It’s been almost two months since Nick Carpenter, or Medium Build, dropped his album Country, and we still can’t get over how genius it is. He refuses to be held down by something so restrictive as genre or a single idea. So every time we listen, there’s something new for us to discover!
In Country, Medium Build effortlessly blends influences and concepts to land at a complex story told through twelve songs. From ‘Beach Chair’ to ‘Stick Around,’ he takes us through a very real human experience of raw emotion, and shies away from nothing. If this sounds like the perfect album to you, we have good news. He’s taking Country on the road this spring and summer!
Medium Build has had plenty of chances to connect with crowds through his music, recently touring with names like Lewis Capaldi, Finneas, Holly Humberstone, and Briston Maroney. So trust us when we say you do not want to miss this show. We loved getting a glimpse into Medium Build’s mind in Country so much, we had to learn a bit more about him. Keep reading to learn all about his music, touring, and more!
Welcome to the Honey POP! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Nick from Medium Build! I write songs and walk dogs.
Country
Now that your album Country is out, what’s it like to have your songs out in the world?
It’s a relief to put music out! Too much room for anxiety before the album releases. Stoked to hear people singing the songs back on tour.
Your music is a bit of a blend of everything, from country to rap. How do you get to the mix of styles that feels right to you?
I’m just a sponge. I love all types of music. There’s no desired blend or outcome. I just like getting in the room and seeing what shakes out that day!
Before Country, you released four other albums. How would you say you and your music have grown since your first album?
I think I’ve gotten better at saying things. I’m a little less haphazard with my stories. I used to just spit any opinion out without thinking. Dumping journal entries. I think there’s a bit more focus now, in the words as well as the recording process.
Medium Build’s New Tracks
The interlude ‘Coming Home Drunk’ separates the album into two sections. How did you go about organizing this story from start to finish?
I love albums! The way they bob and weave. I’ve always wanted to make a great album, and there’s definitely this desire to make it feel cinematic. Transitions and skits and songs that morph together. You have so much room to play when putting an album together.
You explore a lot of personal topics in Country. What’s it like translating your experiences and feelings to music, and how have you been able to use music as an outlet for these emotions?
Songwriting has been a long time tool of mine for internal processing. I started writing songs when I was 13/14 years old, so we’re looking at 20 years of trying to place my overwhelming feelings to music. It’s mainly selfish, but I’m glad folks can take something away from my meanderings.
You just joined Holly Humberstone on her song ‘Cocoon.’ What drew you to that song?
I love the way Holly writes, so conversational; it’s how I like to write. “Now I’ve become a taxidermy version of myself” is such a sick f*cking line. I just adore Holly and everything she does.
On Tour
You’re about to set off on a US headline tour. Is there a song that you were especially excited about playing live when you wrote it? Or maybe that you came to love playing live on your recent European tour?
‘Can’t be cool forever!’ It’s a huge one I’m really excited to play live. It feels like the most urgent tune on the record.
You’ve been on tour with some incredible names recently. How does your relationship with your songs change as you begin to play them for live crowds?
Great question. I definitely have to let go of whatever intention I had. Crowds like what they like. Live shows are group activities. I like to meet the crowd halfway, give them a little of what they want, rather than just whatever I think they need.
Concerts should be challenging but can contain treats for everyone!
Given the time you’ve spent on the road recently, how did you balance writing Country with those tours?
I just wrote whenever I felt stuff, which happens to be pretty frequent. lol. Tour is an incredibly difficult and taxing experience, and it always teaches you something. There’s so much to notice out here. If the songs are coming, I’m not paying attention.
In your mini documentary, you showed fans around your town in Alaska. How has your relationship with that community shaped your music?
Anchorage and Alaska taught me place and loyalty more than any place I’d ever lived. I learned to be still, to learn the names of the trees and the birds. Alaska reminded me of the romance in our worlds. And all of that shakes out when you start writing.
Finally, we’ve been listening to your album a lot recently. What have you had on repeat?
I’m a broke record on ML Buch! Her new album Suntub is life changing. If I’m not listening to that, I’m listening to Alan Watt’s lectures on YouTube! 👻
Now that we’ve officially made you all Medium Build fans, make sure to buy tickets to see him here! Then come back to the comments and let us know your favorite song of his. Or find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Can’t get enough of interviews like this? We’ve got more!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEDIUM BUILD:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
Caitlyn Tarney
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