Not too many voices capture the whimsical essence of a full-bodied manifestation of Free Spirit and Rebellion. With Nick Anastasakis, who goes by ‘the afro nick’ this soulful troubadour scarcely masks under the weight of his roots; his hair is wild and unkempt, a fitting representation of his music: lively, unbound, and staunchly free. With numbers of 1,246 on Spotify and 13,858 monthly listeners growing almost every day, Nick’s music dives straight into the heart of the voiceless and the seekers of comfort that rest in the uncut corners of existence.
Crete is where he began to be bathed in the golden light of gypsy guitarists strumming on the Venetian cobblestone streets for shillings and pennies. Music was instilled in his veins and later formed the nucleus of the sound that emanated from him.
Jazz-fusion experiments colored Nick’s upbringing, while indie-rock’s hands were tied behind its back, and only in Los Angeles, where he is now based, did Nick come to find himself distinguished amid the real orchestra of indie rock after with his band, Stray Blue, which was the first touch of a movement on the island was.
A voice for the marginal, his most recent single is “Get There Before Noon.” Originally conceived and recorded in NYC, then re-recorded at his home studio in Los Angeles, it encompasses that endless striving that signifies Nick; the never-ending unwillingness to do anything else but take life—complete in its glorious chaotic imperfection. With smooth electronic synths and keys, “Get There Before Noon” opens up as textures invade the piece in soothing contrast.
Rhythm strings thickly distorted with glorious richness blend into the steady groove set in by George Athanas’ smashing bassline. The long-time collaborator from Nick’s Stray Blue days, Athanas commands with nimbleness on the low end, one hand rocking against a surefire anchor while maintaining fluidity.
Meanwhile, Grammy-winning synth smith Leo Genovese adds just another layer of sonic subplot. The guitar seems to grow more prominent as the song builds, with thunderous, distorted power chords erupting in the chorus. There is an earnestness to his delivery that makes you believe his words. The last chorus leaves the listener with an inviting feeling long after it has faded out.
Offering a nice change for fans of The Black Keys, and Kings of Leon, The Afro Nick is unlike anyone else. His connection brings breathing space for those out of sync with the repressive structures of modern society. Click through to listen to “Get There Before Noon.” Follow The Afro Nick online and join the growing community of listeners finding a soul mate in his music.
