23 August 2024 - 0 Comments

Acclaimed Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Louisa Nicklin unveils her highly anticipated sophomore album The Big Sulk today. Building on the critical success of her self-titled debut, The Big Sulk sees Nicklin exploring themes of relationships, self-reflection, and the stories of others, all while expanding her musical horizons

Louisa Nicklin's journey to create The Big Sulk began in the middle of 2022, when she invited renowned musician and producer Shayne P Carter (Dimmer, Straitjacket Fits) to collaborate on the project. "Through playing in Dimmer, I got to know Shayne quite well and learned about his creative processes. I liked the way he engaged with the band and talked about music," says Nicklin. "I asked him if he'd be interested in producing my next record, and he was keen. We then spent the next 18+ months working on this record."

Carter's influence can be felt throughout the album, which was recorded in a variety of locations, including a bach in the bush in Whiritoa, Coromandel and Tom Healy's studio in Auckland. Nicklin reflects on the recording process: "We initially planned to record the whole album at the bach, but decided to take our time, drop the weaker songs, and write a few more tracks."

The Big Sulk marks a significant evolution in Nicklin’s sound. The album opens with the haunting tones of Feel On Me, where restrained guitar and vocals set a reflective mood, enticing the listener in. This is followed up with the chaotic energy of lead single Thick, a song which hit #1 on the NZ Alternative Radio Chart. The delicate introspection of most recent single Can’t See, adds to a carefully curated collection of eight tracks that will captivate listeners across genres. "This album is a development on what I’ve released previously," Nicklin notes. "There’s more patience and consideration in these tracks; everything is very purposeful.”

The purposeful nature of the record extends to the players too. The album features a talented lineup of musicians, including Eamon Edmundson-Wells on bass, Mason Fairey on drums, percussion, and backing vocals, Durham Fenwick on synth and guitar, and Shayne P Carter contributing guitar, piano, and backing vocals. Chelsea Prastiti also lends her voice for backing vocals on select tracks.

Lily Paris-West designed the album artwork, which features a photo of Nicklin as a child capturing the album's moody yet self-aware tone. Nicklin notes, "I wanted something lighter in vibe than my last album, but still a bit moody. The title alludes to this too – a bit self-aware and tongue-in-cheek. Sad songs, but also a recognition that this is my ‘Big Sulk’ and actually everything is pretty okay!"

The Big Sulk is available now on all major streaming platforms and in physical formats at select independent record stores.

Nicklin will be celebrating the release with a nationwide tour this September. Dates are below and tickets at undertheradar.co.nz She will also play a free exclusive instore with full band tomorrow at Auckland’s Flying Out Record Store.

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