Nicholas Chim

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Having grown up in the working class, Nicholas uses songwriting as both catharsis and self-discovery. He believes "that there is an ideal, honest way to live and through the writing process, I'll be able to find it".

With the release of his new EP "The Greatest Enemy”, Nicholas looks set to get back on the road and reconnect with audiences. To him, rediscovering that connection between audience and performer is "the best feeling on earth and I want to keep chasing it".

2019: Every Failure can be a Blessing

December 19, 2019  /  Nicholas Chim

The nearing end of 2019, as well as another decade, has been bringing about much retrospection. For me, it has especially been about one aspect of life, namely failure. It’s something I’ve come into contact with a lot this year, largely due to struggling to communicate well in a foreign language. 

From the numerous tests in the language course to sometimes being lost for words in day to day life situations here, the big thing for me to learn from failure was to truly understand, that I am not my mistakes. Instead of letting them weigh me down, I’ve had to pick myself up quickly and learn from them to become better.

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One cold morning, it dawned on me, how every perceived failure in my life turned out in hindsight to be a blessing of sorts. Call it God, destiny, a random set of events, whatever you want really, everything worked out in my favour eventually. Here are but a few of those “failures”:

If opportunities in Singapore didn’t dry up for me, I would never have stepped out of my comfort zone to actively pursue new ones here in Germany. Yes, I couldn’t keep up in the Singaporean milestones race but it’s not the end of the world. After all, Singapore is only a small place in a big world and its lifestyle isn’t the definitive one that everyone must strive for.

If my previous romantic relationships didn't fail, I would not be with Laura today, who showers me with love unconditionally. Her presence in my life reminds me daily that I am worthy of love and makes me want to do my very best for her.

I may have played one show this year but to me it was pivotal. It was the first show I’ve ever “applied” for entirely in german. After two years of being mired in fear and social anxiety, I got out of my shell and performed again with vulnerability. I also used to drown out that voice of self sabotage with unhealthy amounts of drinking, especially with shows in Germany. This time, I made sure to keep it to only one beer before my set and warm water between songs. The audience that night did not disappoint. They were absolutely attentive and lovely, asking for more songs till I honestly had none left!

I am not my mistakes.

These realisations warmed my heart. They reminded me that although not everything is in my control, I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am sure there will be more “failures” to come but all I need to do, is simply give my hundred percent in whatever I set out to do.

To the people of Göttingen, who have been so understanding and patient with people who are “fresh off the boat” like me, thank you for being so gracious and welcoming. To those who weren’t, thank you for reminding me that I still have to keep getting better. I will keep working at the language till I can understand everything thrown at me.

To you the readers, thank you for following my journey. I hope that I can keep creating words and music that you will enjoy. Though it’s scary at times, I’m grateful to have the privilege to pursue a life that I can be proud of, because of you. =) I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and also a wonderful and fulfilling New Year!

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tags / Germany, Göttingen, IIK