Nigel and The Dropout
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Nigel and The Dropout

Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States | INDIE

Farmington Hills, Michigan, United States | INDIE
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"Nigel & the Dropout"

So ladies and gentlemen, what is on your summer list? A cold beer: check; chilling out with your mates: oh hell yes! But what, oh what, is missing? More important than your tan or sun cream: a decent soundtrack to your summer is a must have for a memorable summer. Well, you’re going to love this: look no further, I think I have a winner! With a quirky and unique sound, Nigel & the Dropout have it all. They’re perfect for that all round breezy easy summer feeling when you’re chilling on a sun lounger, they’ll make you feel like you’ve known their songs your whole life. There’s something distinctly familiar about their sound, yet it’s like nothing you’ll have heard for a long time.

Nigel & the Dropout have created something all too impossible to recreate. It’s fast paced, interesting and intricately mastered. Their sound creates something you’d expect from bands such as The Smiths or The Arctic Monkeys, with an interesting drum and bass beat that’ll leave you wanting to dance – try not to, I dare you!

In terms of their collective reference, I’m unsure of what they’d prefer; I want to refer to them as a two piece (which, by the way, they are – there is only two of them), but their sound is too full, too rich; a two piece just doesn’t quite cut it! Where shall I start: the duo are dynamic for sure; Nigel plays a synthesizer while The Dropout (Andrew) impresses us with his amazing finger picking skill. Every now and again you’ll hear a cleverly placed crash as the cymbal breaks through – that is Nigel with the hand that isn’t flying along the synth! Amazed yet? Oh I’m not even started!

There are very few bands, in my humble opinion, which sound as good live as they do recorded. There are lots of reasons for this – too many to list. However, one I will mention (and you’ll understand why in a second), is that a lot of the additional sounds bands use are added after they’ve sampled their parts. They’re digitally mastered in and that’s fine, but recreating that in a live performance setting is almost impossible! Nigel, on the other hand plays everything, and trust me, I mean everything. There are no laptops or digital interfaces in his set up, it’s all him … while he sings as well! So, I think that requires a serious amount of recognition!

The Dropout, meanwhile, plays a mean electric guitar. Now, I’m not usually a fan of the guitar sound that they use – I call it wailing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate it, but there are more sounds I prefer to listen to. However, saying that Andrew somehow makes it perfect. So much so that I didn’t even notice what sound it was until the third listen of their perfectly blended albums and live performances.

Nigel & the Dropout are on Facebook and Twitter. You can listen to them on their BandCamp or SoundCloud. Their LPs (“&” and “Slice of 8”) and EP (“§§”) can be downloaded for free from ThePromoBayUK, or all can be purchased (as well as an additional EP, Expiration Date) from the iTunes store.
- ThePromoBayUK Blog


"Nigel & the Dropout – “Live for Failure”"

I found their EP completely by accident but I am glad I did. They are an indie-electronica duo from Detroit. I also believe that this is some of their first released stuff. That being said, they are in that really cool creation period where they are evidently playing around with their sound, so I’m excited to see how they bring it together and grow. I really like how they are using their obvious strengths – portentous electronics, a strong bass line and choppy percussion work. One of my favourite elements in an electronic based song – or any potentially good song really – is the steady build up. I like how they are playing with this and also levelling between gloom and upbeat sounds. - The Wild Vibes


"Nigel & the Dropout – “Live for Failure”"

I found their EP completely by accident but I am glad I did. They are an indie-electronica duo from Detroit. I also believe that this is some of their first released stuff. That being said, they are in that really cool creation period where they are evidently playing around with their sound, so I’m excited to see how they bring it together and grow. I really like how they are using their obvious strengths – portentous electronics, a strong bass line and choppy percussion work. One of my favourite elements in an electronic based song – or any potentially good song really – is the steady build up. I like how they are playing with this and also levelling between gloom and upbeat sounds. - The Wild Vibes


"Nigel & The Dropout "Ampersand""

A very close-knit sound is projected through the hills, reflecting off of ice arenas and cars and busy intersections, making a breeze in the direction of something fantastic. The two calling the shots are Nigel & The Dropout, and the "&", and, or ampersand is the album. There's a lot of significance there. Two become interconnected by interstellar coincidence, or fate, or determinism, whichever you prefer. The important thing to note is that fact that these two have interacted on such a level, and at such a young age, providing my home town as well as all other possible points of the 14 three-dimensional lattices within the cosmic infinity, with fresh, varying, uninhibited truth in the form of wonderful song. The music, itself, varies from minimal, clean/reverberated guitar, vocoder drenched vocals, and synthesized seasoning, to clashy drum kits, electronic pop beats, and well-produced, albeit natural sounding catchy vocal harmonies. Take all of the in between that can arise from such possibilities and the endless amount of ideas one or two individuals can fathom, let it sit in a marinade of fluorescent ambience, and you have "&". Two very different individuals sharing ideas, agreeing with their respective perceptions of the other's ideas, and coming to an accepted, conceived understanding that the art of understanding is far beyond us all. Listen. Enjoy. -Kyle Patrick

"Indie-electro pop with a particularly urban feel. They have a knack for balancing melodic guitar chords with electro synths, without either one overpowering the other... both mellow and moody, and these two young musicians certainly prove that, yes, you can have a band with just two people..." - The Knife Fight - Groopease


"Nigel & The Dropout "Ampersand""

A very close-knit sound is projected through the hills, reflecting off of ice arenas and cars and busy intersections, making a breeze in the direction of something fantastic. The two calling the shots are Nigel & The Dropout, and the "&", and, or ampersand is the album. There's a lot of significance there. Two become interconnected by interstellar coincidence, or fate, or determinism, whichever you prefer. The important thing to note is that fact that these two have interacted on such a level, and at such a young age, providing my home town as well as all other possible points of the 14 three-dimensional lattices within the cosmic infinity, with fresh, varying, uninhibited truth in the form of wonderful song. The music, itself, varies from minimal, clean/reverberated guitar, vocoder drenched vocals, and synthesized seasoning, to clashy drum kits, electronic pop beats, and well-produced, albeit natural sounding catchy vocal harmonies. Take all of the in between that can arise from such possibilities and the endless amount of ideas one or two individuals can fathom, let it sit in a marinade of fluorescent ambience, and you have "&". Two very different individuals sharing ideas, agreeing with their respective perceptions of the other's ideas, and coming to an accepted, conceived understanding that the art of understanding is far beyond us all. Listen. Enjoy. -Kyle Patrick

"Indie-electro pop with a particularly urban feel. They have a knack for balancing melodic guitar chords with electro synths, without either one overpowering the other... both mellow and moody, and these two young musicians certainly prove that, yes, you can have a band with just two people..." - The Knife Fight - Groopease


"Nigel And The Dropout - "Slice of Infinity" [New Music]"

Nigel and the Dropout recently released their second album, Slice of Infinity. It is easy to see that the duo has refined their music, and this album has a much better production quality than their first album, &, which was also reviewed on this site. This is evident on the wonderfully titled opener,”Grinding Grin”, and the shuffling “One More Chance.”. I was thrilled to find out the band mastered, produced, and mixed the album all by themselves, because the sound is as crisp and massive as it can be.



After a failed band attempt with other members, Nigel and the Dropout (aka Nigel Hemmye and Andrew Ficker) discovered the endless possibilities of a Boss RC-50 Looper Pedal. The layered sound let them produce great music for live shows with just two people. From there the band started experimenting with indie electro-pop and the rest is history. The duo from Detroit are creating an even stronger impression with each album they produce. I am so happy with the direction this band is going, and as they get more mature, the possibilities are truly endless. - Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC


"Nigel And The Dropout - "Slice of Infinity" [New Music]"

Nigel and the Dropout recently released their second album, Slice of Infinity. It is easy to see that the duo has refined their music, and this album has a much better production quality than their first album, &, which was also reviewed on this site. This is evident on the wonderfully titled opener,”Grinding Grin”, and the shuffling “One More Chance.”. I was thrilled to find out the band mastered, produced, and mixed the album all by themselves, because the sound is as crisp and massive as it can be.



After a failed band attempt with other members, Nigel and the Dropout (aka Nigel Hemmye and Andrew Ficker) discovered the endless possibilities of a Boss RC-50 Looper Pedal. The layered sound let them produce great music for live shows with just two people. From there the band started experimenting with indie electro-pop and the rest is history. The duo from Detroit are creating an even stronger impression with each album they produce. I am so happy with the direction this band is going, and as they get more mature, the possibilities are truly endless. - Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC


"Nigel & The Dropout "Mister Grief" [Music]"

Nigel & The Dropout’s humble introduction as, “We’re two guys from Detroit, we’re 19, we have no idea what we’re doing, but we love music and we hope you enjoy!” is misleading based on their obvious talent and potential. The duo creates indie-electro pop with a particularly urban feel. They have a knack for balancing melodic guitar chords with electo synths, without either one overpowering the other — and with vocals that are a bit reminiscent of brit pop, the end result is a very real sound that feels different from other artists that might try to utilize these elements.

The album, &, begins with ominous electronics and percussion, slowly growing and building into a steady beat, and eventually a full song, and one of the best on the album. “Mister Grief” is a perfectly executed opener to the album’s most solid run, as the tracks that follow only get better. The band’s musicianship is excellent, and Ficker utilizes his vocal talents perfectly in combination with the music. The album concludes with endless possibilities for a band that has the potential to create something truly astounding. - Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC


"Nigel & The Dropout "Mister Grief" [Music]"

Nigel & The Dropout’s humble introduction as, “We’re two guys from Detroit, we’re 19, we have no idea what we’re doing, but we love music and we hope you enjoy!” is misleading based on their obvious talent and potential. The duo creates indie-electro pop with a particularly urban feel. They have a knack for balancing melodic guitar chords with electo synths, without either one overpowering the other — and with vocals that are a bit reminiscent of brit pop, the end result is a very real sound that feels different from other artists that might try to utilize these elements.

The album, &, begins with ominous electronics and percussion, slowly growing and building into a steady beat, and eventually a full song, and one of the best on the album. “Mister Grief” is a perfectly executed opener to the album’s most solid run, as the tracks that follow only get better. The band’s musicianship is excellent, and Ficker utilizes his vocal talents perfectly in combination with the music. The album concludes with endless possibilities for a band that has the potential to create something truly astounding. - Music Without Labels & Beat-Play, LLC


"Dropping in with Nigel & the Dropout"

Simply put, Nigel & the Dropout are a pair of twenty year olds who make music. While true, that's a huge understatement. Specializing in a tight brand of head-nodding synth pop which flirts with rock, they're shall we say, quite nice. Believe everything about these guys, but don't believe them when they light-heartedly confess "we have no idea what we're doing." It's just not true.

While past work has included more subdued tracks reminiscent of The xx, this EP is pure punch. Titled "§§" or Sections, it follows a naming convention which involves curvy text symbols, including "a slice of 8", and "&." Sections is a five song blast of energy that doesn't leave room for slacker tracks. Everything's dialed up. Great for your next jog or high speed chase.


One of the more impressive facts about Nigel & the Dropout? They play everything live. That's right, no pre-arranged laptop sessions, no pushing play in Ableton for this pair. Nigel fingers a keyboard and tweaks an OP-1 Synth, freeing up a hand to strike a crash cymbal every so often, while the Dropout wails on a sunburst Les Paul.

It's hard to not dig this music. Vocals carry attitude and at times you might hear hints of an accent (I've seen these guys mislabeled as Brit Pop!) Fun Nintendo-like electro bleeps mingle with atmospheric synth washes. Pumping house beats are cheered on by guitar work which deftly weaves through it all, occasionally soaring into the foreground with a blistering lick.

The opening track "Feat. Vacuum" blends cool, bluesy licks reminiscent of the Black Keys with a sound that leans towards a hip hop sensibility. I'd love to see these guys bang out a side project or two with a rapper. "Monica's Monocle Chronicles" mixes a Beach House vibe with the get-up-and-go of The Drums. This stuff is better than good, and will easily make it's way onto your summer playlist.



One more fun fact about these guys? They recently did a promo with The Pirate Bay, and have released all of their music for free. You read that right. Free. A smart move if you ask me. Talent only needs exposure to flourish. Money will follow. These boys need to be heard.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Punchy, energetic indie rock will draw you in. The synthy atmospheric foundations and crunchy electro embellishments will keep you coming back for more.

Genre: Indie Pop / Rock mixed with hints of Electro House, Synth Pop
If You'd Like: A Craft Spells cake iced with The Black Keys; The Drums playing a house party with Diamond Rings

You can check them out at http://nigelandthedropout.com
You can buy their new EP, through iTunes.
You can follow them on twitter @nigelandthedrop
- Tropical Yeti


"Dropping in with Nigel & the Dropout"

Simply put, Nigel & the Dropout are a pair of twenty year olds who make music. While true, that's a huge understatement. Specializing in a tight brand of head-nodding synth pop which flirts with rock, they're shall we say, quite nice. Believe everything about these guys, but don't believe them when they light-heartedly confess "we have no idea what we're doing." It's just not true.

While past work has included more subdued tracks reminiscent of The xx, this EP is pure punch. Titled "§§" or Sections, it follows a naming convention which involves curvy text symbols, including "a slice of 8", and "&." Sections is a five song blast of energy that doesn't leave room for slacker tracks. Everything's dialed up. Great for your next jog or high speed chase.


One of the more impressive facts about Nigel & the Dropout? They play everything live. That's right, no pre-arranged laptop sessions, no pushing play in Ableton for this pair. Nigel fingers a keyboard and tweaks an OP-1 Synth, freeing up a hand to strike a crash cymbal every so often, while the Dropout wails on a sunburst Les Paul.

It's hard to not dig this music. Vocals carry attitude and at times you might hear hints of an accent (I've seen these guys mislabeled as Brit Pop!) Fun Nintendo-like electro bleeps mingle with atmospheric synth washes. Pumping house beats are cheered on by guitar work which deftly weaves through it all, occasionally soaring into the foreground with a blistering lick.

The opening track "Feat. Vacuum" blends cool, bluesy licks reminiscent of the Black Keys with a sound that leans towards a hip hop sensibility. I'd love to see these guys bang out a side project or two with a rapper. "Monica's Monocle Chronicles" mixes a Beach House vibe with the get-up-and-go of The Drums. This stuff is better than good, and will easily make it's way onto your summer playlist.



One more fun fact about these guys? They recently did a promo with The Pirate Bay, and have released all of their music for free. You read that right. Free. A smart move if you ask me. Talent only needs exposure to flourish. Money will follow. These boys need to be heard.

THE BOTTOM LINE
Punchy, energetic indie rock will draw you in. The synthy atmospheric foundations and crunchy electro embellishments will keep you coming back for more.

Genre: Indie Pop / Rock mixed with hints of Electro House, Synth Pop
If You'd Like: A Craft Spells cake iced with The Black Keys; The Drums playing a house party with Diamond Rings

You can check them out at http://nigelandthedropout.com
You can buy their new EP, through iTunes.
You can follow them on twitter @nigelandthedrop
- Tropical Yeti


"Nigel & The Dropout: §§"

§§ is the new EP from Detroit dance rock duo Nigel & The Dropout, aka Nigel Hemmye and Andrew Ficker (The Dropout). Catchy and quick, the five tracks have power pop at their soul. This is music that will be appreciated by diehard indie freaks, as well as having an alt rock radio vibe. §§ is polished, with sterling production, great songs and stellar arrangements. This is a duo destined for bigger audiences. Stream §§ at the link below. - Floorshime Zipper Boots


"Nigel & The Dropout: §§"

§§ is the new EP from Detroit dance rock duo Nigel & The Dropout, aka Nigel Hemmye and Andrew Ficker (The Dropout). Catchy and quick, the five tracks have power pop at their soul. This is music that will be appreciated by diehard indie freaks, as well as having an alt rock radio vibe. §§ is polished, with sterling production, great songs and stellar arrangements. This is a duo destined for bigger audiences. Stream §§ at the link below. - Floorshime Zipper Boots


"MIXTAPE: Nigel and the Dropout – §§ (Sections)"

Two albums and a remix single later, Nigel & the Dropout are back with a crapload of amazingness. §§ (Sections), their newest EP, is available on iTunes. Even if you don’t feel like buying it, make sure you take a listen because it’s just that good. Checkout Nigel and the Dropout’s §§ (Sections) below and you can buy the EP on iTunes here. - The Couch Sessions


"MIXTAPE: Nigel and the Dropout – §§ (Sections)"

Two albums and a remix single later, Nigel & the Dropout are back with a crapload of amazingness. §§ (Sections), their newest EP, is available on iTunes. Even if you don’t feel like buying it, make sure you take a listen because it’s just that good. Checkout Nigel and the Dropout’s §§ (Sections) below and you can buy the EP on iTunes here. - The Couch Sessions


"Let me introduce you to Nigel & The Dropout"

They bring to the table a heavy dose of brooding, dark electro pop that brings the all of the nigh time demons to life. The synth lines are lare and loud ready to put you in a sort of a danceable nightmare. Take a listen to track “Expiration Date” and get in tune with it’s slightly international new wave.

Their debut album, &, is avaliable now at the group’s bandcamp. - Handclap Movement


"NIGEL & THE DROPOUT’S NEW BRAND OF BRIT POP"

Detroit-based duo Nigel & the Dropout’s (@nigelandthedrop) self-released album & (it is, in fact, just an amperstamp) is, to summarize in one word, unpredictable. The writing, recording, mixing, and mastering work of two 19-year-olds, Nigel Hemmye and Andrew Ficker, the record blends together very well despite its massive shifts in sound and tone.
The first track, “Mister Grief,” begins with a techno-edged vibe that progresses into a very Two Door Cinema Club-esque guitar riff. Two tracks later, though, “Pill” moves in as a more down-tempo, soft rock jam complete with drowned out vocals. The crowning jewel of the release can be found sandwiched in the middle, though. Sweet and brief, “Furniture in Despair” is one of the shortest songs on & at under 2 minutes, but it packs the most emotional punch.
From the slower jams to the danceable hits, this release is one that shouldn’t be dismissed, no matter how perfunctory the name may be. Check out a full stream of the album here. - The Wild Honey Pie


"NIGEL & THE DROPOUT’S NEW BRAND OF BRIT POP"

Detroit-based duo Nigel & the Dropout’s (@nigelandthedrop) self-released album & (it is, in fact, just an amperstamp) is, to summarize in one word, unpredictable. The writing, recording, mixing, and mastering work of two 19-year-olds, Nigel Hemmye and Andrew Ficker, the record blends together very well despite its massive shifts in sound and tone.
The first track, “Mister Grief,” begins with a techno-edged vibe that progresses into a very Two Door Cinema Club-esque guitar riff. Two tracks later, though, “Pill” moves in as a more down-tempo, soft rock jam complete with drowned out vocals. The crowning jewel of the release can be found sandwiched in the middle, though. Sweet and brief, “Furniture in Despair” is one of the shortest songs on & at under 2 minutes, but it packs the most emotional punch.
From the slower jams to the danceable hits, this release is one that shouldn’t be dismissed, no matter how perfunctory the name may be. Check out a full stream of the album here. - The Wild Honey Pie


"Nigel & The Dropout"

Unexpectedly from Detroit suburbia come Nigel & The Dropout, a duo creating indie-electro pop with a particularly urban feel. They have a knack for balancing melodic guitar chords with electo synths, without either one overpowering the other -- and with vocals that are a bit reminiscent of brit pop, the end result is a very real sound that feels different from other artists that might try to utilize these elements.
Nigel & The Dropout's debut album is both mellow and moody, and these two young musicians certainly prove that, yes, you can have a band with just two people. You can listen to and purchase their album here. - The Knife Fight


"Nigel & The Dropout"

Unexpectedly from Detroit suburbia come Nigel & The Dropout, a duo creating indie-electro pop with a particularly urban feel. They have a knack for balancing melodic guitar chords with electo synths, without either one overpowering the other -- and with vocals that are a bit reminiscent of brit pop, the end result is a very real sound that feels different from other artists that might try to utilize these elements.
Nigel & The Dropout's debut album is both mellow and moody, and these two young musicians certainly prove that, yes, you can have a band with just two people. You can listen to and purchase their album here. - The Knife Fight


Discography

§§ (EP, 5 tracks, 22.57)
released 05 June 2012

1.Feat. Vacuum 04:05
2.Dictator Tots 05:16
3.Live for Failure 04:42
4.Monica's Monocle Chronicles 04:08
5.Consent For Lent 04:44

Slice of Infinity (2nd Album, 11 tracks, 33.18)
released 27 November 2011

1.Grinding Grin 04:27
2.One More Chance 06:44
3.In Decisions 03:16
4.My Friend, 04:29
5.Singled Out 04:02
6.Foreign Orphan's Endorphins 03:58
7.Alarm Clocked 03:30
8.Sour Souls & The Ice Cream Redemption Theory 00:26
9.Nerves On Fire 02:41
10.Is The Bear There? 04:08
11.A Fragmented Sky 04:23
12.Bandaged Appendages 03:22

& (1st Album, 11 tracks, 33.18)
released 23 June 2011

1.Mister Grief 03:55
2.Acceptance 01:05
3.Pill 03:18
4.Silhouette 03:10
5.Furniture In Despair 01:57
6.L'appel du vide 01:38
7.Tale of the Tangled Cord 02:12
8.Expiration Date 04:26
9.Proof of Purchase 02:46
10.Hold On 03:37
11.Causa Sui 05:09

Photos

Bio

We've been influenced by just about everything we've ever heard. We make what we feel like making and hate convenience. What we sacrifice in numbers, we amend by looping layers upon layers of delicious harmony.

We're not very good at talking about ourselves so you'd best let our music speak for itself.