Today we’d like to introduce you to Nolan Ekberg.
Hi Nolan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up just outside of Chicago, Illinois in a very small town with a population of no more than 4,000. On my 8th or 9th birthday, I was gifted a small handheld camcorder by my wonderful parents and started shooting movies with my brothers and neighbors. Eventually, I started making gaming and comedy videos for YouTube. Shortly after this, I moved to California to live my formative years. When COVID-19 hit, I was forced to channel my creativity into something new, this became music. Always being a very loyal fan of the culture, I had to give it my own shot – when I enjoy something, as a fan, I must also create that thing. I started making beats in an FL Studio account I “borrowed” from a friend. Of course, I fell head over heels for the art form. Starting with the project “Willy” (my middle name), I released four genre-ranging singles. Directing my own music videos, I realized I could reach out to other artists, connect, and maybe make a living off my passions.
Shooting concerts of local Sacramento artists (without them even inviting me), DM’ing anyone and everyone who was in a 100-mile radius, and creating a roster of random freelance works. Soon, a larger project started forming its shape in my mind. “Sawubona” meaning “I see you” was a phrase that I learned on a spiritual retreat for the youth. This became my mantra, and with it came the title of my debut album of the same name. I graduated high school early to focus on my music and growing business, and the next day, began recording the album with my producer, Spencer. Months pass as I gear up for my move to LA with my closest friends at the time. In the same week, I packed up my belongings with about $200 in my pocket and moved into my apartment in LA, started a new job, and released my debut album. The rest is history as I continue to chase after my goals, meeting new friends and new artists to collaborate on keeping art important and powerful. I’m working on new music almost every day and have big plans for the near future. My story is only beginning.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hell no. It never is. I don’t care who you are, what I’ve learned is that everyone struggles in their own way. Some less than others, however. For me, it’s been incredibly difficult navigating living on my own, supporting myself through the arts, and being totally independent emotionally and physically. We live in a crazy world that keeps on outdoing its own craziness and it can really affect my mental. I’m a logical thinker, so I look around at some of the happenings on our earth, and go “What the hell?!”. Nevertheless, the struggles are what form us; they shape us. I’ve never been more grateful for what I do have in my life, and like to focus on that as much as possible.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a genre-bending multi-medium up-and-coming musical artist and filmmaker. What I believe my specialty is, is you don’t hear music like mine anywhere else – it’s sounds and stories are unique to my personal craziness. I’m most proud of the concepts and themes on my debut album tieing together multiple different genre tracks into a singular project.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a big podcast guy and a big YouTube guy; I love watching all that stuff. Comedy always gets me inspired, same with mindfulness podcasts. Anything having to do with interviews of industry players always gets me excited for the future and fired up creatively. To me, it feels like having a conversation with a like-minded individual. I’m currently reading Rick Rubin’s new book though, and it’s a fantastic take on creativity in all aspects of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: nolanekberg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolanekberg/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-ekberg/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC93j5vHKBodx5EURd-x-j-g?view_as=subscriber
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4P5biN4eI32eGR2C3TkjYn?si=1jZOKmKoTxixiBDgjbE3Tg
