Walk Off The Earth
[Photo credit: Andrea Hunter]

Walk Off The Earth recruit gnash for new breakup anthem “Nicknames”

Canadian pop trio Walk Off The Earth may be the band you need if you’re going through a breakup. The creators of the popular track “I’ll Be There” collaborated with the multi-platinum singer gnash for “Nicknames” and are exclusively premiering the single with AltPress.

This song is the first release since their 2019 album HERE WE GO!, while gnash is gearing up to release a new EP, soo, featuring his most recent single “fear.” 

Read more: Do you know all the lyrics to “Simmer” by Hayley Williams?

“‘Nicknames’ is a song about a relationship everybody’s had before,” gnash says. “One of the first signs of love between anyone is a nickname, and it hurts so much more to see or hear about them once they aren’t that person to you anymore.”

The simple tune with heartbreaking lyrics and soulful vocals sits atop an upbeat and synth-heavy melody that will surely inspire several dance moves. AltPress got a look behind the scenes with Walk Off The Earth as to how the collaboration came about and what their writing process looked like for the peppy breakup song. 

“Nicknames” is undeniably a powerful breakup anthem. Did a personal story or experience help shape this song?

For most of us, we have experienced that relationship where you and an ex share friends and run in the same social circle. It can be awkward and confusing and results in a lot of mixed feelings. We really wanted to write a song that captured those emotions.

How has your sound continued to progress with this new single? Did you try anything new in the studio?

This is the first original single in a very long time that has featured another artist. It’s a little bit of a darker song since most of our music is uplifting and highlights stories about overcoming adversity. “Nicknames” touches more on the negatives of love, something that our fans might not be used to from us. But we felt it would be a story that everyone could relate to.

Tell us about working with gnash. Why did you feel he was a good fit for this collaboration, and what did he bring to the track?

We have all been fans of gnash and his ability to capture the ups and the downs and the happy and sad side of relationships. When we were writing the song, we immediately thought of him and reached out.

What was the most challenging issue you faced while writing and recording the track, if anything?

Initially, the song was very stripped down with just an electric guitar and a few percussion elements. We decided that we wanted to make the production much bigger and add a post-chorus drop. In the two-week production process, that drop had been changed countless times, and we struggled to find the perfect arrangement and elements. Compared to the rest of the song that came much easier, the drop really stumped us for a while, but ultimately we found the right solution and are very happy with the way it turned out.

What are your hopes and aspirations for 2020? What can fans expect within the year?

Our hopes and aspirations for 2020 are to continue what we’ve been doing: traveling the world, playing music, creating content and spreading good vibes and love around the world!

Check out the latest from Walk Off The Earth, “Nicknames,” below.

The band rescheduled their U.S. leg of the Here We Go tour for August. All original tickets will be honored, and tickets are available here

Dates:

08/08 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Roxian Theatre
08/09 – Carmel, IN @ Center for the Performing Arts
08/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
08/13 – Royal Oak, MI @ Royal Oak Theatre
08/14 – Grand Rapids, MI @ 20 Monroe
08/15 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
08/17 – Des Moines, IA @ Hoyt Sherman Place
08/18 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore
08/19 – Chicago, IL @ Athenaeum
08/21 – Richmond, VA @ The National
08/22 – Washington, D.C. @ Lincoln Theater
08/23 – Harrisburg, PA @ Whitaker Center Sunco Performance Theater
08/24 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre
08/27 – Albany, NY @ The Egg
08/28 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club