Nicholas Thorburn

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Nicholas Thorburn (born November 27, 1981) is a Canadian musician who has fronted The Unicorns, Th' Corn Gangg, and Islands. He has gone by the stage name "Nick Diamonds."[1][2]

He grew up on Vancouver Island, which he says has influenced his songwriting.[1] Nature, in particular whales, are a subject of interest;[3] his lyrics include references to rivers, swans and frogs. He also had a formative experience in a visit, along with his father, to see the killer whale Luna; his memories of the visit became an influential part of Islands' debut album Return to the Sea.[1]

His vocals have been noted as a distinguishing feature of The Unicorns and Islands.[4][5] His production technique involves dark personification over enjoyable music, though he is "usually wary of composing dance tracks."[6] This contrast is observed in his live performance as well.[7]

In 2005, he co-wrote with Adam Gollner the satirical charity song "Do They Know It's Hallowe'en?" organizing the collaboration of many artists.[8] He guest performed on Les Savy Fav's 2007 album Let's Stay Friends.[9]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Van Evra, Jennifer. "One man's Islands" (fee required), The Globe and Mail, 2006-11-03, p. R6. 
  2. ^ Anthony Carew. "Horned wonder", The Age, 2004-12-10. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. 
  3. ^ Jon Pareles. "A Barrage of Calamities Set to a Vintage Soundtrack", The New York Times, 2006-10-11. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. 
  4. ^ Jordan Hickey. "Islands worth a visit", The Maneater, 2006-04-11. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. 
  5. ^ Jim Withington. "Up & Coming", The Portland Mercury, 2007-07-12. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. 
  6. ^ Ben Breier. "Islands: All metaphorical, not at all tropical", University Wire, 2005-10-05. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. 
  7. ^ Lauren Hill. "Islands' show reveals a disappointing mediocrity", The Johns Hopkins News-Letter, 2006-10-19. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. "Out to pick a fight, Diamonds quickly found an audience member to bicker with early in the set. His sulky demeanor contrasted oddly with the band's peppy pop songs." 
  8. ^ "Sum 41, The Arcade Fire And Beck Collaborate On Anti-Halloween Single", ChartAttack, 2005-08-22. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. 
  9. ^ Katie Hasty. "Les Savy Fav Thinks Big On First Album Since '01", Billboard, 2007-08-21. Retrieved on 2007-12-30. 
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