Exhibitions of the understated have the power to say so much. The best avenues to articulate things that are larger than us, intimidating and invoke vulnerability are through the most direct channels. No frills, no tchotchkes, no big brass band, nor elaborate performative spectacles but rather the instruments that evoke an effective immediacy. Courage and the struggles that we all share become more complicated and bigger than they need to be are unnecessarily embellished in the echo chamber loops within our heads. Bravery is allowing others to see our uncertainty and earnestness of heart. Bravery is opening up to your fellow folks about the guarded things you feel from inside yourself. Bravery is the new single “888-BE-BRAVE” from Chicago artist nicholas.

The creative call sign of Nick McMillan, the follow up to Heat Island Effect works in minimalistic ways. In collaboration with Marcus Darling and mixing/mastering by Brok Mende; McMillan brings a subdued song of passion, humility, apprehension with a soft string strumming stroll. McMillan makes a song to hum while walking home from a difficult day at work. Self-diagnostics are sung sleepily in a hushed restrained refrain as a personal assessment of aspirations and reluctance gently echo through the brisk air of dusk.

“888-BE-BRAVE” is like a self-therapy session to sing to yourself when feeling alone and/or overwhelmed. With backing vocals supplied by Manasseh, nicholas’ fear of the unknown is faced with an open and wary heart. A courageous undercurrent can be felt throughout the song’s succinct run time. The production that Marcus and Nick develop is like a floating and far away tune that moves like a slow and mindful apparition through the material world. The smoky vapor of “BRAVE” emanates through the air, an anthem for standing up to the obstacles that feel larger than life itself. Through a very organic economy of a seemingly simple arrangement, the artists create a musical course rooted in the road of finding the confidence within to change the things that are within your power. In less than two minutes, nicholas exalts the power of introspection to a degree that conquers the anxious hesitation of facing off with the minotaur that awaits around the bend of life’s labyrinths with the valor of an epic poem, conveyed with the form of concision and gallant reverence.

Nick McMillan, aka nicholas, provided some behind the scenes insights on the new single “888-BE-BRAVE”:

Sometimes the chord changes just feel so good that they unlock something in your soul. Marcus had this incredible kernel of a progression. The chords set and a faint melody. The words seemed to write themselves. We recorded a demo together that was special — heartfelt. We struck the core of an expression so vulnerable, we felt it would only be right if we honored the message of the track and released our precious recording as it was.

Our friend Manasseh, a Chicago soul singer and vocal coach, sings with the heavenly choir so adding him was a no-brainer. “888-BE-BRAVE” is simply a balm for the weary heart. We are often faced with challenges difficult to express and that makes us vulnerable in sharing, and this song is a reach in to help make peace with difficult feelings.

Listen to more from nicholas here.