Here I Lay My Burden Down: I Am Hologram’s Defiant New Era
In the dimly lit confines of Lava Lake Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, Richard Nihil—the enigmatic frontman of I Am Hologram—crafted a sonic masterpiece with his latest single, "Here I Lay My Burden Down." Set to release on the first full moon of the year, January 13, 2025, across all major streaming platforms, the track is a gripping exploration of resilience, defiance, and liberation.
A Title from Beyond the Grave
The song’s title, as haunting as its themes, emerged during one of Nihil’s wanderings through an old graveyard in Nebraska’s Indian Cave Park. Among weathered tombstones, one inscription stood out: "Here I Lay My Burden Down." Half-buried in the earth, the words struck a chord. Nihil explains, “It seemed like such a powerful statement. Was it her last words? It felt like it was written from her perspective, from beyond the grave. She’d had enough but walked on into the afterlife without a care in the world.”
That ethereal message stayed with him, a seed that grew into a scathing anthem of self-liberation. Months later, amid personal turmoil and societal judgment, the phrase evolved into a rallying cry: a declaration to shed burdens and live unencumbered.
Collaboration and Creation
The track’s unrestrained intensity owes much to its collaborators. Bentley Monet, the energetic drummer from Snailmate and Moodie Black, delivered a percussive assault that perfectly embodied the song’s defiance. “I knew Bentley could play the drumbeat how I wanted it—just bashing, no frills, pure energy,” Nihil recalls. “And he delivered.”
Ari Leopold, Nihil’s longtime collaborator and sound engineer at Lava Lake Studio, handled bass duties. Known for his jazz-inspired drumming, Leopold’s switch to bass added depth and dynamism to the track. Together, the trio created a sound that’s both confrontational and cathartic.
A New Era of Visual Storytelling
The music video for "Here I Lay My Burden Down," crafted by Nihil using AI technology from LTX Studio, amplifies the song’s message. Surreal visuals, interwoven with the song’s lyrics, create a dreamlike journey that mirrors the emotional weight of the music. The video’s fever-dream aesthetic serves as an extension of Nihil’s artistic vision, immersing viewers in the narrative of defiance and release.
A Broader Narrative Universe
"Here I Lay My Burden Down" is not a standalone piece. It connects to a broader storyline within Nihil’s discography, joining tracks like “I Will Haunt You” from Seven Commercials For My Soul and “Never Kiss A Hooker On The Mouth” from Gazing Through A Mirror, Darkly These songs, tied to pivotal moments in Nihil’s life, form a cohesive yet expansive narrative. The forthcoming vinyl release of "Here I Lay My Burden Down" will include the track "UMF," another chapter in this intricate saga.
A Call to Lay It Down
For Nihil, the song’s release marks more than an artistic milestone; it’s a personal and universal statement. “I want people to start laying their burdens down,” he says. “The world is too stressful to get caught on the small details. Life will pass you by if you don’t run after it.”
With its evocative lyrics, compelling collaborations, and transformative visuals, "Here I Lay My Burden Down" embodies the essence of I Am Hologram’s art: bold, untethered, and deeply human. As Nihil steps into this new chapter, he invites listeners to shed their weights and embrace life’s chaotic beauty.
Release Details:
"Here I Lay My Burden Down" will be available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify Apple Music and YouTube Music on
January 13, 2025.
For updates and more information, follow I Am Hologram on:
Instagram: @iamhologram
Facebook: I Am Hologram
Website: I Am Hologram Official Site Linktree: I Am Hologram Links
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