INTERVIEW: New single from Fast Money Music

Fast Money Music is the solo project of American-born and East London-based musician and producer Nick Hinman, who delivers an ambitious exploration of post punk, no wave and pop music. Journeying from New York to Los Angeles before launching his project in London, Fast Money Music has crafted a sound that’s at once nostalgic and strikingly original.

First unveiling the project in 2022 with the debut single “Strange Moments,” he followed up with a string of singles in the build up to his debut EP of the same name. Produced by Sam Petts-Davies and Mikko Gordon, the Strange Moments EP was released to critical acclaim last year and secured extensive radio support across the UK and beyond, establishing Fast Money Music as a must-watch act in the modern music scene.

Building anticipation for his second EP, Rouge, Fast Money Music released the track “Polar Bear,” a rendition of Grauzone’s 1982 classic “Eisbär,” followed by “Hot Melt Glue” in April. These releases have steadily built excitement for what’s to come. Now, with the release of his latest single “Space Opera,” the artist continues to deliver his thrilling sound.

“Space Opera” is a track that glances at the competitive layers of romance through the lens of a sci-fi aesthetic. Co-written with Tony Hoffer, known for his work with Beck, Air and The Kooks, the song is a blend of futuristic and retro elements, featuring contributions from George Daniel and John Waugh of The 1975.

Brought in by John Waugh’s sax tones, Fast Money Music adds clashing synth chords before the track launches with vibrant instrumental pulses, George Daniel’s laid back drums and expressive vocal leads spinning lively melodies above. Adding the angular crunch of guitars, the retro rock-tinged pop sound is capped by infectious vocal hooks cut with bursts of the artist’s impassioned voice.

With soulful sax leads providing a dazzling instrumental break, “Space Opera” sees Fast Money Music serve up a spectacular slice of his sonic output that showcases his knack for bringing to life his sound via his collaborative spirit. Paired with the single is an enthralling music video that sees Fast Money Music performing the song in various Tokyo scenes all presented via a Blade Runner inspired vibe to provide a superb visual accompaniment for the single while building the excitement for his upcoming Rouge EP release.

To celebrate the release of Rouge EP, Fast Money Music is set to play East London’s The George Tavern on August 30th with tickets available via this link.

We caught up with Fast Money Music to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Space Opera” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Fast Money Music below.

Hey Fast Money Music, how’s things?

Hey! Good, thanks. It’s release week! Which is always fun and exciting and stressful and disappointing and encouraging and surprising and […]

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Good question. I was fortunate enough to have a piano at home growing up, so it was probably some freeform jazz rendition of Chopsticks when I was 5 or 6. I also loved slamming both hands across as many keys as possible back then, which no doubt had an influence on FMM’s sonic palette.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

It’s something that’s constantly in flux, which I find refreshing. The project is definitely rooted in the romantic minimalism of the post-punk bands of the late 70’s and early 80’s. Lately, it’s been PJ Harvey, Smog, The Blue Nile and The Cleaners From Venus. But ask me again in a few months!

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I can find inspiration in the banal as much as I can the exciting or chaotic, which is something I love about songwriting. Sometimes it’s a version of my own narrative, but then it transforms into something else when I start to put music to it. Or it could be completely made up. It might sound like a cliche, but just by being human, day by day, there’s always something to write about.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

I got to go to Tokyo for the first time earlier this year which was huge, it had been a bucket list trip for me for as long as I can remember! I was also able to film a music video for ‘Space Opera’ while I was there, so it made the trip even more special.

What do you love about the London music scene?

I feel like I’m only just getting to know it! It’s been great having a chance to play venues in East London like Paper Dress Vintage, The Shacklewell, The Sebright and The Victoria. It’s always an inspiring community of artists that doesn’t feel exclusive or insular.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I would say in a car at night with the windows down, but most people here don’t drive. It’s brisk walking music though, it’ll definitely help you get from point A to B.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I want to say I’ve become less precious about it and less worried about what everyone else thinks, which has made me far more productive.

Has your production process changed much too?

Not much! It’s mostly: (1) get all ideas down as quickly as possible (2) turn everything up way too loud and bounce it with a limiter. Done!

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Martin Newell

How did you find making your new single “Space Opera”?

It was a cathartic process for sure. I wrote the original demo years ago, so it’s come a long way. I’m stoked on the final form it’s taken and excited to finally share it with the world!

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Don’t be so blue.

How did you find working with George Daniel and John Waugh of The 1975?

Both legends! George was generous enough to track drums to this one remotely during one of the lockdowns, and John and his sax have become an integral part of the FMM sound.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming Rouge EP release?

They can expect it to come out on August 30th, and they can expect five songs in various shades of red.

I’d like to say it feels like a natural progression from Strange Moments, the debut EP. It builds off the same foundation but adds more live energy, especially aided by John’s sax. It’s now a more balanced blend of organic and synthetic. Controlled chaos, I like to call it!

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Guided by Voices.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Last year I put together a charity concert for Music Support UK, which is a non-profit helping those in the music industry with mental ill-health and addiction issues. It was really special! FMM performed a live acoustic set, and we had a few different local East London bands (Tempesst, Sunglasses For Jaws, The Overland) do stripped back renditions of some of their songs. All the proceeds went to support the cause. Plus we had a raffle! I’m hoping to do another one soon.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Alan Vega, David Bowie, and Lou Reed co-headlining the Satellite of Love Festival somewhere in outer space.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Do you!

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

Space Opera is out June 11th, then the final single (‘Hunky Dory’) from the EP comes out later in the summer on August 27th. Then the whole EP comes out Friday August 30th, with a party and show at The George Tavern in East London. Come on by!

Watch the music video for Space Opera below