Problems - Nix Northwest
Nix Northwest: A debut album built out of a community of Jazz, Hip-Hop & Soul
London has long been known as a hub for emerging musical talent, with countless artists cutting their teeth in the city's vibrant live music scene. On any given night, in any given bar or club, you're likely to find a musician or band playing, no matter what genre of music you prefer. Pop, country, hip-hop, or jazz, London has something for everyone.
In February 2019, two music enthusiasts recognised the untapped talent in the city and decided to bring it together in a community. They founded ‘The Silhouettes Project’, a small studio in Hackney that welcomed independent hip-hop, jazz, and soul musicians to come in and jam. The project quickly became a hive of creativity, with numerous artists flocking to the studio to showcase their work.
The true value of The Silhouettes Project became apparent in 2020, a year when live performances were virtually impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Musicians were unable to play to the usual crowds, and the value of live performances, especially in jazz and soul music, was lost. The Silhouettes Project became a sanctuary for these artists, providing them with a home where they could continue to create music and connect with their audience.
The project became a trusted tastemaker for new, cutting-edge sounds of soul, and over the course of a year, 30 different artists came together to produce an album that was one of the most exciting and memorable projects of 2020. The album was a huge success, with a bunch of relatively unknown artists gaining recognition for their unique sounds and styles.
One of the breakout artists from The Silhouettes Project was Nix Northwest, whose music blends jazz with hip-hop to create an unmistakable big-city sound. Nix Northwest grew up listening to jazz from his mother and grandfather, and he applied all that he'd learned in creating his own music. His work reflects the difficulties of the world and the stories that need to be told, with a focus on the sound and feeling of the music rather than a single hook.
Nix Northwest's track "Problems," off his upcoming debut album 'Xin's Disappearance,' tells the story of riding on your luck through life until your luck runs out and you're left to pick up the pieces. The album explores the character of Xin, who spends so much time running away from himself that he eventually realizes he needs to accept and come to terms with himself before moving forward in life. The commitment to this project is strong, with every detail being accounted for, and fans are eagerly anticipating the album's release on March 15.
London is a stirring pot of new music, with The Silhouettes Project serving as a vital platform for emerging artists to showcase their unique talents. With artists like Nix Northwest at the forefront, London's music scene continues to be an exciting hub of creativity and innovation, providing music lovers with a diverse range of sounds and styles to enjoy.