Folk-rock artist Nick Herbison crafts introspective, life-affirming songs that explore courage, self-worth, and the ongoing journey toward inner peace. With a second album expected later this year NZ On Air Music included the delicate early lead-in single Find My Freedom on their March NewTracks compilation.

Where do you hail from and what instruments do you play?

I am from Hawke’s Bay and still currently reside here in a beautiful wee town called Haumoana. I play guitar and have a passion for playing the acoustic guitar.

Was any school or other music tuition specially valuable for you?

Yes, lessons with local classical guitar teacher Dave Boston impacted on my musical progress significantly.

Any other projects that we might know you from?

In 2022 I released an album called ‘The Kauri Tree’, and in 2024 a five song EP called ‘Calling Home’.

What’s the background story of how your solo artist gig came to be?

I have always had a love for songwriting, from a young age. I first took guitar lessons in primary school and began playing and singing songs with the encouragement of my parents, grandmother and uncles. We would play music at family gatherings with my uncles leading the sing alongs.
I have a memory of Father and Son by Cat Stevens being played at every gathering. It’s a song I still love to play today. I strayed from music in my last year of high school and eventually went to Lincoln University in Christchurch.
After dealing with a significant belt of anxiety and depression I found a remedy in meditation. Sitting with myself, I began to realise that I was repressing my love for music in pursuit of a stable income. I began playing in bands and writing music again that year, in 2018, which immediately improved my mental health. I haven’t stopped writing and performing since.

How has your music evolved from your earliest released music to now?

I would say that my musicality has evolved the most from my earliest released music to now. Practising and learning new styles of music has allowed me to work on new techniques, chord theory and timing.

Your songs have featured on previous Hawkes Bay Music Hub releases. Has that association been helpful?

Yes I have been lucky enough to feature on the HBMB ‘Under the Sun’ collective on four of the vinyl compilations that have been released. It has certainly been beneficial, and allowed me to showcase my music to Hawke’s Bay listeners and a wider audience concerned with the region’s music.

What’s been the big career highlight to date?

A big career highlight for me was a 17-show tour that I completed in September 2025, supporting Melbourne-based blues troubadour Shaun Kirk. The tour was my first full length tour of Aotearoa and a great opportunity to showcase my music playing as a solo performer.

What makes Find My Freedom stand out for you as a single?

Find My Freedom stands out because of its juicy contributions from Hugh McKendrey on drums and Wills Vandermeent on bass. We recorded the songs drum and bass live as a three piece in Hugh’s practice room. Hugh and Wills have a strong cohesion as they have played with each other in many different bands. They complement my rhythm guitar and vocals quite handsomely if I could say so myself!

What is the story behind Find My Freedom?

Mental health challenges with depression and anxiety have featured throughout my life since leaving school. I have come to a point in life where I’ve stopped looking to ‘fix’ the mental challenges and instead accept them for what they are. Coming to this revelation has felt like freedom, because I’m no longer caught in a narrative about why I’m depressed or sad. Instead I can accept uncomfortable feelings for what they are, and let a new thought or story take its place.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the track?

I like the lyrics in the bridge: “when your mind is like a prison, and you’ve lost the way back home. Keep your head up high and don’t rely on what divides you from the love you have left for yourself. Keep some loving for yourself.” It’s way too easy for people to be hard on themselves. Self compassion has been a huge game changer for me and that’s what it’s about.

Who did you record/produce the single with?

It was self-produced,with the help of Hugh McKendrey who engineered the drums and bass. The song was mixed by Sam Johnson of Rhythm Ace studios. We had a lot of fun mixing the album’s songs together, Wills actually became Sam’s new favourite bass player during that time.

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

To go easy on themselves and remember that the mind is a wild place at times. Don’t be quick to believe every thought you have. People definitely have the power to tune into a more positive and loving way of thinking.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

The release of my new album ‘Seek and Don’t Forget’ which is coming out in April.

Can you please name three other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

Joe Cole – Forevermore
Wet Bandits – Not Blue
Ben Liley – Make it Back

Have any of your previous single releases been included on NewTracks?

Yes, a song called Moment back in January 2024.

Your 2024 EP ‘Calling Home’ included a lot of input from Thomas Oliver. How did it go?

Yes, he produced the EP and featured throughout the project. Thomas is an incredible songwriter, instrumentalist and producer. His input into my songwriting was eye opening and gave me new ways of looking at chord theory and lyrical decisions. His polished production skills and tasteful instrumental contributions made for a beautiful EP. I think it allowed me to see the potential of my music when produced by a high end producer.

And what can you tell us about your new album expected later this year?

‘Seek and Don’t Forget’ will be an 8-track, self-produced album. It’s a collection of songs written in 2024-2025, some of them recorded with a band and others built up track by track in my home studio. The songs are mostly reflecting on my personal experiences and philosophy. Mixed by Sam Johnson and mastered by Chris Chetland (KOG Studio).

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re into?

Recently I have been listening to a bunch of podcasts from the Mindrolling podcast with Raghu Markus.

How can we find you on social media?

https://nickherbison.carrd.co/

Is there a music video for the single?

No, but I made an Instagram reel for the song, here it is.

Any last words?

Thank you so much for taking the time to ask me these questions. I really appreciate the opportunity to showcase my music through NZ Musician mag 🙂