Young & Sick Releases Solo Piano Version of OJAI, EP Out 1/26

Nick van Hofwegen, musician and visual artist known as Young & Sick, has announced the release date of his forthcoming new Ojai EP, now officially set for January 26.

The announcement comes alongside the release of a gorgeously pared-down solo piano version of EP single "Ojai." Check out the track now here.

Since his re-introduction fall 2017, Young & Sick has been on a steady rise, trickling out new tracks and showcasing brand new original artwork. Check out NYLON's recent in-depth artist profile and interview with Young & Sick here.

Released October 2017 alongside an original flip-book visual, "Ojai" was the first song to see a release from Young & Sick's new EP and was the debut of a fresh musical chapter, sowing his recent travels through the American South with his European roots. The song itself was written in the small town of Ojai, California, about 1.5hrs outside of LA. Citing the process, Nick notes, "I was staying at a hotel there called The Rancho. I just had a few drinks and I was in the sun, and I just let a very apparent feeling hit myself, hit me. I got to make a song about taking too much on your plate and how that affects you and how you can have, like, a micro-meltdown because you've put too much on yourself."

Young & Sick later debuted a funky fresh cover of Fleetwood Mac's timeless 1977 classic "Dreams," an ethereal slow-burner turned stomping disco jam putting Young & Sick's slick production chops and silk-smooth vocal on full display. The track was released alongside a moving visual representing a series of Nick's personal interpretations of the original "Dreams" cover artwork. See the video here.

Both tracks will see inclusion on Young & Sick's forthcoming EP bundle, which will come alongside a 7" limited edition vinyl release as well via B3SCI Records. Pre-order the vinyl now here.

Born in southern Holland, Nick attempted the traditional route of art through design school. Its cookie-cutter leanings led him to drop out in his first year and, at 20, he quit his 9-5 at a car parts factory in rural Holland and moved to London where, by a crux of fate, comedian Andy Dick came across a piece of his art. Nick's friend Mark had introduced them about a week prior. Suddenly, Nick had his first client. Shortly after, Mark's own band-a then little-known outfit by the name of Foster the People-asked Nick to do the artwork for their debut album Torches in 2011.

Nick has gone on to designing for others including covers for Maroon 5's Overexposed and Mikky Ekko's "Kids," as well as designing his own single/album artwork.

Since releasing a pair of 2013 7" singles and a 2014 self-titled debut album, which collectively spawned tracks such as "House of Spirits," "Heartache Fetish," and "Glass," Young & Sick has toured with Chance The Rapper, played festivals including Coachella, Austin City Limits, and SXSW and has pursued other music projects such as SHARER (with JD Samson of Le Tigre) and Mr. Sanka (with Mustafa and James). Nick also writes and produces with other artists including various music and art collaborations with The Velvet Teen who in fact contributed piano work to "Ojai."

To celebrate the forthcoming 7", Nick has also debuted a design partnership with footwear company Bucketfeet featuring three original designs aptly named after tracks on the upcoming release - check out the collaboration here. The partnership is a natural progression from past fashion collaborations with brands such as MeUndies and Rag & Bone.

Nick is also a proud member of the The Creative Alliance, a group of the top American ad agencies, creatives, and storytellers collaborating together to brand for social good. Obama even invited him to theWhite House for South by South Lawn.

Keep your eyes peeled for new info on Young & Sick as the January 26 EP release approaches. New live tour dates are expected to see an announcement soon as well. Coming for you, 2018.

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