Downtempo music has always been at the heart of Nightmares on Wax’s sound. For George Evelyn, the man behind the moniker, its relaxing and chilled-out vibe has become an essential component of modern wellness and mindfulness movements. It was through this connection that I first encountered Nightmares on Wax at the Corona Unwind, held the day after the Corona Sunset Festival.
“I think it’s because it fits into lifestyles,” Evelyn explains. “My music has travelled into so many different worlds, whether in the hotelier world, wellness spaces or even for people driving and travelling. People have told me they’ve backpacked across South America with my music. Everybody finds a different space for it, and now I just call that lifestyle. It’s not challenging; you can chill, dance, headbop, eat food—it’s not dictating or challenging you in any way.”
A Sound That Moves with You
Nightmares on Wax’s sound is rooted in a blend of deep bass lines and calming melodies, a combination Evelyn credits to his upbringing in sound system and reggae culture. “The deeper the bass, the more comforting it can sound,” he shares. “But I also like its roughness. I enjoy bringing opposing elements together to create a kind of beauty. It’s not premeditated; it’s about feeling and trusting the process.”
During the global lockdowns, Evelyn reflected deeply on freedom, which became the central theme of his album, Shout Out! To Freedom. “In a time when our freedoms were being questioned, I asked myself, ‘What is freedom?’ Everyone has a different answer. For me, music represents freedom—those magical moments where you find the space or the space finds you. Being creative and expressive is a vital element of freedom.”
Freedom Through Sound
Evelyn’s approach to mindfulness may not be traditional, but it’s deeply personal. “I’m not super disciplined with meditation, but I have one daily ritual: when I shower. It’s my space to create affirmations, express gratitude and set intentions. It’s also when I connect with my ancestors. That practice has changed my life massively.”
READ MORE: How Silent Discos Are Redefining Wellness Through Music and Mindfulness
Silent discos, which offer a unique blend of communal experience and personal introspection, also resonate with Evelyn’s philosophy. “It’s about the steps towards self-awareness,” he explains. “When you build a relationship with your inner self, your life improves. There’s an inner part of you dying to have a conversation with you. Awareness of self is the stepping stone to a lifelong adventure within yourself. Even in discomfort, there’s light; we just need to look within.”
Evelyn sees music’s role in mental health and wellness as already well underway. “I composed for the Calm meditation app, and it’s clear they recognise the peace within my music. Binaural beats, frequencies that align with chakras—these are being studied and practised because, at the end of the day, the world is sound. Life is sound. It’s not about discovering this but remembering it.” For Nightmares on Wax, music is more than a soundtrack—it’s a tool for introspection, healing, and freedom. Through his work, Evelyn invites listeners to embrace their inner light and explore the boundless potential within.
