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?

My life, my struggles, the things I discover when trying to make sense of it all. Maybe it can help someone else.

Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?

Anyone who seemingly has no reason to be doing this, but still, they’re out there hustling. It’s like you know you’re going to lose, but you’re doing it anyway. I like that kind of ownership. It’s powerful.

What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?

KISS. The show, the songs, the larger than life vibe. I said “Whatever is going on there, I wanna be part of.”

Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.

No More Secrets is coming out November 12th. I built a new studio in my new apartment in Queens right after the 2019 tour for my last album, Blissed Out. I figured I’d make a new album in a few months and be back on the road by September 2020. Well, it didn’t go that way. So I used the extra time to make a record that turned out better than I originally intended.

What inspires your sound?

The instruments and production elements have to make me feel something. I like this sense of being thrown a little off – slightly dizzy. I like having emotions or visuals triggered in my brain. Any sound I come up with that can do those kinds of things to me is usually something I invest time and energy into.

What’s your favorite tune of yours?

I really like “Blackmail” from my new album.

Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?

I’d like to spend a year in Japan making an album and soaking up the culture. Same with Berlin and Sweden. I’m always searching. The unknown potential is what drives me. A gig on a freight ship playing at the international date line would be kinda cool, too.

Favorite lyric you ever wrote?

“I’d like to see the whole world live at peace – but if that don’t happen, not my problem.” – “I Get Free (Part 2)” from my 2019 album Blissed Out.

Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?

Plenty. I’m sure I had one of those moments a few weeks ago. It’s a regular part of the deal. But I now see it’s probably best if I just take the next right action regardless of how I feel. Things usually are not what they seem and 24 hours later my perspective typically makes a 180 degree turn anyway. At that point, if I didn’t mess things up in the interim, it’s like it never happened.

What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Do what makes you happy and don’t take shit from anyone, ever.

Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?

I’ve never seen one of those predictions ever come true. But, that said, everything is cyclical. What was once oversaturated and overvalued will be cool again. I’ve been making print flyers on a black and white copy machine for my latest gig and everywhere I hand them out, you’d think people never saw them before.