Start Listening To: Nation Of Language

We recommend applying for citizenship immediately.

If Kraftwerk were to remerge in 2021 in Brooklyn NY and got flirtatious with post-punk, there’s a fair chance that they’d sound like Nation of Language. Created on a whim when Ian wanted to challenge himself and switch things up from the usual guitar-based writing, the band got out of control. What was supposed to be a side project, took a life on its own and birthed two splendid albums. The newest one, ‘A Way Forward’ examines expectations, gritty governments and love struggles. Get your passports out and let us take you to the Nation Of Language synth-land.

Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

I'm Ian, I sing in Nation of Language. We live in Brooklyn NY and make synth music.

How did it all start?

I wanted to challenge myself to start writing on keyboards after writing for many years on guitar. It was mostly just a writing experiment that has now gotten way out of hand.

If you were to describe your sound to someone who’d never heard you before, what would you say?

I usually say it's new-wave-inspired synth music, or post-punk-inspired synth music. Something along those lines.

How are you feeling about the release of your new album A Way Forward?

I'm feeling disbelief that it is already upon us. We've spent the last month on tour so my brain has been so preoccupied with that, it feels like the album really snuck up on me.

Can you tell us about some of the themes behind the album?

There are a few - dealing with expectations that don't turn out to be correct, frustration with consumerist culture and bad politics, and plenty of songs about love.

Can you tell us something interesting about your band that has nothing to do with music?

I married our synth player.

Where did you get your name?

There was a DC punk band called Nation of Ulysses. I loved their name so I chopped off the end and free-associated until I got to Nation of Language. It felt like a band I'd wanna listen to.

What inspires your music?

Being around any kind of collection of art - museums, record shops, book stores - makes me want to go home and work on music.

What advice would you give for anyone trying to achieve a similar sound to you?

Listen to plenty of Kraftwerk and accept that you'll never be as cool as them.

If your music were a film or TV show which would it be?

I'd like to think High Fidelity. Both versions.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?

I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One by Yo La Tengo. They're one of my favorite bands and this album has been with me for so much of my life. My dad played it all the time. The songs are diverse enough that there's something for any mood but it all lives so well together.

What do you hate right now?

That I haven't been able to see Dune yet

What do you love right now?

The idea that we're going on tour again soon.

Is there any new music from 2021 that you’re enjoying?

I've been really liking the songs I've heard thus far from War on Drugs, Snail Mail, and Wet Leg. There's also that old/new Radiohead song If You Say The Word but I don't know if that counts.

What comes next in the Nation Of Language story?

A whole lot of touring, maybe a bit of recording, then probably some more touring.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

I wish them the same luck I wish for myself.