Artist Spotlight: Nick Kivlen unveils “Windstorm”
Artist feature + interview by Beau Croxton
Nick Kivlen by Meka Boyle
Nick Kivlen’s debut solo album Addicted to the Sunset wraps youthful optimism and nostalgia in dreamy, retro psych-folk.
Nick Kivlen is best known for his soaring guitar, co-writing, and singing contributions in acclaimed rock trio Sunflower Bean, but this year, he is keen to show an even wider demonstration of his artistry. Sunflower Bean gained notoriety in NYC’s DIY scene in the 2010’s, and they ascended skyward very quickly. The group went on to share stages with the likes of Beck, Cage the Elephant, The Strokes, Interpol, The Pixies, DIIV, Wolf Alice, and even politician Bernie Sanders. Last year’s Sunflower Bean record Mortal Primetime was a critically acclaimed success, and we were lucky to catch their release show at Warsaw in Brooklyn in Spring 2025, where they endorsed and brought (now NYC Mayor) Zohran Mamdani on stage, just ahead of their encore. On the heels of the fanfare, Kivlen’s debut solo record is rolling out at a perfect time.
Arriving July 7th, Nick’s new solo album Addicted to the Sunset combines intimate, sun-drenched psychedelia with a revitalization of his youthful optimism. The record has a gorgeous and cohesive vision, and it was produced and recorded entirely by Kivlen at his Hollywood Hills home in Beachwood Canyon.
Addicted to the Sunset album cover— out July 7th
Today, Kivlen shares his latest offering– the breezy “Windstorm” weaves dancing basslines, reverb soaked percussion, and jangly chords to embolden his strain of ethereal psych-folk. “Windstorm” was also one of the first gems that Kivlen crafted for the record. Speaking to Occult on the song’s inception and significance, Kivlen added “I first wrote the chords and general melody in May of 2025 while prepping for a Sunflower Bean tour. When I got home in June, it was one of the first songs I recorded. The inspiration for the lyrics are a few different people who give me tough love. I’m a stubborn person, so I really value the people in my life who push me. The biblical aspect is a parable about how power can be used for good and evil, it’s something that we can aspire to while also fearing.”
The tune’s delightful call and response vocals are delivered with a psych-pop charm, as Kivlen’s fiery Hendrix-esque shredding swirls around the channels. There’s tons of instrumental gems and atmosphere to dig into as the vocals guide you through.
Anyone who is familiar with Sunflower Bean knows that they found their footing from playing countless DIY shows in the NYC/Brooklyn scene at a very early age, so it’s only fitting that Kivlen’s first solo record was done with a purely DIY mentality in its instrumentation, composition and production. On his setup, gear and approach for the record, Kivlen added “I used a Focus-rite interface and a Shure SM7 microphone to record this entire album. The main instrument is my black Guild acoustic, and a wide array of shakers, tambourines, maracas, bongos, and household items for percussion. The electric guitar sound I owe to a wah wah pedal and uni-vibe, basically the Hendrix set up.”
Kivlen’s palette and approach provides a focused and cohesive throughline, and his aesthetic is delivered in a calculated way.
As we roll into summer, the July release date of Addicted To the Sunset is also perfectly fitting, as the record is full of calming, peacefully optimistic and sun-drenched tunes that serve as a perfect soundtrack for slowing down and taking in the beauty of a summer’s day. Kivlen could have gone many different routes with a debut solo record, considering the diversity he’s displayed over the years, but he had a distinct artistic vision for Addicted to the Sunset. On deciding the vibe for the album, Kivlen said “I wanted to make a wet, drippy, folk album that sounded like it was dug up out of the sand in 1967. As for the lyrics, I kept coming back to this idea of nostalgia as a powerful drug. I was reflecting on my 20’s and all the optimism that I had. Putting those two elements together created the direction.”
Considering this is Nick’s debut solo LP, it was a great opportunity for him to channel influences that were close to the heart. On his inspirations, Kivlen added “I wanted to make an album that my girlfriend would like. Her favorite artist is Arthur Russel, and after watching his documentary I related to him and it inspired me to release my home recordings. I was also really influenced by The Dolphins by Fred Neil. The simple psychedelic acoustic arrangement and the profound simple beautiful lyrics about nature, fate and mystery.”
On Addicted to the Sunset, Kivlen nails this to a T, and his breezy psychedelia also exudes the sound that his fans have come to know and love from him over years.
Nick Kivlen by Meka Boyle
At the moment, there’s a lot of great Sunflower Bean solo/side endeavors happening simultaneously: Singer/bassist Julia Cumming just launched her solo record Julia, and performed her single “My Life” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Sunflower Bean drummer Olive Faber’s new band Stars Revenge (featuring Emily Green of Geese) has been releasing great tunes and playing tons of shows, both in NYC and on the road. Now with Kivlen’s dreamy solo effort rolling out, Sunflower Bean’s fans are well fed with excellent tunes. But fear not, this solo releasing pattern isn’t indicative of the trio slowing down, and fans can expect to enjoy all the solo efforts as well as more Sunflower Bean music in the future.
I asked Kivlen: “All the Sunflower Bean solo projects are great. Are the vibes high between you all as you release new music individually after the success of Mortal Primetime?”
And Kivlen had the exciting response: “Yes, we’re going to start writing again soon!”
Make sure to get lost in the psych-folk daydream of Addicted to the Sunset on July 7, 2026.
Addicted to the Sunset by Nick Kivlen is out everywhere on July 7th.
You can check out the other lovely singles so far, below.
SUPPORT OCCULT MAGAZINE
Hello reader and thanks for your support!
Occult Magazine is currently an independent & ad-free music publication. We rely on the passion and volunteered hard work of our generous contributors.
If you enjoy what we are doing—
Please consider donating HERE or HERE if possible!
Thank you!