Nicolay’s City Lights Volume 2 has arrived, and the record is truly something to behold. Much like the preceding City Lights, this volume is primarily instrumental; however Shibuya includes vocal pieces written by Phonte and performed by Carlitta Durand. The album also features guest appearances by keyboard virtuoso and Foreign Exchange live band-mate, ZO!
Shibuya takes its inspiration from the Tokyo neighborhood that Nicolay visited in 2006. Nic says, “When I came back to the States, I immediately locked myself up in the studio and came out with several new tracks that all felt different, but fresh. At that point, it really hit me. If I wanted to begin unlocking my true potential, I had to open myself up completely to whatever ideas would present themselves to me.”
Shibuya is new and exciting territory for Nicolay and his listeners. While the album features the pristine sound we’ve come to expect from Nicolay the producer, it reintroduces listeners to Nicolay the musician. He explores new and adventurous rhythms, lush chords and sounds, and emotional melodies. The feel is almost alien, but still intimate, with just enough otherness in the songs to give listeners the sense of being taken somewhere new.
Nicolay says his visit to Shibuya was “like stepping into a different world.” That’s true of Shibuya the album as well in that we hear a new and even more musical side of Nicolay. Or maybe he’s just letting us get to know him better with each subsequent release. Either way, we recommend buying City Lights Volume 2 right away, and visiting Nicolay’s Shibuya as soon as you can.
Buy the digital version of Nicolay’s City Lights Volume 2: Shibuya at Amazon. The CD version drops September 15.
Related:
Nicolay – The Shibuya Sampler
Interview with Nicolay and Phonte of The Foreign Exchange
