An Interview with The Nghiems
The Nghiems are long time residents of the Oklahoma City metro music scene, leaving their mark through a unique dreamy, thoughtful, and engaging indie pop sound. Brothers, James and David Nghiem talk about their process and how the band formed over time. This blog features their single “KPOP BAND” released in 2021 and their album “Soulmatic” released in 2018.
Who are the members of the band and what do they play?
David Nghiem – Keys + Vocals
Dylan Eubanks – Guitar + Vocals
James Nghiem – Drums
Mike Allen – Bass + Vocals
Payton Collins - Guitar
How can people find you?
Website - Instagram - Bandcamp - Apple Music - Spotify - Youtube - TikTok
What do you like about making music and what has your experience been playing live?
David: The thing that happens with the creative process in the studio, and translating that to a live setting is something that is always nice to work on.
James: If I’m not playing shows, I think I’d be sitting in a park or library by myself. I kind of need music and art to meet and talk to people. For one, collaborating takes communication and compromise. Even the act of showing your art and receiving feedback, is like a conversation. I like all that stuff.
Is there anything you want people to know about supporting musicians?
David: Thanks for the support. It’s always nice when someone tells you great show, or let’s you know they like a song or video.
How long have you been writing music? What got you started?
James: Both of my brothers played guitar when I was a kid. It made me want to play guitar too. I was really bad at it, so I decided to learn drums since neither of them played drums. I played in a really loud band with my friends in High School named “Vent.” In College, I played a couple of covers at Asian nights, but I didn’t really start playing original music again until David booked a show at Opolis back in the day and needed a drummer. He had an entire set written, and I had to write and practice a bunch of drums really fast to make it to the show. It’s pretty funny to think about now.
Can you share the story behind the formation of your band or sound if solo?
James: We needed a car to tour. So David went to buy an El Camino. Dylan was trying to buy the same El Camino for his tour with his band at the time. They got into a big fight, but ultimately, we decided to combine bands to share the El Camino. Dylan brought Payton into the group. We went to a Jazz night to celebrate, and we met Mike. Mike said, “Is that an El Camino! I gotta see where this goes!” The rest is history.
What influences have played significant roles in shaping your sound?
James: Our influences are pretty eclectic. If you talk to different members of the band, they’ll tell you different things. Dylan plays drums in a Doom metal band and sings. Mike’s always at Jazz night. Payton seems to know a lot about Midwestern emo, though he’s got a lot more influences too. I always find David awake at midnight listening to everything and anything. I mostly listen to indie, hip-hop, and punk. I think everyone who is in the band at any given time brings a little of themselves to the songs. David writes the first draft of basically all of the songs, but little flourishes happen after conversations and practices with the band. It really shows. When our friend Ben was in the band, he listened to a lot of Motown and John Lennon. You can kind of hear some of that on that first record. That’s a long answer for a pleasant sounding, indie-pop band.
How does the music writing process work for your band? Who writes what? How do you produce?
James: We’ve setup a little home studio. Every song is different. David will usually write a skeleton on his own. Sometimes, someone in the band will give him an intentional or unintentional prompt and he’ll come back with a verse and chorus. Sometimes, he’ll write whole songs on piano or guitar. Sometimes he only has melody, and someone will have to collaborate to figure out what the instruments will sound like. Sometimes, he needs simple drums early to get a skeleton going. For that, I usually listen for what he wants and try to program a beat on Fruty Loops to start. We’ll work on transitions and arrangement after we get a better idea of what the song should feel like.
Who is your current favorite Oklahoma act right now?
James: Adam from Beach Language started a new band called Bitter Machine. They remind me a bit of Metric. They’re great. I’ve also been rocking Rodrick Malone’s “Grandma’s Boy.” It’s a great hip-hop record with slick lyrics and great beats. Mike’s band Lovergirl and Dylan’s band Chaff are both really great. Our old guitarist’s project DRMCRSHR is really great too.
What insight or advice would you share to younger artists trying to establish themselves in music?
James: I don’t know. Don’t worry about all of that at first. Just really find out what you love about this, and remember it. Hold on to it, and it’ll keep you safe and on track.
Can you share your first impression of the Opolis or an experience you had here that you would like to share?
David: Our first show ever was at Opolis. It was back when James, and I played as a 2 piece. We played a few shows as a 2 piece, and made friends along the way that eventually became part of the band. Our current lineup with Me, James, Dylan, and Mike have been together, I wanna say for around 5 years, with Payton recently joining us this year. Our friend Derek Moore that recently stepped away was also a part of the recording process for an EP we’ve been working on.
Catch The Nghiems at the Opolis this Saturday June 8th at 8PM for the venue’s third listening room experience called Opolis Sessions. Tickets are available online and at the door. Seating limited to 40 people.