As part of his evolving journey as a solo artist, we collaborated with Dutch singer Nick Schilder to create clothing that reflects the care, attention, and individuality at the heart of every made-to-measure garment. Just as a tailor shapes fabric to suit the wearer, Nick approaches his music with the same craft and precision, creating songs that are personal and enduring, with the potential to stand the test of time. Each piece he writes balances discipline with instinct and seeks a genuine connection with his audience, now reaching both a new and increasingly international following.

Nick began his career as one half of the successful duo Nick & Simon, hailing from the traditional music town of Volendam with its distinct role in Dutch-language pop. Today, as a solo artist, he embraces the freedom to explore new musical directions beyond the repertoire of the duo, while remaining grounded in quality and staying close to his instincts, both as an artist and as a fan of music. Whether writing songs or performing on stage, he approaches each choice like a made-to-measure suit: it must feel right, resonate in the moment, and reflect his authentic self.

We meet Nick at the Atelier Munro House in Amsterdam, shortly before the release of his new EP, during a period of reflection, growth, and creative exploration. In conversation, he shares how he balances experimentation with focus, maintains integrity in a changing industry, and expresses himself through both music and clothing as he continues to shape his solo identity. For us at Atelier Munro, it is a privilege to be part of this moment, helping him translate the same confidence and individuality into style that he brings to his music.

Atelier Munro’s ethos is about looking and feeling your best. When you make a made-to-measure garment, you make deliberate choices that suit you. That helps you feel better in your own skin and pursue your ambitions. You were wearing a tuxedo during the shoot just now. What has been your relationship with that kind of clothing throughout your career?

Nick Schilder: I’ve worn it quite a lot, actually. I even went through a period in my career where I wore a lot of tailored suits. As a counter-movement to the increasingly casual style, I once wore a different suit every day in December. Since starting my solo career, I’ve become much more casual. I’m a fan of smart streetwear. But that’s why I enjoy creating contrast with a tuxedo from time to time.

I like to surprise occasionally, even in private. When friends expect me in jeans, sometimes I show up in a suit with a T-shirt underneath. I think it’s important to play with expectations. It also gives confidence. When you play a festival with a strong lineup and you know your styling is right, you step on stage more assuredly. The cliché is true: clothes make the man.

Does your solo career give you more space to be yourself?

Nick Schilder: One hundred percent. At the start of my career, being part of Nick & Simon presentation was important, but it was really still about the music. Nowadays, people often say everything is about TikTok, or falling in line with systems that have the potential to reach enormous audiences. But I believe everything starts with a good song. Just like with clothing: good basics form the foundation. Around that, you can experiment with trends. That’s also how I work: focus on quality, but allow room to experiment.
Does that also symbolize where you are now as an artist, a version of yourself that has the confidence to stay close to your core?

Nick Schilder: Yes, definitely. The creative process teaches me a lot about myself. Sometimes I write something and later wonder: does this really suit me? It’s introspective, but also connecting. That’s why I keep it simple: music first. Writing good songs and keeping balanced, physically and mentally, is my foundation. Just like having a good tuxedo: it’s nice to have in your closet.

Yes, these are things you carry with you for life.

Nick Schilder: That’s what I like about Atelier Munro: you leave with quality that lasts. That’s my anchor: quality persists. That’s also why I still train my voice five times a week. Trends change, but craftsmanship remains. Whether it’s singing or making clothes: precision and craftsmanship give confidence.

Ultimately, it’s also about authenticity, making choices that truly suit someone.

Nick Schilder: Yes. If something isn’t real, people notice immediately. Whether it’s music or clothing, authenticity is felt.

How is that reflected in your work as a solo artist?

Nick Schilder: It gives me a lot of freedom. Of course, it’s exciting and sometimes a little challenging, because I’m responsible for everything myself. But that makes it more personal and intimate. The audience notices too: they get to know me better now.

People are looking for that genuine connection?

Nick Schilder: Exactly. That’s my goal: to bring something real, something that stays with people.

How do you see the coming years?

Nick Schilder: I want to keep developing, trying new things, but always from my core. Not because someone says it would be more successful, but because it fits me.

How does that translate into your routines as an artist?

Nick Schilder: By doing everything carefully. Writing songs, recording, performing all with attention. Just like with good clothing: if you work carefully, the standard remains high.

When you became a solo artist, did you have a clear vision?

Nick Schilder: Not really. It felt like being thrown into the deep end after seventeen years of Nick & Simon. Some suggested going Dutch-language. But I was triggered by the combination of singer-songwriter songs and electronic music. That’s why I started writing and experimenting, which became about 120 songs. That way, I knew whatever I would put out, I had done the work to really grind my teeth into this new direction. Fortunately, it’s working now and I can build on it. This summer, I played three times as many festivals as last year.

Do you feel an evolution in your place within the Dutch musical landscape?

Nick Schilder: My music leans more toward English-language pop, with electronic and singer-songwriter elements. You always end up in a category, but nowadays everything is more fluid. Still I perform on a lot of different stages than I did before. And I try to be strategic in this as well, but never beyond my intuition. It’s about balance.

And how do you experience performing as a solo artist now?

Nick Schilder: Very different from before. With Simon, I was in a familiar ecosystem. Now I stand among artists dominating the charts. Sometimes I miss the evergreens that always work, that we had as a duo. But at the same time, I have the freedom to make my own choices. If I want a writing weekend or to go to London to work with a certain producer, I can do that. That’s the beautiful part. And sometimes it’s like working out in the gym: not easy, but in the end you see results.

Nick Schilder: There are no shortcuts. But if you persevere, the good songs will come. And I think everyone can relate to this in life: sometimes things happen that you didn’t choose yourself, but you have to make the best of it. That applies to setbacks, but also to new opportunities. For me as an artist, it’s important to stay true to myself.

You’ve described well that your solo career revolves around music—music first, as you said. But there’s also more room for experimentation than in your previous duo. Are you working toward something, or do you not impose that on yourself?

Nick Schilder: I’ve actually done a lot already. Where I’m headed now: a new EP is coming out soon in October. I also want to announce some live shows in the near future. And I’ve done a lot live: theatre tour, club tour, a lot of festivals this summer. I’ve intentionally done a lot and now I’m taking some time to focus again on the creative component of my career.

It feels like you’re still carefully shaping your catalog. That this phase is about that.

Nick Schilder: Yes, I’m really in that building phase now. And strangely enough, I enjoy it. It’s a struggle, not comfortable, but you feel alive as a songwriter.

Is the dream also to cross borders?

Nick Schilder: I don’t shy away from saying that. But for me, the goal is to make songs that are so good that even the biggest songwriters would be critical: this is strong. That fascinates me. At the end of my career, I want my own top 5 of truly great songs.

That’s beautiful. You also said you were surprised by how music by you and Simon is still streamed and played, even by a new generation.

Nick Schilder: I really didn’t expect that. It’s great to see young people discovering Dutch music and that it resonates with them.

With your solo work you’ve stated before that an airplay hit in Germany would be something you aspire to.

Nick Schilder: That would be really great. If they choose my song there, it would be a milestone. I try to give as much love and attention to that as possible. Hopefully, I can reach the German audience properly at one point, so they can say: this is quality comparable to what comes from the UK.

There’s that focus on quality in your career, which directly matches Atelier Munro. And as you said, the more music is artificially generated, the more that human touch can set you apart.

Nick Schilder: Yes, that’s exactly what I hold on to. Many people are panicking in the music industry, especially with these AI developments. But I only keep thinking: as long as I ensure that someone at a performance walks away feeling it was worth it, then I’ve done my job. It can only happen through a human approach.

I agree. And the next day at the coffee machine, when they tell colleagues, it reinforces whatever you will do next.

Nick Schilder: Exactly. I’m completely convinced this is the best path forward as an artist. Or at least I believe in it as my path forward. It may not the easiest, but that’s fine with me. It’s like you mentioned earlier, comparing it to working out in the gym: sometimes nothing goes right and it feels brutal, but perseverance always pays off in the end. With that mindset I’m moving forward, and I know that eventually more great songs will come naturally. I’m ready to do the work.