Q&A: Local Nomad
SOME SOUL AND SOME SYNTHS - Local Nomad’s music is sure to get you in your feels. After over a decade of experience, Michael Desmond has found his sound through Local Nomad. Finding a new sense of vulnerability and openness with his music, Desmond taps deep in his raw emotions. Read below to learn more about his upcoming EP, the role of his influences and more.
LUNA: How would you describe your upcoming EP when comparing to your previous music?
DESMOND: I’s adult-alternative for the alternative-adult. Sad boy music, but this time I’m 30 and all the issues I sing about are a little bit more real.
LUNA: What are some of your favorite elements you’ve gotten to tap into with your new music?
DESMOND: Sex, Advil and Alternative rock! I’ve definitely enjoyed getting a lot more vulnerable with my writing.
LUNA: Paul Simon has be cited as an influence for your sound, but are there any other stand out artists lately that have played a role in your sound?
DESMOND: Yeah totally! I’m always listening to a ton of music, but when it comes down to it there are only three bands that matter - Metallica, Slayer & Megadeath…… but seriously, I’ve been really into Blake Mills, Lucius, Mr. Twin Sister, The Replacements, Elliott Smith, Tears for Fears, Julian Lage, Toro y moi. I’m all over the place these days. Spotify only makes it harder for people with ADD.
LUNA: “Love is Gone” centers around the ending of a long term relationship. Can you talk a bit more about that creative process? Emotionally, was it difficult for you to put out?
DESMOND: The lyrical aspect of this song was definitely difficult at times, because I was afraid of coming off like a dick. It took me 2 years to release this song , so by the time it was done I was way over the relationship.
I feel entirely different about the song now. Imagine being heated about a break up abd then making 5-6 versions of a song about said break up. I’m really proud of the song, but also look at it as more of a time capsule piece.
LUNA: I love the video for “Love is Gone” as well - so colorful! How did the idea for the video come up?
DESMOND: I was toying around with the idea of doing an animated video and stumbled across Ynon Lan’s work. I reached out to him on Instagram and the rest is history. I had the idea to keep the video super simple, mostly highlighting lips and hands, but the end result exceeded my expectations. That rotoscoping technique is super cool and I’m grateful to have met Ynon.
LUNA: Will that visual aesthetic be continued with the upcoming EP?
DESMOND: Yes - Maybe not the specific rotoscoping technique, but the language will be the same because I plan on working with Ynon Lan for the entire EP.
LUNA: Is there a common theme or narrative listeners should tap into with the new music?
DESMOND: I think the common theme of my songs comes from a place of nostalgia. I’m more curious about the throughline that the listeners will draw so to be honest I don’t want to force them into a box by saying too much. I’m simply trying to make music that I enjoy.
LUNA: How has your previous experience in a band shaped your solo career?
DESMOND: There's a saying that in order to master something it takes 10,000 hours. I think I’ve learned a lot about how to be an artist through the different bands I’ve been apart of. That’s the funny thing about being an artist, you are always in a constant state of change so you have to learn how to adapt in order to be creative.
I don’t like to use the word “ failures” because I don’t look at my past experiences in bands as failures. All of the experiences have made me a better writer and artist.
LUNA: It seems like you’ve got some solid plans coming up - congrats! What do you hope the rest of 2020 has in store for you?
DESMOND: What I can say for now is that this EP will be out by the time summer hits and I want to take this music to bigger stages. “Love is Gone” has started to open doors faster than I could have expected and I’m so grateful for that. It’s about saying yes to the right opportunities from here on out. I’m playing a gig at Mercury Lounge on March 30th with a Nashville based artist named Dylan Rockoff - definitely check him out. More to come so stay tuned!
