Video premiere: Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band released great new single and clip Dig Me As I Am
Nolan Potter, prolific recording musician, guitar god, producer, and frontman of Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, needs no introduction among followers of the Austin music scene. Since Potter started releasing music as the Nightmare Band in 2017, several projects and a live band that’s spanned two lineups have made Potter a must-see in the local scene for half a decade running. Since forming his Austin-based group, releases like Music Is Dead and Nightmare Forever appeared on Osees bandleader John Dwyer’s label, Castle Face Records, showing Dwyer’s appreciation for the group since meeting the local musician at SXSW in 2018. Since restructuring his live ensemble in 2022, Potter and his trusted associates have been performing at a frantic pace, but no signs of new material with the second version of his band have appeared until the release of their new single and self-produced video “Dig Me As I Am.” The single comes as the first offering from the band’s forthcoming new record, The Perils Of Being Trapped Inside A Head, due out April 26.
Nolan Potter started out being known as a home recording wizard, but his live ensemble has proven the Austin musician goes far beyond home-cooked, bedroom psych oddities. On this new lead single, the local musician sounds in his element. Since rounding out Nightmare Band’s new lineup featuring guitarist Raze Regal, drummer Cole Koenning, bassist Dillon Fernandez, and keyboardist Sam Blomgren, the all-star cast surrounding bandleader Potter has been known for their explosive live shows with perfected original material and extended instrumental jams that venture into new, uncharted territory with each live show.
“Dig Me As I Am” begins with a pristine, strummed acoustic guitar accompanied by a smooth bassline that backs the ethereal vocal delivery from Potter. Potter’s guitar leads are also a highlight, showing a progressive jazz influence that utilizes a patient delivery to sink in with the in-the-pocket instrumentation that gives each musical display a turn in the spotlight. Soon enough, the track descends into a frantic passage of flutes and keyboard that shows the versatility of the Austin ensemble that builds upon their composed selections with every new release.
The accompanying video for this track is Potter’s creation, showing his visual art expertise complementing his musical prowess in an enchanting presentation. The footage takes the position of a horror movie reel, showing a series of frames and clips that depict horror sequences that veer on vibes of surrealism and old-fashioned film styles. The found-footage piece goes hand-in-hand with Potter’s unending creativity, allowing him to mold music like visual art sculptures that gives fans new perspectives and think about matters beyond initial perception.
In addition to releasing new material under his moniker, Potter has also been a producer for new-on-the-scene local funk nonet Grandmaster. The frontman has taken the reins in producing Grandmaster’s debut LP, whose release will accompany the Grandmaster Gala on May 4. The State Theater at the Paramount bill, will feature Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band as an opener and also local instrumental trio Dodo, which features Nightmare Band drummer Koenning and keyboardist Blomgren.
Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band will celebrate their album release in the form of an Austin Psych Fest late-night afterparty at Red River Cultural District psychedelic haunt, The 13th Floor later this month. The bill will also feature improv supergroup GROOP, featuring members of Los Angeles kraut-psych act Hooveriii + special guests. Tickets can be found here.
The Perils Of Being Trapped Inside A Head will be available April 26 via all streaming platforms. Vinyl preorders can be found Via Try Hard Records here.
Featured photo by Daniel Cavazos
