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Young alumni

Jock Nowell-Usticke (BAYNK)

24 July 2023

BE(Hons) Chemical and Process Engineering 2015

Electronic music artist, BAYNK

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As an electronic music artist, what is it that you enjoy most about your work?

Seeing everything come together in its final artistic form is the most satisfying part of the process – marrying music & visual art to create something *hopefully* moving. 

We heard you have just finished a three-month tour. What were your highlights?

Having my parents out on the road for 3 weeks was something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, and it was every bit as special as I imagined it. It can be quite a lonely experience as a solo artist, so having friends and family with you is a must. Mum was selling merch and raving out back whilst Dad was setting up my audio equipment and pumping me up before I went on stage.

Selling out The Fonda in LA was also a huge highlight. I had seen a few musicians I admire play there a few years back, so it had always been a goal to play there eventually. We also had some of my friends and collaborators show up to perform with me, which made the night that much sweeter. Sinead Harnett, Linus from Hablot Brown and Tinashe were all in attendance.

The week after tour finished, I also found out that my debut album “ADOLESCENCE” was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Engineering. Being recognised on that level was something I’d always strived for but never thought possible, so that was totally surreal.

Where did the name BAYNK come from?

Nowhere in particular. A shower thought one day I believe. I wanted something nondescript that didn’t have any prior meaning. 

Did you have a career in mind when you chose your subjects at UC? What was the transition like to go from Engineering to becoming an artist?

I did not. I had nothing figured out and was following my Dad’s path until I found something appealing. I had a rough plan of studying something considered hard (Law or Eng.) and then pivoting to music if it became viable, but I wasn’t really focused on making music until my last year of Uni when I turned 21.

The transition was relatively painless. I was obsessed with music and wanted nothing to do with Engineering or any other career. I worked an Engineering job alongside making music until I felt I could cover my bills with just music. I’m also fortunate enough to have wonderful parents who supported me early on.

Did you have any hobbies or extracurriculars while at the UC?

I spent a lot of time playing music with my band mates from CHCH, attending shows and snow skiing. Our flat (49 Hamilton Ave.) was the old caretakers house for an earthquake-wrecked mansion next to us and sported a tennis court - which we spent many an hour playing tennis and bump (a basketball spinoff).

What motivates / inspires you?

Life in general is such a mundane answer, but the truth. Pulling events from day-to-day life and the lives of others is the main subject matter. Films and music from other artists are also a treasure trove of inspiration for me.

Photo Credit: Sherrie Garcia

 

Check out Jock Nowell-Usticke, one of our Ones to Watch profiles in our 150th Alumni Showcase here.

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