Nick Hissom on his New Single ‘Sexify’, Paying Homage to Benny Benassi and Rebuilding From Rock Bottom

From the art world to the pop spotlight, Nick Hissom is redefining what it means to be unapologetically authentic. The London-born singer-songwriter, and stepson of casino and real estate mogul Steve Wynn, has lived a life touched by glamour and high society - but with his sizzling new single ‘Sexify’ he’s stepping firmly into his own spotlight. In this exclusive chat with Remix Magazine, Hissom opens up about pushing boundaries, healing through music, and carving out a fearless new lane in pop.

Congratulations on ‘Sexify’! What inspired you to reimagine Benny Benassi’s iconic track into your own version?

Thank you! When I was making ‘Sexify’ the hard bass and synths kept reminding me of something... and then I finally re-stumbled upon ‘Satisfaction’ by Benny Benassi and thought, "Hey! That's where my inspiration is coming from. This was an incredible song and music video, let's remake it... but, with guys!"

Working with director Justin Ayers, what was the creative process like behind the camera?
Working with Justin Ayers was fantastic! His aesthetic of high colour pops with very Barbie-style plastic skin and the lighting was perfect for ‘Sexify’. And Justin made everyone feel comfortable and confident on set - that's hot!

Your last single ‘So Cool Babe’ stirred controversy for being “too hot for YouTube.” How do you feel about pushing boundaries in pop culture?
It was such a shock to me when ‘So Cool Babe’ got banned, because I didn't feel like there was anything X-rated about it. Then again, I guess being gay, we are much more used to the concept of nudity and overt sexual expression. I think ‘Sexify’ is going to push boundaries too. There still isn't much gay representation in music, so I am excited to see how people react! I strongly believe that everybody deserves 2 minutes and 3 seconds of the day for themselves to be as sexy as they want... I hope ‘Sexify’ gives them that confidence and freedom.

You’ve gone from art dealer to pop star - what made you take the leap into music full force?
I went through a devastating breakup with my partner of 7 years this April that played out across tabloids and changed the entire course of my life in an instant. Music is what I've always known and dreamed of doing since I was a little boy, so in a state of utter collapse I ran back to my roots and rebuilt from ground zero. The new music is about finding myself, and this time fully myself - out, open, proud, single, confident, and in my full truth.

Can you give us any teasers about your upcoming album - sound, themes, or collaborations?
The album is ever-changing, but right now it sounds like a combination of Daft Punk and Britney from the ‘Blackout’ era. I grew up in Europe, so there is a hint of European dance that permeates the record, mixed in with all the inspiration and storytelling I draw from my pop girlies: Taylor, Britney, Ariana, Doja, Sabrina, etc. I did a lot of talking on 'So Cool Babe" and people seemed to really identify with my speaking voice, so there are talking parts on almost every song. That allows me to really tell stories uninhibited by melody. All the beats are hard, upbeat, sexy, fun, and exciting, but the lyrics cut deep, and are an exact reflection of what I'm going through minute by minute in real time. I'm finally a completely open book.

You’ve been called a “gay pop sensation.” How does your identity influence your artistry and the stories you want to tell?
I think, like many gay men, I grew up loving female pop icons and relating to their stories, admiring their resilience and aesthetics, and understanding their relationship to men. However, there were few gay male pop stars that I could relate to. I'm now making that same empowering girl pop, just as a gay guy. I'm not trying to push any particular narrative, or reinvent the wheel, I'm just taking control of and empowering my sexuality, my image, and my sound, unapologetically and fearlessly - like so many great girls (and a few guys) have done before me.

Do you feel a responsibility to represent LGBTQ+ culture in pop music, or is it more about personal expression?
It's more about personal expression. I don't like to label or define people. I think anyone can be anything — I'm a 33-year-old former art dealer who now has a single out called "Sexify", so I feel like I'm living proof of that. But if I can help people feel like it's OK to be gay, it's OK to be sexy, it's OK to be out there and do things that scare you - then yes, I would proudly carry that
torch.

What do you hope your music adds to the current pop landscape?
I want people to feel free, to dance, to express themselves, to be empowered, to own their sexuality, to be confident, and not live for a trend, or a TikTok, or what/who anyone else is telling them to "be like" I took no advice in the making of this album, no commercial direction from a record label, no trendy references... it's just myself, my healing, my expression, and a combination of everything in music that I like (regardless of trend or time period). I hope people love it - my whole heart is in it!

Fashion is a big part of your persona - how would you describe your style right now?

I've never considered myself a fashionista, I always wear black. My face, my personality, and my body have always been "the fit" That being said, since I've started wearing less clothing my fashion has now come more into focus - what is appropriate to wear out in public as a man? We've yet to define that... and figuring it out has been an interesting experience. Why are tank tops considered lewd, or several shirtless men with a particular body type considered "pornographic" when we see way more skin in practically every woman's dress? Why is it acceptable to be shirtless at a pool or at the gym, but not in a nightclub? I am certainly finding out...

You’re also an art dealer. How does your love of fine art inform your music and visuals?
Fine art and music are very different — so fine art rarely inspires my music or visuals. That being said, I was inspired by Ed Ruscha's bubble fonts when conceptualizing the single artwork for ‘Sexify’ - so I guess my music is inspired by my fine art background in some ways!

If you weren’t making music, what creative path would you be pursuing?
I would probably just be in fine art. It is always an honour working with, and curating exhibits with, masterpieces. Great works of art become pieces of history and are culturally important for centuries. Fine art will always be a lifelong vocation.

Your family is high-profile in business, travel, and real estate. How does your family feel about your music career?
I've been professionally pursuing music since I was 15. During that journey I've been a model, an art dealer, given up music entirely, been dumped, worked various jobs and projects, gone on a heartbroken rampage, made an X-rated music video that got banned, and am now coming out with a single called ‘Sexify’ and a full album following. So yes, there have definitely been some interesting family dinners over the years. But after so long, and having tried so many different things, we've all come to accept (including me) that if something is choosing you, and keeps choosing you - let it!

Has being in that spotlight shaped how you approach fame and attention in your own right?
I tend to ignore all of that because in my heart, I know that I'm going to end up doing whatever I do and whatever I feel is right - regardless of opinions. I get scared all the time about how people will react to the things I am doing, and the music I am making, but then I just tell myself to be brave...

Who are your biggest pop music inspirations today, and who would be your dream collaboration?
If Britney ever feels like singing again, I'd love to collaborate on a track with her. I'd also love to collaborate with Lady Gaga. She's been so theatrical and groundbreaking and fearlessly herself, and has done so much for the gay community. Being in a studio with her and making a hot song together would literally make me pass out. I wouldn't be here without her and so many other pop icons that made it feel safe for me to be gay back in the times when I was closeted and terrified.

What’s on your current playlist that people might be surprised by?
‘Lady (Hear Me Tonight)’ by Modjo, early Kanye, early Daft Punk, ‘Gun Show’ by Lil' Hero, ‘MoveYour Feet’ by Junior Senior - lots of stuff! I have really been going back to the core of who I am so nothing is off limits, and I've been revisiting everything: from my childhood in Europe, to all the current US chart-toppers.

What’s one thing fans don’t yet know about you that you’d love to share?
That I have accomplished the things I've accomplished through a lot more grit and hustle than you would ever imagine or see publicly - that I've taken enormous risks to bring myself here and bring them this music. I've had to truly emotionally dig and become fearlessly myself, and face every danger, both publicly and privately. I've fully hit rock bottom so many times, this past breakup worst of all, and have built myself back up just to be here and heal through music. This music is literally the blood, sweat, and tears of it all - and beyond... and I hope it inspires people everywhere to love who they are.