We chatted with rising pop folk artist Nosila, who shared his latest single, ‘Halfway’, on the 13th of September via Simon John Hatch Music. Nosila is the solo project of South Australian multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, Simon Hatch has been coming together over the last 4 years, as Simon’s personal and creative journeys aligned. With over 100 000 streams across platforms and counting, Nosila is on the rise, showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. ‘Halfway’ was mixed by Stefan Du Randt (Mac Miller, Thelma Plum) and mastered by Andrew Edgson (5 Seconds of Summer, Matt Corby). Simon draws influence from the likes of Guns ‘N Roses, U2 and Jeff Buckley. His sound is sure to be enjoyed by fans of impassioned songwriters and soft rockers such as José González, John Mayer and Guns N’ Roses.
Stream ‘Halfway’ while you read our interview with the artist below.
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
I’ve always been drawn to music. I don’t believe my experience is unique when I say that my first inspiration truly came when I found my parents Beatles Records and discovered the greatest pop songwriters of all time. I would play with my toy soldiers listening to them on repeat. I can even vividly remember the car ride home from a day at the beach when I first heard the album Hard Days Night in my uncle’s 4WD.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
Idea always – starting with melody or guitar lick that I really vibe with.
Does your material feature any collaborations?
No at this stage, except for Salud Amor Dinero where I had a year 8 music class from my old high school do backing vocals for the chorus. Shout out to the Head of Music, Stephen Millar for making it all happen.
What’s on your current playlist?
A lot of classical music, Moby, The Police, Groove Armada and FKJ.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
I always try to incorporate new electronic synths and soundscapes to create contrast with the guitar focused energy of my sound. I also enjoy using my loop pedal to create interesting layering dynamics and work out which parts work best together and chronological structure for when to introduce a new part to the listener.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Usually just myself and Jon at his home studio Twin Earth Studios in Adelaide. We spend the day going between recording and brainstorming previous ideas. We also have the occasional friend of Jon’s drop by randomly which always adds an interesting fresh pair of ears for reference.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
My guitar and pedal board, hah.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Not at the moment.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
New environments and new people.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
Many guitars, steel string, electric, classical, 12 strings, ukulele, pedal board with numerous pedals.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Not at the moment.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
Very much so, I spent a lot of time studying the song writers I look up to and really analysing certain things they clearly consistently incorporate into their song writing.
Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
More music and my music video for ‘Halfway’.
Famous last words?
More is lost by indecision than no decision – Marcus Tullius Cicero
Follow Nosila:
Facebook – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
