South African luminary, Nic Billington, has become a prominent figure in the burgeoning dark-pop scene and gathering a captivated audience in the process. From gaining international acclaim through YouTube covers and South African stardom, Nic’s journey has been marked by chart-topping hits and recognition from pop icon, Britney Spears. We caught up with Nic ahead of his latest album, “Dark Horse” to talk through pushing creative boundaries and his career journey to-date.

Read our interview with Nic…

Hey Nic! Can you give us a glimpse into the creative process and inspirations behind your new album?

I started working on the “Dark Horse” project in the crucible of 2020’s lockdown. I decided to give up my corporate job of almost 10 years, to pursue my one true passion – Music. The last 3 years have been extremely challenging but also shaped my perspective on life – and you can really hear that in the subject matter. It’s not just music, it’s a journey of self discovery. My hope is that listeners relate to it and are encouraged to take ownership of their lives.

South Africa seems like a unique backdrop for an emerging artist in the pop space. How has your home country influenced your journey as an artist?

What’s really great about South Africa is the unique blend of many diverse cultures. I grew up listening to music from all over the world – as well as locally so it definitely had a huge impact on my personal taste for music. I remember being in high school and being able to sing songs in English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Spanish and Hindu.

From starting on YouTube to achieving fame in South Africa, how has your background and experiences shaped the sound and themes of “Dark Horse”?

A lot of the themes that I talk about on “Dark Horse” are experiences – good and bad – that really shaped me into the person that I am today. I was extremely mindful of what I wrote about and wanted listeners to have some sort of takeaway from each of the tracks. The writing process was so therapeutic because it gave me a holistic view on certain situations or events.

Your journey has included recognition from pop icon, Britney Spears. How does it feel to be recognised by such a hugely influential figure?

She was my idol growing up so when my cover video got featured on her official website, I was absolutely beside myself and I couldn’t quite believe my luck. It had such a positive influence on my music career and really helped open up a lot of doors.

Stepping into the darker side of pop, how do you push your creative boundaries whilst staying connected with your audience?

That is a really tough one because more lately, I try not to think about how things will be perceived. I feel like that really hinders your creativity. Each project needs to be authentic and true to the message you’re trying to portray – Even if it means rolling around in fake blood, like I did in my new music video for “Slasher”. Some people might hate it, but it’s necessary for that song’s narrative.

Blending contemporary pop with vintage horror flicks is no easy feat. But on his new track, “Slasher” – the newest single from his upcoming sophomore album, Dark Horse – Nic manages to fearlessly step into the realm of dark seduction on a thrilling, synth-loaded anthem. Putting a unique twist on Nic’s eclectic repertoire and signature sound, ‘Slasher’ celebrates the haunting allure of 80s and 90s cult horror films, merging modern pop with classic horror cinema to impart a distinctive touch to Nic’s diverse collection and penchant for the macabre.

Listen to ‘Slasher’…

Reflecting on the cinematic and societal inspiration behind the track, Nic reflects “An ode to American Horror Story, ‘Slasher’ is about the desperate need for love and attention, even if it means putting yourself in harms way. When you know something is bad for you but you do it anyway. In today’s world of social media and dating apps, a lot of us are constantly putting ourselves out there, seeking attention and validation. This track pokes fun at the whole pursuit of excitement from complete strangers – even though they could very well be a serial killer.” Delving into his own album, Nic gives us a rundown on a track-by-track insight of the project.

Listen to the album and read Nic’s thoughts…

Dopamine

Back in 2001, I wrote a song called “Dopamine”. It went through so many changes that at one point, we almost gave up on it. Just before it was about to be shelved, I decided to send the demo to Paul Gala, the genius behind most of the album’s magic. When I heard his first mix, I was hit with so much emotion. It was like, “Wow, we’ve got the lead track for the whole album right here!” “Dopamine” is all about living in the moment, being carefree, feeling awesome, and riding life’s crazy waves. It’s that song that captures the essence of just going with the flow and enjoying every bit of the ride.

Without a Warning

Co-written with Mia van Wyk, “Without a Warning” speaks about the inner turmoil of the mind, which is something I feel very strongly about, having dealt with anxiety, depression and low self-esteem for many years. It is also one of my favourite music videos that I’ve directed and produced – A beautifully dark, creative and turbulent representation of someone that is at war with their own mind.

White Wedding

A favorite to perform live, “White Wedding” masterfully blends the timeless Billy Idol classic with a contemporary twist. It’s not just a song; it’s a mantra, a reminder to ditch the rulebook on what we’re supposed to be, wear, or think. In my world, it’s like shredding the script of expectations.

Homesick

“Homesick” delivers a compelling message of reminiscence that fills you with joy and sorrow, simultaneously. Producer Paul Gala’s ingenious blend of ethereal dreamy synths and 80s inspired beats take you on a nostalgic drive down memory lane – which could very easily be mistaken for a soundtrack from the mid-eighties. The song also coincided with my move to the United Kingdom in 2021 so it’s a very sentimental one for me.

Slasher

Crafted by Mia van Wyk and myself, “Slasher” tells the intense tale of an encounter with a stranger, laced with the thrilling anticipation of danger. It pokes fun at the whole pursuit of excitement from complete strangers on social media or dating apps – even though they could very well be a serial killer. The distinctive 80s vibe and edgy synths that define the song was elevated even further by London-based guitarist, Todd Blackmore.

You Get Me High

“You Get Me High” was the first song that I recorded for “Dark Horse” and it really helped steer the direction I wanted for this album. It allowed me to venture into a darker and more mysterious space while still keeping things melodic and Pop. Supported by a relentless Knight Rider-esque beat, the melody and dreamy synths conjure up contrasting feelings of melancholia and upliftment, future and past – Making this the perfect soundtrack for a midnight drive.

Dark Horse

When Producer Cave Man shared this music sample on his Instagram page, it was game over and I had to have it. I found the instrumental very edgy, slick, sexy yet underrated and unexpected at the same time – and that’s what inspired the whole “Dark Horse ” concept. I dedicated a significant part of my life to blending in, almost to the point where I lost sight of my true self and I wanted to talk about coming into my own and feeling confident in my own skin.

Feel Again

The uptempo disco-inspired track, “Feel Again” talks about that unattainable feeling of being satisfied – A reminder that it’s all about the journey and not the destination. I think a lot of people can relate to this one and it’s a bop of note.

Living to Die

Penned with London-based producer, Cave Man, “Living to Die” can be described as a thought-provoking melancholic electronic pop track, blanketed in 80s undertones. I wrote the bulk of this song on the tube while on my daily commute to work – Aimed to evoke the listener to think for themselves and question the societal norms that we’ve been all been conditioned to. The song serves as a reminder that we only live once, which is why we need to live with purpose.

Goodbye

This is probably the most personal song that I’ve written to date, about my late grandmother who I lost very unexpectedly in 2020. We had an incredibly close relationship and I lost her at the very start of making this album – quite literally. We had our last conversation right after my recording session for “You Get Me High”. She asked to hear the song and I told her to wait until it was mixed – I never got the chance to play it for her. “Goodbye” was an extremely tough one to record and you can hear it in my voice.