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Written by Demi Marshall
Chicago-based indie rock artist Nick Muilaert recently dropped his latest single "I Feel High." This optimistic, liberating track was reviewed here on InAlternative. With three self-produced albums under his belt, Muilaert has captivated listeners with his introspective lyrics and catchy, musically complex melodies. In this interview, he discusses the creative process behind "I Feel High," musical influences, and plans for the future.
Tell us about your latest single “I Feel High.” What inspired this song? Was there
anything unique about the creative process?
In late winter 2021, my band, the Society, was heading home after recording a live
stream, amidst the lingering challenges of the ongoing pandemic. Despite the
uncertain times, the session felt like a debut success, prompting me to seek a
positive outlet for my thoughts. Inspired by the hopefulness of the new year, I
grabbed my acoustic and began crafting what would become "I Feel High," a
song born from a desire to uplift and energize listeners. I modeled the song after
the anthemic vibes from Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen songs, which I had
been listening to at the time. It was a very unique process because it was the first
time I'd written a song with a plan and title in mind. I haven’t repeated that
process since, but it was an interesting experience that yielded a great song.
Since then, "I Feel High" has become a staple at our shows, performed in various
arrangements with the Society and solo. Despite my initial vision for the song,
recording it took time; however, in May 2023, we finally entered North Central
Studios, where we captured not only "I Feel High," but also "Good Tymes" and
"Swimming Song."
How would you describe your current sound? Which of your songs would you
recommend to first time listeners?
Trying to sum up my music is like trying to describe a road trip where you're
constantly changing the radio station. At the moment though, I’m really settling in
on a mix of old-school Americana vibes with a bit of alternative rock and folk
thrown in, but honestly, it's hard to stick a label on it because I'm always picking
up new influences.
I've been jamming to everything from Al Green's soulful tunes to the raw energy
of post-punk bands like Television and Talking Heads. And don't even get me
started on the Brazilian MPB scene—Milton Nascimento is a legend!
If you're dipping your toes into my tunes for the first time, I'd suggest starting
with "Something in The Night" or "Swimming Song." Those tracks really capture
what I'm all about—just me doing my thing and having a blast with it.
What does your process look like when writing/creating music?
My songwriting process is pretty spontaneous. I've found that meticulously
planning out every detail rarely leads to anything I'm truly happy with. Instead, I
thrive on the spur of the moment, letting my stream of consciousness guide me.
It's in those unfiltered moments that tracks like "Swimming Song" and "Good
Tymes" are born.
Usually, it starts with me strumming some chords and seeing where they take me.
Once I've got the basic structure down, I'll record a rough demo and give it some
time to marinate. After a day or two, I'll come back to it with fresh ears and start
tinkering—adjusting lyrics, tweaking the melody, dialing in the vibe, you name it.
While I used to handle everything solo, lately, I've been collaborating more with
my bandmates. Bringing the songs to them injects new energy and ideas, often
taking them to places I never would've imagined. It's become a vital part of the
creative process, helping to polish the songs and bring them to life in ways I
couldn't do alone.
Tell us about your experience with the Chicago music scene. How would you
describe it? What are the best parts about it?
My journey through the Chicago music scene has been nothing short of
remarkable. It's a vibrant tapestry, rich with diversity and an energy that's truly
palpable. What sets it apart, in my opinion, is the openness to different
sounds—a quality that I find incredibly refreshing. I've always been wary of
scenes that cling too tightly to one specific sound, fearing they'll wear it out. It
brings to mind the legendary stories of CBGB and the Laurel Canyon scene of the
60s.
In Chicago, it feels like we're on the cusp of something big—perhaps even bigger
than the scene of the '90s. Here, you can stumble upon the raw power punk of
Rotundos, the soulful melodies of DZ Riley, the heartfelt Midwestern emo of
Schlupp, the twangy country rock of Glass Beagle, and so much more. It's a
beautiful mosaic of genres and styles, and it's nothing short of awe-inspiring.
This, to me, is what a thriving music scene should look like.
What was the most memorable show you’ve played, and what was great about it?
Without a doubt, my performance at the Metro for Columbia College's Biggest
Mouth 2022 stands out as one of my all-time favorites. Stepping onto that
legendary stage, I felt like I was floating on air, with the stars perfectly aligned for
an unforgettable night.
Another standout memory is from 2022 at the Chop Shop, where I had the
pleasure of sharing the stage with Ax and The Hatchetmen. That gig was an
absolute blast, filled with energy and camaraderie.
While these moments still shine brightly in my memory, I'm a firm believer that
the best is yet to come. Each experience fuels my passion and drives me forward,
knowing that there are even greater heights waiting to be reached.
Do you have any pre-show rituals? How do you relax or celebrate after a live show?
To be honest, I don't really have any pre-show rituals—I guess you could say my
mind goes blank before hitting the stage! It's funny, but I've come to realize that I
actually need those pre-show jitters to really get in the zone. When I'm too
relaxed, I tend to mess up or get a bit too overconfident.
After the show, I usually take a moment to decompress, maybe even a little vow
of silence to let the adrenaline settle. Then, it's all about celebrating with friends
or grabbing a bite to eat. No wild "throwing chairs out of windows" rockstar
moments for me, unfortunately—just good times with good people.
If you could get any artists to tour with you, dead or alive, who would be on the bill?
So many to count, but if I'm being realistic, touring with Fleet Foxes, Pinegrove,
and My Morning Jacket would be an absolute dream come true. I've been to their
concerts, immersed myself in their music, and there's something about their
vibes that just clicks for me. It's like they each bring a different flavor to the table,
but together, it's pure euphoria.
And as for jamming with legends? Bowie, George Harrison,Talking Heads, Joni
Mitchell, and Dylan are at the top of my list. Their music has been the soundtrack
to so many moments in my life, and the thought of creating something magical
with them is beyond exciting. I would also tag The Doors to that list mostly to
witness the presence of the Lizard King himself.
What artists did you grow up listening to? Do they influence your music today, or did you branch to different styles?
I come from a household where music was like the air we breathed—always there,
flowing through the hallways and shaping the atmosphere. My musical journey
kicked off with a revelation: The Beatles. Their harmonies, melodies, and sheer
creativity sparked something within me and ignited the desire to become a
musician myself.
From there, it was a deep dive into the classics: David Bowie, The Velvet
Underground, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Beach Boys—you name it. Each artist
added a new layer to my musical education, expanding my horizons and shaping
my sound.
But it wasn't until my mid-teens that someone close to me urged me to broaden
my musical palette. That's when I started delving into everything from country to
rap, 2000s indie rock to Brazilian music, punk, and beyond. While I'll admit I steer
clear of rap (mostly because my rhymes are best left unsaid!), elements from all
these genres find their way into my music.
For me, listening to such diverse genres was like learning different languages—it
opened up new ways of thinking about music, helping me grasp the fundamentals
and infuse my own sound with a rich tapestry of influences.
What is your favorite venue to play and why? What is one venue you dream of
playing one day?
Choosing my favorite venue to play is tough, but if I had to pick, it'd be a tie
between Reggies Rock Club and the dearly departed Golden Dagger. Reggies
holds a special place in my heart—I've rocked both the big and small stages
there, and every show has been an absolute blast. Plus, you can't beat the killer
food they serve up.
As for Golden Dagger, sure, the stage was tiny and you could practically high-five
the bartender mid-song, but there was an undeniable electricity in the air that I
sorely miss. But now it's just a relic of the past, swallowed up by the relentless
march of gentrification. Maybe they'll turn it into yet another sports bar, as if
Lincoln Park needed more of those.
Now, when it comes to dream venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado takes
the cake. Seriously, whoever designed that place deserves a kiss and a statue in
their honor. But there are plenty of other spots on my bucket list too, like The
Auditorium in Chicago, Bonnaroo, The Troubadour in LA, and Mercury Lounge in
NYC. Each one holds its own magic, and I can only hope to grace their stages one
day.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Exciting times ahead! First up, I've got some killer shows lined up: catch me at
the Illinois State Fair on 8/8, Retro on Roscoe on 8/11, The Store in Lincoln Park
on 6/8, and Brudders on 6/27, with plenty more in the pipeline.
But that's just the beginning. By the end of this year, I'm aiming to drop either an
EP or album—I want to make a splash in the vibrant Chicago music scene and
carve out my own space. And beyond that? The possibilities are endless. Maybe
an EDM-inspired media project, a massive tour Down Under in Australia, or even
headlining Bonnaroo—hey, a musician can dream, right? The future's wide open,
and I'm ready to dive in headfirst. But know this for sure, it won’t be boring so
stick around.
Keep up with Nick Muilaert:
Stream I Feel High: