BiB: Nik Leuthold (NONEXISTER) – How Punk, Climbing, and DIY Spirit Forged a Cinematic Metal Band

Ever wondered what it takes to bridge the worlds of punk, literature, rock climbing, and cinematic music videos? On this episode of Bringin’ It Backwards, Adam sits down with Nik Leuthold of the band NONEXISTER for an honest conversation that pulls back the curtain on an extraordinary artistic journey. Growing up in Zurich with a feminist author as a mother, Nik was a published co-author by age 12, and soon found himself immersed in the gritty, heart-driven world of DIY punk and hardcore scenes. But his story didn’t stop there—rock climbing and running a venue in the Spanish mountains followed, before returning to Switzerland to launch NONEXISTER and craft a debut album where every music video feels like a short film.

Nik dives deep into how his literary upbringing shapes his songwriting, why collaborating openly sparks the best art, and the lengths the band goes to create jaw-dropping visuals—including a single-shot music video featuring a freediver holding her breath for four minutes. From writing fiction and theater to pushing boundaries in music and video, Nik's story is a testament to creative evolution and collaboration.

If you're a musician, artist, or just love stories about pursuing creative dreams from every angle, this episode will leave you inspired—and might just change the way you think about what’s possible as an artist.

Listen in, and don’t forget to subscribe to Bringin’ It Backwards for more real conversations with the artists shaping the future of music.