INTERVIEW: 'The response to the cover was what kicked it all off' | Nixon/Rose

Nixon/Rose are an acoustic duo based in Leeds, comprising of Kieran Borrick-Nixon and Amber Rose Foster. Initially a bedroom cover artist, the two ventured into their local scene and began gigging, managing to sell out Leeds' Hyde Park Book Club and have started making their own music. I had the pleasure of talking to the pair about influences, favourite albums and pre-show rituals!

What encouraged you guys to start up?

Around two years ago Kieran was desperate to start a band and he tried for months to get one together; one day we were just sat in bed watching YouTube when Amber picks up the guitar and starts playing and singing Sex by The 1975, then it kind of clicked: Kieran had the guitar skills, Amber could sing! We instantly downloaded a voice recorder then did a cover of the song, and we thought "why not upload it to SoundCloud?!" The response to the cover was pretty much what kicked it all off.

Who are your biggest influences - either musically or personally?

Kieran: a huge influence on my writing is Daughter, most prominently their 2013 album If You Leave; I really connected with the guitar in all of the songs so admittedly I've adopted a few stylistic choices they present. Another big influence is Briston Maroney and his songwriting, I love raw emotion to be in songs and, it sounds strange to say, but I find listening to his songs to be almost like a journey - I've definitely tried to adopt this into my own writing, too.

Amber: I've always loved singing and my parents introduced me to so much music. The first album I ever loved was Taylor Swift's and even though it's quite cringe, she's always been my biggest influence and the reason for my love of singing. I take a lot from Daughter, too, I love the style and sound of the lead's voice; I really aspire to be like that.

If you could play live with any artist - dead or alive - for one night only, who would it be and why?

Kieran: This is a really difficult one for me as I have so many choices. Barns and Courtney would be a dream, I've always loved him and the energy he brings to the stage but if we were talking someone with a similar style to us, I'd definitely play with Daughter; again a wild dream, but it'd be insane and we'd have to drop our usual cover of their single 'Youth!'

Amber: Again, it'd probably be my childhood favourite Taylor Swift. I really connect with the emotion she sings with and I love her energy. It would seriously be a dream come true.

Do you have any pre-gig rituals to get you hyped before a show?

We don't have any rituals, per se; we usually grab food, do our soundcheck, and around ten minutes before the set Kieran turns into a major stresshead!

Who are both your current favourite artists?

Amber: I love Briston Maroney at the minute; I listen to all his songs on repeat on a regular basis, I just love the range of his music. I'm also loving Rex Orange County's new album - these new songs have really made me get into his music again.

Kieran; I've also been listening to the whole of Maroney's discography at the minute - I'm constantly in absolute awe of his songs. Also, with being so busy in college I've been listening to a lot of LoFi Jazz whilst I do coursework; a notable favourite is an artist called BIDO: I'm absolutely mesmerised by their production.

Having played a few shows now, do you have a favourite? And if so, why?

Kieran: It's hard to nail down one favourite as we've had a truly unique time every set we've played. If I were to try narrow it down I'd say either Soundscape's Mind Foundation charity mini-festival because we were surrounded by amazing bands and an absolutely brilliant atmosphere; or the time we supported Carla J. Easton at Oporto: I think only around ten people were there but it was such an intimate show, and we were so focused that it fell together perfectly.

Amber: My favourite was probably also Mind's charity gig at Hyde Park Book Club as there was such a good vibe in there, and so many people came down to support the cause. I also can't discount our first ever gig supporting Lewis Crossley; I was so nervous but all of my friends and family came down to support me and it was just such a lovely night.

You're making quite a name for yourselves in Leeds; are you hoping to move further afield in 2020?

I would love to do more but I'm not sure at the moment as both of us are in our final year of college, so we are going to be very busy at the start of 2020. Although, I do think we're planning on staying in Leeds so after exams: who knows?! We'd love to be involved in some small festivals outside of the city next summer, though, as that'd be an amazing new experience.

Finally, how excited are you for your Wardrobe gig in January?

We are absolutely ecstatic. The Wardrobe is a venue with such high esteem and it means the world to us that we're getting to play that stage! We've got some really exciting stuff planned, what with it being the first time a full band will be joining; it gives us the opportunity to evolve our old material, play a handful of new songs, and play some lifelong dream covers!