Nixon Boyd Navigates Solo Path with New Single, “How I Know I’m Home”
Canadian musician Nixon Boyd, best known as the guitarist for the indie rock band Hollerado, has released his latest single, “How I Know I’m Home.” The track arrives as a preview of his debut solo album, Every Time We Turn A Corner, slated for release on July 3 via Royal Mountain Records. Boyd’s venture into a solo career marks a new chapter for the artist, following years of collaboration and a period of unexpected setbacks.
Boyd’s musical journey began in 2007 with Hollerado, a band that gained recognition for its energetic live performances and catchy indie rock sound. The band experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, notably with the viral success of their music video for “Americanarama” in 2023, as highlighted in a recent YouTube short. However, Boyd began exploring his individual artistic vision, culminating in the announcement of his solo project last month with the release of “Trouble Of Your Own.”
A Journey Interrupted, Then Rebuilt
The creation of Every Time We Turn A Corner was not without its challenges. According to an article published by Exclaim!, Boyd self-recorded the album in a converted auto shop studio in Ontario. Just as the album neared completion, a devastating blow struck: the hard drive containing the entire record was stolen from his car. This loss forced Boyd to embark on a year-long process of recreation, meticulously rebuilding the album from the ground up. This experience, while arduous, undoubtedly shaped the final product and imbued it with a unique resilience.
“How I Know I’m Home” offers a glimpse into Boyd’s introspective songwriting. Described as a “melancholy, acoustic beauty” by Stereogum, the song draws comparisons to the function of artists like Elliott Smith and Nick Drake. Boyd himself explained the song’s origins, noting that it stemmed from experimenting with an open D tuning introduced to him by friend Luke Doucet. He structured the song to allow for a “long winded melody” and a “rambling monologue” leading into the chorus, aiming to capture the feeling of expressing deeply felt emotions.
New Music: Nixon Boyd – “How I Know I’m Home” https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9
Exploring Themes of Home and Belonging
The lyrical content of “How I Know I’m Home” delves into the complex concept of home, a theme deeply personal to Boyd. Having grown up as an “army brat” and frequently relocating, he spent considerable time contemplating the true meaning of belonging. The song reflects this exploration, attempting to articulate the feeling of finding a sense of place and connection. Boyd’s use of a Moog Sub 37 synthesizer, chosen for its ability to add “warmth without feeling too formal,” further enhances the song’s emotional depth.
The album, Every Time We Turn A Corner, promises to be a diverse collection of songs, showcasing Boyd’s versatility as a musician and songwriter. The tracklist, as detailed by Exclaim!, includes previously released singles like “Every Time We Turn a Corner,” “Blindfolded,” “Golden Days,” “Trouble of Your Own,” “You Will Always Get Away With It,” and “Sleepover,” alongside new material like “How I Know I’m Home.” The album’s production is notable for being largely self-recorded by Boyd, demonstrating his commitment to a hands-on creative process.
Hollerado’s Continued Success and Boyd’s Dual Path
While pursuing his solo endeavors, Boyd remains connected to Hollerado. The band officially reunited and released a comeback EP last fall, demonstrating their enduring appeal and collaborative spirit. This allows Boyd to balance his individual artistic expression with the established dynamic of his long-standing band. The success of Hollerado, coupled with Boyd’s emerging solo work, highlights the vibrant Canadian indie music scene and the creative energy driving it.
The release of “How I Know I’m Home” and the upcoming album Every Time We Turn A Corner represent a significant milestone in Nixon Boyd’s career. His ability to overcome adversity, coupled with his introspective songwriting and musical talent, positions him as an artist to watch in the coming months. The album’s release on July 3rd will undoubtedly be a moment of culmination for Boyd, marking the realization of a project that faced considerable challenges but ultimately persevered.
Fans can pre-order Every Time We Turn A Corner and stay updated on Nixon Boyd’s music through Royal Mountain Records’ official channels. The album is poised to offer a compelling and emotionally resonant listening experience, solidifying Boyd’s place as a distinctive voice in contemporary indie music.
The next key date for Nixon Boyd is July 3, 2026, with the official release of Every Time We Turn A Corner. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on “How I Know I’m Home” and the upcoming album in the comments below.