Thursday, September 10, 2015

Indie Music: Nick de la Hoyde "By My Side"

by Germar Derron

Nick De La Hoyde is radio ready. He doesn't even need this review. He's already a YouTube star and not because of luck, but because of hard work and talent. But to impress me, an artist has to be more than a talent. If you're a singer, learn to dance, write your songs, and pick up an instrument. If you rhyme, you must also freestyle, write, make beats--give me a show. De La Hoyde checks all my boxes. He writes, rhymes, and . . . sings. Apparently he freestyles too. I'm impressed.

This Australian may draw comparisons to that other one, or to any other popular MC that isn't dark-skinned and from "the streets" or the hood. But those comparisons won't be fair because De La Hoyde speaks his truth. The Aussie accent cuts through often, and sometimes it doesn't.  That's because it's not a gimmick, it's a guy telling his story. And the story is relatable without being contrived, cliche, or boxable.


The track and video "By My Side" shows his growth. Listen to that, then compare it to "The Longest Way." If he can do that in a year, he might dominate the charts soon. The track could be the hottest song from a few years ago. That seems to be common with arguably American-styled imported music. Artists abroad must gamble on a completely unique sound, take a stab at what might be the next trend in production, or risk sounding like a One Republic Gym Class Heroes mashup. But I'm tripping cuz this joint's hot. 

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