Nils Boden, the mastermind behind Ever Else Ends, has created a space for listeners to escape into the depths of his debut album, Mind on Vacation. Based in Hanover, Germany, Nils has shaped this project from a deeply personal space, reflecting on his own journey through music. For him, the creation of Ever Else Ends wasn’t just a musical pursuit—it was an evolution of self, from being introduced to post-rock by a friend to discovering the genre’s profound impact on his life. “It all started with me listening to We Lost The Sea – Departure Songs, which a friend showed me, probably five or more years ago,” Nils recalls. “Then I decided to try post-rock music by myself, and after a while, I had some raw songs ready without any production that I showed to my friends. With their positive feedback, I created some more, and when I finished the production on some of them, I wanted to publish them and share them with the world.”
Though the journey has been long and challenging, it wasn’t until Nils heard the final version of “Seven Years Too Late” that the depth of his project fully revealed itself. “I remember listening with my eyes closed to the first finished version of what is now ‘Seven Years Too Late.’ I completely lost myself in the music and entered a state of flow where everything else ended for me,” he says. For Nils, the name Ever Else Ends wasn’t chosen lightly—it symbolized that transcendent moment when the outside world fades away, and only the music remains.
Musically, Ever Else Ends blends the vastness of post-rock with the raw power of heavy metal. This unique combination was born from his deep connection to both genres. “These are the two genres which mostly influenced my guitar playing and describe most of what I hear daily,” Boden explains. Although his teenage years were dominated by heavy metal, it was post-rock that shaped much of his adult life. This dual influence is embedded in the heart of Mind on Vacation, crafting music that feels personal, like it was made just for you, pulling you in and letting you feel something real.
As a solo artist, Nils’ creative process is as dynamic as the music itself. “There is no fixed way of creating music. Each song has its own history,” he explains. For instance, “Seven Years Too Late” began with a single guitar part, while “Destination Imagination” was sparked by some simple power chords, which ultimately didn’t make it into the final version. His compositions often evolve from a single melody or idea that sticks with him, transforming as he refines the arrangement and structure. “Creation is a journey,” he muses. “Sometimes I have a melody, chords, or notes that stick around and develop until I’m satisfied with the result.”
Throughout the album, Nils delves into themes of introspection and personal growth, using instrumental music as a vehicle for listeners to explore their own emotions. Each track represents a different facet of this emotional landscape. “Seven Years Too Late is about uncertainty and solitude,” Nils explains. “Imagine being unsure about the future and the feeling of being stuck somewhere in life on your own. In the end, something has to change, either you or your environment.” He continues, “Destination Imagination describes waking up one morning and being guided by a light feeling of happiness, but realizing that path has an unexpected end.” For Nils, Mind on Vacation is about finding clarity in times of uncertainty, a process that often involves confronting difficult emotions and discovering strength in solitude.
Though he describes the project as something created “in my free time,” balancing the demands of everyday life with music creation is no easy feat. “By being very tired very often,” he jokes, adding, “But seriously, I’m balancing all parts of my life by building up a routine. Of course, it doesn’t always work. And if it doesn’t, I try to let slips not become slides and keep my spirits up.” It’s clear that music isn’t just an escape for Nils—it’s a necessary outlet, one that requires constant dedication, even as he goes through the demands of his job, social life, and personal hobbies.
While instrumental music might lack lyrics, Nils doesn’t see that as a limitation. “I always found instrumental music interesting,” he reflects. “Leaving the listeners alone with the interpretation of songs that might’ve been created while bearing the weight of fate on one’s shoulders felt almost naturally due to my lack of a singing voice.” The beauty of Mind on Vacation lies in its open-ended nature—each listener can find their own meaning in the soundscapes Nils has created. Whether it’s background music while working or a more immersive experience to escape from the world, Nils hopes his music will resonate deeply with those who listen.
Recording and producing the album independently presented its own set of challenges. “The biggest challenges came with the meaning of ‘independently.’ I have no band members, no musical person that knows my music nearly as much as I do. I cannot discuss my ideas, my motives, or my melodies with a person that is involved in the process itself,” he explains. Despite these challenges, Nils sees the upside: “This also gave me the opportunity to work without compromises and dependencies,” he says, finding freedom in creating entirely on his own terms.
The title Mind on Vacation encapsulates the sense of escapism that the music evokes. For Boden, listening to the album feels like taking a break from the distractions of everyday life. “I feel like listening to these tracks takes my mind away, like I can take a break from whatever disturbs my thoughts,” he reflects. This sense of reprieve is central to the album’s identity, allowing listeners to enter a meditative state where their minds can wander freely.
The post-rock and heavy metal communities each have their own distinct fan bases, but Nils sees his music as a bridge between the two. “Post-rock listeners might connect with the layered melodies and the slowly building dynamics, whereas heavy metal enjoyers may appreciate the heavy rhythms and driving beats,” he says. By merging these two influences, Mind on Vacation has the potential to reach a diverse audience, one that is drawn to either the atmospheric qualities of post-rock or the intensity of metal.
Nils is also mindful of the technical aspects of his sound. The complex layering of guitar melodies, bass, and drums is achieved through a process that focuses on simplicity within complexity. “While I’m creating parts, I try to keep each part in a certain range that leaves space for additional ideas,” he explains. “Different sounds and effects can give or take room in a musical arrangement, which can be used to build complex structures with simple methods.”
Though Hanover, his current home, is a city filled with kind people and interesting places, Nils doesn’t feel that it directly influenced his music. “Truthfully, it didn’t play a role in shaping my music on this album, as I moved here and did not grow up in Hanover,” he admits.
Being featured on the Progotronics 47 compilation has given Nils the opportunity to reach a wider audience. “It means a lot to me, as this is the first time that there could be people listening to it, that I don’t even know,” he says, appreciating the exposure as an independent artist.
Looking ahead, Nils has big plans for Ever Else Ends. “First, I would like to get more attention to my music, as it would mean the world to me having more people listening to it,” he says. He’s already working on more songs, with a few nearly finished, and hopes to release new music soon. Though performing live is a goal, balancing his music with everyday responsibilities means taking it one step at a time. “When time comes, I would also love to perform live,” he says, “But my first task is to organize my routine to find time for all of this.”
Mind on Vacation is just the beginning for Ever Else Ends, and as Nils Boden continues his journey, his music will undoubtedly touch many more hearts.
Mind on Vacation is out now; check it out on Bandcamp.
