Track Premiere: Nik Freitas “What a Mess”

Even if Nik Freitas isn’t a household name to you, you’re very likely familiar with his work. Your favorite musician’s favorite musician – Freitas has toured with Bright Eyes, Jenny Lewis, Jason Lytle (Grandaddy), Azure Ray, and Lucius.

He’s a full time member of Conor Oberst’s Mystic Valley Band, and has also played in live bands with Broken Bells, Jenny Lewis, Jonathan Rice, and M. Ward. As pedigrees go, to say his is not too shabby would clearly be an understatement.

On his new single “What a Mess,” he’s recruited spectacular vocal assistance from a few very talented pals, the aforementioned Lucius, and L.A. based Springtime Carnivore. The song is a slow burn, beginning simply with Freitas’ deeply appealing voice accompanied by a solo guitar. Layer upon layer is added, and by the time the first harmony occurs you’re bound to feel a tingle in your spine. By the time it reaches it’s apex, you’ll have full blown chills.

From the artist:

“What A Mess” is the first song off the new album by Nik Freitas Day & Dark. Written and recorded as an intro piece to Freitas’s 8th record — the song didn’t really feel finished until the incredible vocal performances by Lucius and Springtime Carnivore took the song to a whole new level.”

Day & Dark is set for release on June 29th.

Tour dates:

May 3rd Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg Theater W/Johanna Samuels and Harrison Whitford

May 8th Los Angeles, CA @ Resident for Flower Moon Records compilation release show (with Jake Bellows, Whispertown, Louis Schefano, UMM, Viva Violet, Mike Bloom)

June 8th Omaha, NE @ O’leavers W/Miwi Lalupa

June 10th Davenport, IA @ the Raccoon Motel W/Miwi Lalupa

June 28th Los Angeles, CA @ BootlegDay & Dark album release show

Photo c/o Nik Freitas