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- Nicolay - Killing 'Em Softly
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Nicolay
Nicolay Music, Foreign Exchange, Wilmington, USA
Matthijs L. Nicolay Rook’s CV reads like a modern-day social networking fairy tale. After years of playing bass ‘n’ drums in various funk bands (p and electronic) and pulling a Kanye after falling out with his teachers at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam over his fascination with Frank Zappa, Nicolay had already ended his dreams of being a professional musician and got himself a 9-to-5. Some day he caught up with then-rising Jansport hero Phonte on the Okayplayer message board, uploaded some of his work as a hobby beat maker – and ended up with a full set of songs recorded over his instrumentals. The rather unconventionally founded group was called Foreign Exchange, released their debut album on BBE in 2004 and gained the praises of ?uesto and company. Three more full-lengths (one with Houston MC Kay, one solo as a producer, and a second Foreign Exchange LP with Phonte), a launch of an own label (Nicolay Music Group) and a relocation to the shores of North Carolina later, this fly Dutchman definitely stands out as one of the most inspired beat cats on Planet Rock, remixing Roy Ayers and laying down richly instrumented computer soul for US indie luminaries as well as the leaders of the European pack.
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I hope I don't seem negative but Nicolay lacks a likable quality needed to make it as a producer and although his music is sometimes better than most of the bullshit on the radio, it's boring to the nth degree. There's no soulfulness or timelessness to the quality of his music. It's just something to listen to while passing time.
Are you serious? Nicolay is one of the most soulful producers out there. You evidently don't have any of his music ... no joke go out and pick up TIMELINE, HERE, and the first Foreign Exchange CD ... and open your ears.
agreein with mr.who? he has tons of soul in his music. in fact he got me into making electronic music in the first place, huge respect to the man called Nicolay
thats kinda crazy JEN...but its your opinion
i got a hold of his collabo album with Kay just cause of the soulfulness of the music, Kay is an ok MC, but the production is real soulful and tight
i don't know what it is, but i hate this interviewer.