Winner of the 2019 “Up From Below” Cover Song Video Contest
Name: Nick Kamp aka Gait_hengelo (on Instagram) aka Nik da Lunatic
Age: 42
Hometown: Eibergen in The Netherlands
Describe how you discovered Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros?
“I discovered Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros just after they released ‘Up From Below’ – so nowadays 10 years ago. I had listened to Ima Robot before and found out that Alex Ebert founded a new group/band. It was love at first sight the first time I heard Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.”
Nick Kamp
“Sadly I have only seen them once live in the Melkweg in Amsterdam. Due to my health problems, I wasn’t able to see them more often. The great part was that I have met almost the complete band in person.”
Share your personal experiences or favorite memories from the show?
“My favorite moment was when the band hit their first notes. I got goosebumps and tears of happiness. After the show I met almost the complete band and got to show them my 40 Day Dream tattoo.”
How has ESMZ influenced your life?
“Like I described earlier, it was love at first sight. Unfortunately I’ve got some health issues (muscle disease) and their music eases my ‘pain’ physically and mentally. A day without ESMZ is not possible for me.”
Tell us a little bit about the video for your cover song? Who are the boys in the video?
“That’s a funny story. I was cleaning my old external hard drive and found some old video material from years ago from my two sons, Luka and Mikai. The video is about 9 or 10 years old, so back then they were 6 and 3 years old. I just finished my Home remix and thought that it would be great to put the music on the old home videos.”
When did you get your ESMZ tattoo? What is the meaning behind the tattoo?
“I got my ESMZ tattoo in 2012. I had the idea for a 40 Day Dream tattoo for a couple of years. In the meanwhile, the album ‘Here’ was released, and I heard about the ‘Here’ Listening Parties for ESMZ. I used pictures and video material from the tattoo session, and sent my entry in. As a reward, I got VIP tickets for the ESMZ show at the Melkweg in Amsterdam. The tattoo session was about 3 hours. The idea was mine, and I told it to my tattoo artist (Robert from Inkkitchen). He made the final design. The meaning is my take on 40 Day Dream — the girl with the gold doorknob eyes, jumper cable lips and off course ESMZ (magnet and logo lettering).”
What are your favorite ESMZ songs?
“My absolute favorite is 40 Day Dream, and Life is Hard is very special to me and my fiance. In about a week we are going to get married.”
Have you made any other ESMZ hip/hop re-mixes?
“I’m currently working on a 40 Day Dream remix/cover. My biggest wish is that I could make an official remix for ESMZ….got to have a dream!”
Anything else you would like to add?
“I really want to thank Marjolein, my wife to be in a week. Thank you for your love and supporting me.”