Few desert artists are as eclectic as Prichard Nixon. The Desert Hot Springs artist has only released music on Bandcamp, and has tapped into numerous genres by using his voice as the primary instrument. A cappella harmonies, sensational scatting, beat-box bangers and hilarious lyrics are spread throughout the artist’s hefty online catalogue. Nixon’s new album, Up for Nothing, Down for Anything, is 11 tracks of vocal versatility—and according to Nixon, this album is likely the final release for the Prichard Nixon project. While the artist had previously remained anonymous, Nixon provided a photo of his real face for this feature. Learn more at prichardnixon.bandcamp.com.
What was the first concert you attended?
When I was 17, my father took us to see The Presidents of the United States of America at the Key Club in Hollywood. I was the entertainment editor of the high school newspaper at the time, and I remember writing a stellar concert review for the entertainment section.
What was the first album that you owned?
Panopticon by Isis. I remember being 15 years old and my father giving me a ride to Best Buy so I could purchase a copy. I knew nothing about the band or their music, but I liked the album title and artwork—it made me think. Twenty years later, it’s still one of my favorite albums.
What bands are you listening to right now?
I’m on a serious anarchist-punk kick right now: BoySetsFire, Refused, SAMURAI. I hate the current state of the world, and these bands are providing some much-needed strength and guidance as I continue striving for something greater.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
This is going to sound cliché, but Top 40 radio does nothing for me creatively. Occasionally, I’ll catch a snippet in the car or when I’m out with friends, and I’ll think, “Wow, nothing’s changed in the last 20 years.”
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Hatebreed! Those guys have gotten me through so much. Positive hardcore for the win!
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
I used to have to apologize for listening to Limp Bizkit back in the day, but I’m not doing it anymore. Pull up any of their recent singles—“Dad Vibes,” “Out of Style,” “Making Love to Morgan Wallen”—and it’s clear they’ve still got it after more than 30 years together. I met guitarist Wes Borland last year, and he was super nice and humble, too.
What’s your favorite music venue?
Chain Reaction in Anaheim (R.I.P.). I’ve been straight edge for more than 20 years, so I appreciate a good, scrappy all-ages venue.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
“Give yourself a break from self-rejection / Try some introspection / And you just might find / Life’s not so bad and anyway / At the end of the day / All you have is yourself and your mind,” Rollins Band, “Low Self-Opinion.” Henry Rollins is a national treasure, and these are the kind of lyrics that save lives.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Modern Life Is War’s Witness saved my life, and I say that without a hint of sarcasm. I would not be here today if not for that band and that album.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I would ask Kurt Cobain if death provided him with the peace he searched for so desperately while he was alive, because I sometimes wonder about myself.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“Motion Picture Soundtrack” by Radiohead. No other song comes close.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
It’s a dead heat between the expanded edition of Norma Jean’s O God, the Aftermath and Witness by Modern Life Is War. Both albums altered the way I consume and interpret art, regardless of the medium (music, lyrics, visuals), and I would gladly take a bullet for either of them.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“Simple Design” by Breaking Benjamin is a perfect myriad of seemingly disparate musical compositions wonderfully executed.
