18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us. 

Nick Ward is entering a new era. The Australian singer-songwriter’s sophomore album Year Of The Snake arrives today via EMI Music Australia, marking the release of a record that finds him shedding old habits, embracing creative freedom, and stepping confidently into a more expansive sonic world. If his acclaimed debut House With The Blue Door introduced listeners to Ward’s diaristic storytelling and bedroom-pop intimacy, its follow-up widens the frame considerably, blending folk, soul, indie rock, electronic textures and classical influences into a richly collaborative and ambitious body of work.

Recent singles ‘Piano’ and the lovestruck, yacht rock-kissed ‘Jenny’ have already hinted at that evolution. Written during a transformative songwriting trip to Auckland with longtime collaborator Lucian Rice, ‘Jenny’ captures the intoxicating fantasy of dropping everything for someone you’ve barely met, balancing earnest longing with a playful wink. It’s a song that reflects Ward’s newfound willingness to embrace simplicity, imagination and humour in his writing, moving away from strict autobiography and towards something more cinematic.

The result is an album driven as much by curiosity as confession. Inspired by everyone from The Beach Boys and David Bowie’s Berlin period to Animal Collective, Year Of The Snake explores upheaval, growth, loss and reinvention while retaining the melodic instincts and emotional honesty that have made Ward one of Australia’s most compelling young artists.

To celebrate the album’s release, Nick Ward takes on 1883’s 18 Questions.

What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week? 

I’m seeing an early media screening of the new Nathan Fielder doc! My friends are pissed.

What was the last thing you read? 

I’m just about to finish Stoner by John Williams, which is one of the best books I’ve ever read. On the weekend I was in a bookstore, waiting for a friend who was running late and after reading the first page, I immediately bought it and haven’t been able to put it down. Simultaneously, I also have been going back to some John Ashbery.

Favourite memory growing up? 

I don’t know about favourite, but I remember how concerts used to feel so overwhelming as a kid. I remember feeling like there were pyrotechnics at every show, regardless if that was true or not. I would be so scared beforehand, as if I was about to get on a rollercoaster. I think I was scared about how loud they were. My first few shows with my dad were Bob Dylan and The Eagles.

Where was the last place you travelled to? 

New York City. Magical place. No wonder there are so many films where the hook is just getting to spend time looking at New York.

What was the last thing that made you laugh? 

I’ve been watching a bunch of Lubitsch and old Jimmy Stewart screwball movies. They hold up so well it’s crazy. 

What’s your nighttime ritual? 

Honestly just YouTube until I started to close my eyes and then I switch to a podcast with a 15min sleep timer. I never make it to the end of the sleep timer which is a good thing, I guess.

Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?

Me and my friends. Maybe Tracy Letts.

Favourite quote from a film or TV show? 

I just watched The Last Days Of Disco on a plane and that was full of good ones. “Anything I did that was wrong, I apologize for. But anything I did that was not wrong, I don’t apologize for”

What’s your go-to karaoke song? 

Born To Die or Stay.

Favourite item in your closet? 

I have this double-sided Marni knit that I really like at the moment. I also just bought some old leather Pradas I really like but they are a little uncomfy.

What is the major through line on Year Of The Snake? 

To cite The Mountain Goats – “I’m gonna make it through this year, if it kills me.”

What were your favourite moments from the recording process for the album?

There were a fun experiments. Making a drum kit out of scrap metal and cardboard for The Boy Who’s Seen It All was really sick. I also loved how much shit we threw at the wall for In My Head, especially since most of it stuck. Layer upon layer of H3000 guitar.

Is making the second album tougher than writing the debut?

Way tougher. I think that both have their challenges. Your first two albums are probably the toughest ones to make, because you have all these preconceived ideas about what makes a good debut or sophomore record. From then on, there are less expectations of what a third or fourth album is supposed to be. This album went through so many different iterations. At one point, it was gonna be a double-album. My whiteboard read “LP2 = 2LP“.

How will you celebrate on release day?

I haven’t thought that far ahead. I will most likely be gearing up for the inevitable postpartum depression.

Tell us what you learned from not only supporting Troye Sivan on tour but writing for him too…

He’s someone who constantly gives one hundred percent of energy to everything and everyone. He also stays curious and excited about things. Lots of admiration for that guy.

What’s on your rider for a show?

It’s a band tradition to drink a shot of Jameson. Other than that it’s pretty straightforward. Room temperature water and fruit is a nice treat before a show.

When you are writing, does your process change much when working on a film score such as JIMPA which featured Olivia Coleman?

Yes, but that process did really change how I write music. I didn’t know how to tempo map the film score so everything was off-grid and really free flowing which I’ve since taken on as part of my process. I really hate the grid nowadays. 

Finally, what is one thing you would like to manifest for yourself and why?

I hope I can get a good Omurice in Sydney at some point. That hasn’t happened yet.

Year Of The Snake is out now.