Before embarking on their tours in North America and Europe, Ian Devaney and Aidan Noell of Nation of Language took the time to chat with Clash writer Megan Walder about their fourth single, ‘In Your Head’, from the forthcoming album ‘Dance Called Memory’. They also shared insights about their upcoming tours and the rituals that help them maintain their sanity.
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“Six weeks in America and four weeks in Europe,” Ian mentions when asked about the duration of their upcoming tour away from their Brooklyn home. The pair exchange knowing looks, leaving us curious if they will offer “two tours of [the] album cycle” as they did with ‘Strange Disciple’. Aidan notes that since the pandemic, they've realized how essential “performing live is to our mental health and wellbeing,” especially given the loss of the “cathartic outlet” that touring provides. For their fan community, this tour marks the first chance to experience ‘Dance Called Memory’ live.
Having already released three notable singles—‘Under the Water’, ‘I’m Not Ready for the Change’, and ‘Inept Apollo’—the band has responded to fans (and Aidan) by debuting the fourth single, ‘In Your Head’, on August 19th. “That’s one,” Ian explains, “where it’s only a single because…” “I’m obsessed,” Aidan interjects, laughing, “I love that song, and I can’t wait to perform it live.”
‘In Your Head’ exemplifies Ian’s belief, inspired by Brian Eno, that synthesized music should feel “distinctly human.” It features choral “wailing” layered with electronic, danceable rhythms, embodying the familiar yet fresh essence typical of Nation of Language. While the track diverges from ‘On Division St’, it captures the essence of the experimental, genre-blending production we expect from the trio. As you come to terms with the farewell, the song revives itself, featuring sparse vocals and an intensified beat, allowing space for one last burst of energy. Aidan is understandably “excited to see how that translates in the audience and how it enhances the live experience beyond the album version.” For those fortunate enough to have witnessed Nation of Language live, the scene is a captivating one—an ocean of fans immersed in the music, liberated from the constraints that often plague live performances, and fully present in the moment.
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In addition to the thrill of performing, the band cherishes the routines they’ve established around touring, enthusiastically discussing the whimsically titled “cortado o’clock.” This morning coffee ritual involves Ian, Aidan, Alex (Mackay), and their lighting and sound engineers venturing out into their temporary surroundings. “Waking up in rural Indiana by the highway, maybe cortado o’clock means a gas station… but it’s still a ritual, still meaningful. Romanticizing these moments is crucial, especially after visiting so many places, to avoid burnout.”
As this tour sees their concert venues once again expanding in size, the band has been taking time to “step back, look at it all and be grateful.” Since 2020, they’ve been consistently writing, recording, and touring, which has led them to adopt a mindset of being “laser-focused on whatever the next step is.” However, with the release date of their fourth album approaching, they recognize it’s time to reflect on their creations. In their contemplation, they find joy in the emotional connection people form with Nation of Language, something they anticipate will deepen with this upcoming album. Created as a response for those who “feel completely alone and struggle to relate,” their aspiration to reach those in their darkest hours and provide the comfort that music can offer is palpable.
Though there’s only a month separating the releases of ‘In Your Head’ and ‘Dance Called Memory’, the days may feel prolonged as we eagerly await the opportunity to hear the full 10-track album. For Ian, with “way more work to do than [he] should” just two days before the tour, it’s a critical moment to finalize merch designs, edit tour posters, and prepare for an influx of new fans.
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‘Dance Called Memory’ is set to be released on September 19th; you can pre-order it now.
Catch Nation of Language on their UK and Ireland tour:
November 6 Dublin Opium
November 7 Dublin Opium (SOLD OUT)
November 8 Manchester O2 Ritz
November 9 Glasgow St. Luke’s
November 11 Cardiff Tramshed
November 12 London The Roundhouse
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Words: Megan Walder
Photo Credit: Miles Kalchik
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Before embarking on their tours in North America and Europe, Ian Devaney and Aidan Noell of Nation of Language took a moment to connect with Clash writer Megan Walder to