Moving through emotions with Brian Nasty

London’s Brian Nasty recently shared a new single, “You Thought,” featuring rapper Lord Apex. This latest track from the Anywhere But Here With You mixtape project is a celebration of strength and resilience. Artist, producer, and storyteller Brian Nasy has carved out his own niche in the music scene. Blending genres from soul and blues to indie rock, hip-hop, and beyond, Brian Nasty’s boundary-pushing productions have earned him a spot on Ninja Tune‘s Big Dada roster, where he continues to stay true to himself, making music rooted in personal narratives, stacking up media accolades from radio stations and magazines from around the world.

Kateryna Topol: How is it going Brian?

Brian Nasty: What’s Up! I’m good, actually [smiles] it’s been a long year and I been counting my blessings. I got a show later today, so I’m drinking tea right now

KT: Nothing beats a good cup of tea. Congrats on your latest release. How did the collaboration with Lord Apex for “You Thought” come about?

BN: Wow, thank you! I mean Apex and I have been homies for a minute, and I’ve always wanted to make music with him, and so when I was making the mixtape, I guess, the opportunity presented itself, and so I hit him up. I been a huge fan of his since forever, so I’m honoured!

“Apex came through, and we hung out for a few days. We actually worked on a few songs, but I thought this was the one that felt most representative of what I have and the direction I kind of want to go in,” he shared in a press release. “That song is supposed to be an uplifting one with its message, which is ‘you thought we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing now, but hey, look, we’re doing what we’re doing.’”

KT: You two worked on a few songs together, are there more coming?

BN: [Laughs] Well … apparently this has been a collab the fans have been asking for from us, and I feel like there’s more versions of what our music together sounds like so … let’s leave it at that [smiles]

KT: All right, all right [smiles]. Let’s move on to Anywhere But Here With You, which seems like a rather large project with each song accompanied by a short film, performance, and visual storytelling – how long did this body of work take to make?

BN: I mean, it’s been a huge portion of my life put into making the project for sure. I’d say 5 years in total, to be honest with you. Some of the ideas date back to 2019! It took me a year and a half to just to make all the films and put it out

KT: Wow! How would you recommend fans experience this mixtape?

NB: I’d recommend hearing it live actually! Despite the music being soft and sombre, always make sure you feel the emotions and the energy behind the songs. And if it can’t be that, I’d definitely [recommend listening to it] in transit! On a walk, train, plane, bus, or car, or something. I want you to move through the emotions while literally moving.

KT: Love that. This mixtape was a way for you to understand yourself better – were you…. I guess let’s say successful with that goal?

BN: For sure, it was a lot of learning what I didn’t like, didn’t want and I had to learn it the hard way too [laughs]. Learning to make tougher decisions and being okay with those consequences, you know? Growing up, really.

KT: Looking further back into your career and relationship with music – where does this love for music stem from?

BN: I think, escapism. As a kid, I saw musicians as these larger-than-life characters who made you feel something. Whether that be seeing Michael Jackson deciding he wanted to be a dancing zombie or Kanye West wanted to be a giant teddy bear. I kind of started seeing myself as a story, and music was the best way to show the different parts of my personality. Hearing music soundtracks and understanding that if you struggled to convey an emotion, good or bad, there was most likely a song that existed for it already.

I don’t wanna say I have synesthesia, but association too. Music is a pillar in my life cause at every point in my life there’s always something new and feeling of finding a song to go along with it.

KT: Sounds a bit poetic. What else did you listen to growing up?

BN: A lot of Michael Jackson, Kanye West, Outkast, Beyonce, Outkast, Eminem, Corrine Bailey Rae Pop Music, Rap Music, Rock Music too!

KT: Was there music in your house a lot?

BN: I don’t wanna say there was. So every time I was moved by something, I was just fixated on it. Hearing soundtracks too, like Shrek, Men In Black, Toy Story Two, etc … Music is everywhere!

KT: Very true, especially with soundtracks. Did you do any music education, or are you self-taught?

BN: I’ve always been self-taught. But I want to expand my knowledge and take piano AND bass lessons

KT: Anything your fans might not know about you but should?

BN: Hmmmmmm …. I love badminton [laughs]. And I collect stamps too.

KT: Those are both great hobbies, and far enough from music to be a proper distraction, I guess. What’s next for you?

BN: Oh Man! I just did the biggest shows of my life supporting Loyle Carner this month so I can’t wait to tour again in 2026. There’s more music coming too like … I been working on my Debut album, which I’m excited about too. 2025 has been the busiest I’ve ever been musically, and I’m excited to keep that momentum going! But I’m looking forward to some real rest and give myself a reset, and take care of myself.

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Stay tuned for Brian Nasty’s 2026 tour announcement.