Nick Mulvey's first album, First Mind, was released in 2014 and was nominated for the Mercury Music prize. The follow-up, Wake Up Now, was released last Friday (8th September) and we sat down with him to discuss the album and his career in music to date. 

What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
A bit of the Beatles, Bob Marley sometimes, Portishead, Miles Davis... Mof the bands like Oasis and Jamiroquai I rarely play today

When did you first realise you wanted a career in music?
I always wanted a life of music! In fact, thats not true- I've always had a life of music... and I'm thankful for that. I'm lucky, it's always been a clear passion for me and its grown into my job. I have to remember that a playfulness, a love of the music and a sense of devotion is what has made it all happen and just to let the career aspect be what it will be. When I was starting out I had no idea that a career in music was possible- it seemed impossibly remote and glamorous. So I always make an effort to tell young musicians that they already ARE a part of the industry, from the moment they bought their first album or instrument, and therefore to not be daunted by it.

In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Adrenaline, fear, excitement

How do you wind down after a gig?
Banter with the band and crew. Meet the fans. Call home.

What’s the one song you wish you’d written or recorded first?
Oh there's many. Inspiration Information by Shuggie Otis is one. Peace Like A River by Paul Simon is another one..

What song of yours are you most proud of?
Today it's We Are Never Apart

What’s your favourite venue to perform in?
Paradiso Amsterdam

Your best and worst gig so far?
Best gig- playing for the King of Bhutan's birthday in the Himalayas. No kidding. In a football stadium in the capital city Thimphu.

Worst gig- some crap boat in a French town I can't remember. It was so shit.

Whose career do you envy, and why?
Kelly Slater's. Though I try not to be envious of others (I believe we all get exactly what we need), sometime I think he's got everything. And he gets to be outdoors and in the ocean all the time. Next life I'll be a pro surfer please..

Vinyl or digital downloads?
Vinyl + streaming is a delicious combo.. best of physical and best of digital i reckon.

Give your thoughts on Spotify in three words.
Music on tap.

You can only have three albums on your phone/in your house at any one time - what three would you pick for today?
The new Grizzly Bear - Painted Ruins
Psychedelic Sanza - Francis Bebey
You Want It Darker - Leonard Cohen

Name one piece of music memorabilia that you wish you owned.
I'm not that into nostalgia, therefore I'd want something still useful. One of Paco de Lucia's badboy flamenco guitars. That'd be cool.

Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
Record: Music for 18 Musicians, Steve Reich
Book: The Power of Now, Ekhart Tolle
Film: 13th

Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Well Doctor Who's a woman now so the rule books out the window. Let's have Britt Marling play me, directed by Tod Haynes.

You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Vietnamese Pho noodle soup. Chicken. I love it.

You’ve been given €100,000 to spend, but only 1 hour to spend it. What do you buy?
Can I give it away? I'd give it to Help Refugees UK

Describe your perfect day off.
Me and my 1 year old son Inka would go to the park. Stroke the dogs. Point at cool stuff like clouds and buses. Play music together when we get home..

Tell us why we should listen to your new album.
Because it's a celebration of Being. Being alive. What a fucking mystery every day is.

What else do you have planned for 2017?
I'm excited by all the shows we've got coming up. UK your, Europe run and US dates too. I feel so blessed to do this.