By Finn Russell
As an English singer-songwriter in the early ’70s, Nick Drake and his work competed with renowned artists such as Elton John, John Lennon, and David Bowie. Although these artists may have found success as they dominated the early ’70s music scene Nick Drake’s melanch0ly lyrics and acoustic sound would go on to inspire future artists and grasp the listening ear of millions. Drake’s reluctance to hold interviews and perform live stunted his success. This may be attributed to his battle with depression which, sadly, took his life as he was found dead from an overdose of prescribed antidepressants at the age of 26. The manner of his death has never been resolved leading individuals to speculate whether Drake’s untimely death was suicide or merely an accident. During the early ’80s after the release of his three albums “Five leaves left” (1969), “Bryter Layter” (1971), and “Pink Moon” (1972) singers and listeners alike began crediting Drake’s work. His influence spread and by the early ’90s, Drake’s music became a genre of its own somewhat of a “melancholic romanticism” of life. Drake’s career and life exhibited this genre which has now become his staple and while his music transcends generations it continues to hold true to the angst of early adulthood. To listen to his music and learn more about Nick Drake I recommend viewing the documentary of his life, “A Stranger Among Us” and finding his music anywhere you stream.
