New Single 0ut 01 January 2025
Images: NEO 10Y by Abel Rain with UNSERIOUS single art by Abel Rain and Alejandro Spano / Itar Pas
NEO 10Y returns with his latest single, UNSERIOUS, an audacious, boundary-pushing anthem that challenges societal expectations and celebrates uninhibited self-expression. Blending industrial beats with visceral, raw energy, the track marks a bold evolution in NEO 10Y‘s artistry, pairing their signature genre-defying sound with a fearless message of cerebral empowerment. Accompanying the release is a visually stunning music video, choreographed with electrifying light effects and pulsating energy, underscoring the artist’s reputation as a magnetic performer who has captivated audiences at venues like the Roundhouse and Troxy, and festivals including Secret Garden Party. In this exclusive interview, NEO 10Y delves into the creative process behind UNSERIOUS, the story behind its concept, and the statement they aim to make with this groundbreaking release.
1.Who is ‘ NEO 10Y ’
Hey ASBO! I’m NEO 10Y, a recording artist and spiritual revolutionary from London. My purpose on planet Earth is to help manifest a protopian dimension of peace through the expansion of love energy. I bring this to life through my music and peace activism, through self-realisation and consciousness expansion. This is all coded in my lyricism and the sonic frequency of my music!
2. For someone that is yet to discover you, how would you describe your music?
My songs are genre expansive with intentional, cerebrally empowering lyricism. It’s like cinematic grunge, industrial R&B with elements of hyper-pop, under an ethereal design.
3. What inspired you as an artist?
There weren’t many artists like me growing up, and there still aren’t really. Consciousness is such an integral component for my artistry, and the authenticity that I share is only possible because I am the architect of my sonic universe. I love iconic, historic legends in music – they inspire me in many ways, but fundamentally, I am inspired by my connection with the universe and source energy to create the most innovative and unique songs that I can, which can be appreciated by all.
4. What is your process for preparing to perform live? Do you have any Diva demands?
I love performing live, and my soul belongs on stage. I am a Leo rising after all, and have a Sagittarius sun with a double stellium! I have had the honour of performing at some truly iconic venues – The Troxy, the Roundhouse, for Billboard at New York Fashion Week, plus some big festivals like Secret Garden Party and Vegan Camp Out, but I also perform at raves and clubs! I don’t have diva demands, I tend to bring a humble, ascetic energy with me wherever I go. I do want to ensure I can do the best job possible though, so I do love a good sound system and a decent chance to sound check, but I also know that this isn’t always possible. I see myself as a revolutionary, which means the world is my stage, so if I have big speakers and pyrotechnics and a holographic screen, then I am super happy, but sometimes it is more raw and stripped back!
5. Where do you feel you fit into the music ?
As NEO 10Y, I don’t “fit” into the music, I am the music. My sound is a transcendent vessel for consciousness, a sonic rebellion against conformity and division. It’s about fusing genres and energies to create a portal for evolution – personally, spiritually, and socially.
I channel the infinite, blending the visceral with the divine, and my music exists outside the conventional bounds of genre or expectation. It’s an art form designed to disrupt, to heal, and to unify. So, where do I fit? I’m not here to fit, I’m here to shift!
6: What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?
My favourite genres are those that transcend time and boundaries – psychedelic, future pop, trip-hop, industrial, and classical. I gravitate towards anything that resonates with deep emotion, expansive soundscapes, and a sense of rebellion against the mundane. Music that awakens the soul and amplifies the message of love and unity? That’s my vibe.
Genres I dislike? It’s less about disliking and more about rejecting music that lacks authenticity or perpetuates division and negativity. Music should be a tool for evolution, not stagnation. If it doesn’t elevate the frequency, it’s not for me.
7. Is there a story behind Your Name?
This is my favourite question! NEO 10Y is a reflection of my essence and purpose. It originates from the word *neoteny*, which refers to the retention of childhood traits in adulthood. For me, this symbolizes an eternal connection to curiosity, openness, and the wonder of youth – a perspective that fuels creativity and spiritual growth.
NEO is an anagram for ONE, a commitment to unity and transformation. The number 10, with its binary nature (1 + 0), signifies completion, while the “Y” stands for questions and curiosity, embodying the pursuit of knowledge and understanding.
There’s also a personal resonance, NEO 10Y aligns with my birth name, Nikhil Thakkar, where N.T. mirrors the structure of the name. Additionally, “Nikhil” translates to “oneness” or “complete” in Sanskrit, so it is the same name, in different dimensions!
8. What would you say is your greatest strength as an artist?
I’d say my greatest strength as an artist is staying true to my vision while creating something that resonates deeply with others. I put my heart and soul into every piece of music, aiming to channel messages of love, unity, and curiosity.
I think what sets me apart is my openness – to new ideas, to different sounds, and to growth. I’m always striving to push boundaries while staying authentic to who I am, and I’m grateful that this approach seems to connect with people in a meaningful way.
9. What would you say is your greatest weakness as an artist?
Frustration is my “not self theme” in human design. I sometimes feel this when things don’t flow as easily or quickly as I want them to. I have such a clear vision of what I want to create, and when obstacles arise, whether it’s external circumstances or internal doubts, it can be challenging to stay patient with the process.
That frustration, though, often teaches me something valuable. It reminds me to step back, realign, and trust the universe – that everything will come together in the right way and at the right time. It’s a continual practice of letting go and allowing the journey to unfold as it’s meant to.
10. What can fans expect from your new single ‘UNSERIOUS‘
UNSERIOUS is a genre-defying anthem that blends pop, techno, dubstep, and Eastern influences to challenge conventional boundaries and elevate consciousness. With lyrics like “I am the one for me, I am the universe, I am philosophy, and disidentify…” it invites us all to liberate our identity and align with our inner truth. The track draws on Vedic philosophies and biohacking to explore self-transformation and the power of love energy as a catalyst for personal and universal evolution.
This song is a call to break free from societal constructs and embrace higher consciousness. A chance for us to let go of chaos and step into peace. It’s a journey towards oneness, curiosity, and cerebral empowerment.
Also, from a numerological, astrological and homophonic perspective, I’m dropping UNSERIOUS at midnight on New Year’s Day during the SIRIUS alignment, and this isn’t random. Sirius symbolizes spiritual awakening and renewal, which feels like the perfect energy to kick off the year. The title plays on “Sirius,” blending humour and depth to challenge the whole idea of taking life so seriously, it is all about embracing freedom and fun. 01/01 is powerful numerologically too. The number 1 stands for new beginnings, individuality, and creation. Midnight, being the bridge between the old year and the new, makes it even more transformative. The numbers in my name, 1 and O, represent cycles of creation and infinite potential, so this moment couldn’t feel more aligned. Releasing UNSERIOUS now ties everything together, cosmic vibes, renewal, individuality, and boundless possibility.
11. What music artist would you say have influenced your work?
My work is influenced by no one and everyone. I’ve studied music history in depth, so every artist, every genre, and every sound holds a place in my creative process. I’m constantly listening to new music, absorbing the energy and ideas from every corner of the musical world.
What I take from this vast array of influences is the freedom to innovate and merge genres without boundaries. Each sound, whether ancient or modern, traditional or experimental, informs the way I express myself through music. It’s not about direct influence from specific artists, but about drawing from the collective human experience embedded in music itself.
12. Who would you most like to collaborate with artistically?
I would love to collaborate with some iconic Bollywood producers like A. R. Rahman, Ismail Darbar, or Madan Mohan. Their ability to fuse traditional Indian music with cinematic soundscapes is unmatched. The way they blend intricate melodies with orchestral arrangements and electronic elements resonates deeply with my own approach to music, where I aim to merge diverse influences and create something timeless.
As for contemporary pop stars, Sevdaliza, FKA Twigs, Shygirl, Doja Cat, Grimes, Lana Del Rey, Azealia Banks, Charli xcx, Billie Eilish, The Weeknd, Tate McRae, Lady Gaga, 30 Seconds To Mars, Kanye West, Frank Ocean… and probably so many more!
13. What was your worst performance?
I just burst out laughing, because as much as I have had iconic and flawless performances for 99% of my career, there was one time I pulled the mic out of the stage and the entire DJ booth crashed down and I had to pay a fine. It was a mess. The learning was that I need big stages, and wireless microphones because I have boundless energy. That is just such a funny question, thanks for bringing up that trauma, even though I laugh about it now.
14: What was the most difficult obstacle you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?
The most difficult obstacle I’ve ever faced, and still continue to face, is the war on consciousness. Society constantly tries to limit and control our minds, keeping us in a state of fear, confusion, and disconnection from our true selves. This is the battle I fight every day – against the forces that suppress free thought, creativity, and higher awareness.
Overcoming this has been an ongoing journey. I’ve had to break free from societal expectations, question everything I’ve been taught, and tap into the limitless potential of my own consciousness. It’s been a process of unlearning and reprogramming, embracing love energy, mindfulness, and curiosity as tools for self-liberation. Through music, I channel this inner revolution, using sound to disrupt the noise and help others awaken to their own power and purpose. It’s not about winning in the traditional sense—it’s about staying true to myself and sharing that energy with the world.
15: What is your creative process when making music. Do you work with others or is there just you?
My creative process is really about listening to the universe and allowing the music to come through me. When I’m playing piano or guitar, or producing on my computer, the melodies and lyrics often feel like they’re being downloaded directly from something bigger than myself. It’s a very natural and intuitive process, just me connecting to the energy around me and translating it into sound.
However, I also believe in the power of collaboration. While I do a lot of the writing and production on my own, I’m fortunate to work with some incredibly talented producers like Frank Royal, Jennings Couch, Selah, and 327.fm. They bring their own vision and expertise to the table, helping me refine and polish the music and do killer vocal production. Together, we elevate the sound, and their input ensures that the final product feels as true and complete as possible. It’s a balance between following my own instincts and trusting others to help make the music the best it can be.
16: Where do you see your musical career in 10 years?
I want to keep being part of a movement that brings people together through sound and energy, creating spaces where music helps us grow and heal. I envision myself performing at major festivals like Glastonbury, Coachella, and Tomorrowland, connecting with a diverse global audience, and using those platforms to share my message of love and consciousness.
I hope to continue collaborating with other artists, learning from them, and growing both musically and personally. The goal is to make an impact on the world by offering music that inspires, uplifts, and challenges people to think more deeply. I want my music to grow with me, evolving as I do, and reaching more people who are ready to experience the kind of transformation I believe music can bring.
