Dark Waves: The Creative Force Behind Indie Pop Hits

Nick Long, known as Dark Waves, has made a significant mark in the indie pop scene with his unique sound and compelling songwriting.
March 19, 2025
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His recent collaboration on 'Love In Letting Go' by Warren Zeiders and Lanie Gardner showcases his versatility, adding to an impressive repertoire that includes hits like '1950' by King Princess and 'Bloody Valentine' by Machine Gun Kelly. Long's ability to blend evocative melodies with emotional depth has earned him a reputation as a standout songwriter in the industry.

Love In Letting Go by Warren Zeiders and Lanie Gardner

"Love In Letting Go" marks an exciting collaboration between rising country artist Warren Zeiders and the talented Lanie Gardner. Known for his authentic country sound, Zeiders brings his relatable storytelling to the track, while Gardner, who gained fame through her viral covers, adds her captivating vocal prowess. The song is crafted by a team of accomplished songwriters, including Grammy-nominated Ali Tamposi, Nashville-based Ross Copperman, and versatile songwriter Jacob Kasher Hindlin. Dark Waves, the indie pop project led by Nick Long, also contributes to the songwriting, adding a unique blend of influences to the mix. This collaboration promises a fresh and engaging addition to the country-pop genre, showcasing the strengths of both artists and their creative team.

Dark Waves: The Indie Pop Visionary

Dark Waves, the brainchild of American singer and songwriter Nick Long, has carved a niche in the indie pop scene with its distinctive blend of synth-pop and new wave influences. Originating from Santa Barbara, California, Long's musical journey began at a young age, playing guitar at eight and joining bands by the time he was 10. Before launching Dark Waves in 2013, he honed his craft in various bands, including Staring Back and Dead Country. The project gained attention with its self-titled EP in 2014, featuring the standout track "I Don't Wanna Be In Love," which has garnered over 5 million Spotify streams and was featured on The Vampire Diaries. Known for his evocative melodies and atmospheric soundscapes, Nick Long has also co-written hits for artists like Børns and Machine Gun Kelly, showcasing his versatility and knack for crafting compelling music. While specific details about his involvement in the recent release "Love In Letting Go" by Warren Zeiders and Lanie Gardner are not confirmed, Dark Waves continues to be a significant influence in the indie music landscape.

Top 5 Songs Shaped by Dark Waves

Discover five standout tracks where Dark Waves' songwriting expertise shines, infusing each song with emotional depth and memorable melodies.

1950 by King Princess

"1950," the debut single by King Princess, quickly became a defining anthem in the indie pop scene. Released in December 2017, the song is a tribute to Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt, exploring themes of queer love and longing. It charted internationally, earning Platinum certification in the US and 2× Platinum in Canada, and was featured in the Oscar-winning short If Anything Happens I Love You. The song's blend of electropop and rock, combined with its poignant lyrics, resonated with audiences worldwide. Dark Waves, the songwriting alias of Nick Long, played a crucial role in crafting the song's narrative structure, infusing it with emotional depth and authenticity. His contributions helped elevate "1950" into a cultural milestone, highlighting the power of queer storytelling in mainstream music.

bloody valentine by mgk

"Bloody Valentine" marked a significant moment in Machine Gun Kelly's career, showcasing his successful transition from hip-hop to pop-punk. Released as part of the album "Tickets to My Downfall," the song quickly gained traction, earning a 2× Platinum certification in the U.S. and winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video in 2020. The track's infectious energy and nostalgic pop-punk vibe, reminiscent of Blink-182, captivated audiences worldwide. Dark Waves, the creative force behind the song's evocative lyrics, played a crucial role in shaping its emotional depth and catchy melodies. His expertise in crafting compelling music, combined with MGK's dynamic performance, resulted in a standout track that resonated with both fans and critics alike.

Electric Love by BØRNS

"Electric Love" by BØRNS is a captivating track that showcases the artistic synergy between BØRNS and songwriter Dark Waves. Released as part of BØRNS' debut EP Candy in 2014, the song quickly gained traction and was later included in the album Dopamine. It achieved Platinum certification by the RIAA in 2017, highlighting its commercial success. The song's infectious blend of glam rock and pop, combined with its anthemic feel, has been praised by critics and fans alike. Dark Waves, known for his evocative melodies and atmospheric soundscapes, contributed to the song's enchanting quality, enhancing its lyrical depth and emotional resonance. His involvement in the songwriting process helped elevate "Electric Love" to a standout track, cementing its place in the indie pop landscape.

NYMPHOLOGY by Melanie Martinez

Melanie Martinez's "NYMPHOLOGY" stands out as a compelling critique of societal portrayals of women, with the artist coining the term to explore themes of femininity and objectification through an extended metaphor. The song is part of her 2023 album Portals and has been praised for its lyrical depth and thematic boldness, resonating with fans and critics alike. Dark Waves, the indie pop project led by Nick Long, contributed as a songwriter, bringing his expertise in crafting evocative melodies and atmospheric soundscapes to the track. This collaboration helped elevate "NYMPHOLOGY" with its unique blend of dark pop and cinematic elements, reinforcing Martinez's reputation as a storyteller who challenges norms through her artistry.

my ex’s best friend by MGK & Blackbear

"my ex’s best friend," a collaboration between MGK and Blackbear, stands out as a defining track on MGK's "Tickets to My Downfall" album, marking his successful transition from hip-hop to pop-punk. The song reached number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative, highlighting its impact and popularity. With its catchy guitar riffs and themes of relationship breakups and rebound dynamics, the track captures the essence of modern pop-punk. Dark Waves, the songwriting alias of Nick Long, played a crucial role in crafting the song’s memorable lyrics and melodies, contributing to its infectious appeal and emotional depth. His involvement, alongside the talents of MGK, Blackbear, and Travis Barker, helped create a track that resonates with listeners and underscores the ongoing revival of pop-punk music.

Discover the Value of Your Music Catalog

Dark Waves’ impressive catalog, filled with hits that have resonated with millions, highlights the power of effective songwriting. If you're a songwriter, producer, or artist like Nick Long, your music is a valuable asset that can work for you right now. Royalty Exchange offers an innovative platform to explore the full financial potential of your music catalog. With a free catalog valuation, you can discover its market value without any obligation or pressure. The process is straightforward: you maintain complete control, decide how much of your royalties to sell, and benefit from a competitive marketplace with over 20,000 verified investors. It's fast and hassle-free, with the potential to turn your passive royalties into active financial opportunities. Even if you're just curious, there's nothing to lose by exploring your options. Take the first step today and see what your music is truly worth. Get your free catalog valuation now.

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