NICKO Explores Ambient Tones On “CONTEXT I”
After releasing a debut album earlier this year, bassist and electronic producer NICKO has returned with a second album called CONTEXT I. While his first record took its cues from video game soundtracks, the new seven-song collection is his first foray into ambient soundscapes.
It began with the second song on the album, “Losing Track of Time,” which he wrote by playing with a repeating melody and different synth sounds. Eventually, he landed on an inspiring mood and put fretless bass on top of it.
“Though I absolutely put my heart and soul into the other music I make, it feels somewhat mechanical due to the nature of its style, whereas this felt more like expressionist painting,” he says. “I enjoyed it so much I frankly felt silly for not attempting an ambient project before. I knew immediately that I wanted to make more, and I dove in head-first”.
NICKO works through emotions using a blend of 70s- and 80s-inspired synth tones as well as multi-tracked fretless and extended-range basses. Check out the track that started it all:
CONTEXT I is available now digitally through iTunes, Amazon MP3, and more.
CONTEXT I Track List:
- Patience
- Losing Track of Time
- Dread
- Abyss
- Bad Omen
- The Last Five Minutes
- Improv 01: Happy To Be Here
In his time with No Treble, Kevin has met hundreds of amazing bassists and interviewed icons like Jack Casady, Victor Wooten, Les Claypool, Marcus Miller, and more. He's a gigging bassist performing jazz in Northern Virginia and bluegrass with The Plate Scrapers up and down the East Coast. Kevin appreciates all genres of music, from R&B to metal and everything in between. Connect with Kevin on Facebook and check his performance schedule on his website.
