Nad Navillus, the solo work of Chicago-based artist Dan Sullivan, has a lot to say.
Sullivan, the man behind the music, has collaborated with many people who have contributed to his songs and lyrics.
But the music is, without a doubt, a one-man show.
Similar to Trent Reznor's Nine Inch Nails, Nad Navillus has some ambitious messages to present, and the band accomplishes this in a way that doesn't exactly scream "mainstream."
Sullivan, who got the name for his band from reversing his own name, was recently in New Orleans waiting to play a show on Bourbon Street, after playing in Atlanta the previous night. He took some time from his schedule to answer some questions for the Daily Lobo.
On his new tour, Sullivan told the Lobo that he is playing almost 80 percent new music, while still trying to mix in some of the old favorites. Nad Navillus has released two albums, the most recent being Show Your Face.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
I asked why track number five, "Reflect/Retreat" is the longest track on the album despite the fact that it is entirely instrumental. Sullivan was pleasantly surprised.
"You can't hurry that kind of music," Sullivan said. "You kind of have to drag people in and almost force them to listen."
He feels instrumental music plays a significant role on his albums and instrumental songs make up a large portion of Navillus' body of work. Although the presence of instrumentals is a definitive characteristic of Nad Navillus' music, Sullivan is quick to point out that his words are a focus for him as well.
He writes all his own music and lyrics, though he depends heavily on contributions from people around him, including band mates, friends, acquaintances and others.
"Generally the music comes first," Sullivan said. "I am naturally a guitar noodler. Ideally, there is a synthesis where the music is there and the lyrics come as I play the guitar. However, a lot of time, its not that easy, and sometimes, yeah, songwriting can be a painful event."
Rather than focusing on the pain, Sullivan appears to genuinely love what he does. The energy he puts into his work is evident.
Songs like the Red House Painters-esque "Hey Lover," the second track on Show Your Face, display this vitality. The guitar is layered softly and the lyrics are whispered - yet there is an obvious feral energy to the track.
It is impressive that Nad Navillus can explore emotions through tracks without words. The album closes with a bitter instrumental titled "Processional."
Sullivan plays more dates overseas than he does in the United States. He believes the best aspects of being involved in the music business are the friendships he has forged while traveling.
The Frames, one of the bands currently on tour with Navillus, is fronted by a close Irish friend of Sullivan's who he met while he was overseas. Their friendship was encouraged by their love for music and eased by the convenience of the Internet.
Nad Navillus, The Frames and Waxwings will be playing at the Launchpad 618 Central Ave. on Friday, Sept. 20.
