Exclusive Interview: Nicolas Dixon on Rhodes MK8 Pianos and Giving Back This Holiday Season

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The intersection of music and art has always been fertile ground for innovation, but when creativity meets purpose, the result can be transformative. This spirit is at the heart of the collaboration between Rhodes Music and British artist Nicolas Dixon. Together, they’ve crafted something extraordinary: two limited edition MK8 pianos that are as visually stunning as they are meaningful.

Nicolas Dixon, renowned for his bold, abstract works, has infused his signature style into these designs, aptly named Tequila Sunrise and Moon Boogie. Each piano is a testament to the timeless elegance of Rhodes, now elevated with Dixon’s unique artistic flair. But these masterpieces do more than just dazzle—they make a difference.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of these pianos will go to Last Night a DJ Saved My Life (LNADJ), a charity dedicated to providing clean water and educational opportunities for children in underserved communities across Africa and India. This project is a powerful reminder that art and music, when combined, have the potential not only to inspire but also to change lives.

An Artist’s Vision Meets a Timeless Instrument

The Tequila Sunrise design evokes the vibrant hues of the 60s and 70s, exuding warmth and nostalgia, while Moon Boogie offers a more minimalistic and monochromatic aesthetic for those drawn to understated elegance. For Dixon, this collaboration was about more than aesthetics—it was about creating an immersive experience where sound and visual art merge to captivate both players and listeners.

MoustachesToys Exclusive Interview with Nicolas Dixon

The Intersection of Art and Music

What inspired you to combine your abstract art with the Rhodes MK8 piano?
When I first got the call from Jonny at LNADJ about the possibility of collaborating with an iconic, historic brand such as Rhodes, I didn’t need more inspiration. Knowing Rhodes’ history and the legendary artists associated with it was enough to make me jump at the opportunity.

How did your background as a DJ influence your approach to these designs?
Being a DJ/producer before becoming a visual artist, I’ve always crossed over naturally between the two art forms. The processes are quite similar—style, energy, and movement flow from one to the other, painting pictures in your mind and evoking feelings through the art.

Design Process and Vision

Could you describe your creative process when conceptualizing Tequila Sunrise and Moon Boogie?
I wanted to create something powerful, inspiring, and uplifting that resonated with the recent rebirth of Rhodes, signifying a new dawn. Moon Boogie complements this idea by depicting the other side of the spectrum with monochrome tones, acknowledging this exciting new era.

What emotions or experiences do you hope the designs evoke in both players and listeners?
As the first artist in 75 years to collaborate with Rhodes, I wanted these designs to enhance the player and listener’s experience—stimulating, exciting, and inspiring them visually to match the audio journey.

The Collaboration with Rhodes and LNADJ

How did this partnership with Rhodes and LNADJ come about?
I’ve supported LNADJ for over six years, traveling to Africa to paint murals and deliver workshops to street-affected youths. With Matt Pelling, CEO of Rhodes, also supporting LNADJ in a different capacity, it was only a matter of time before our paths crossed, creating magic together.

What does it mean to you to have your art contribute directly to building clean water wells?
Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of art and music in communities has been life-changing for me. Knowing that the proceeds from this project will directly support those in need is incredibly humbling and makes me proud to continue this work.

Art, Legacy, and Storytelling

Your work often carries deep subconscious themes. How does this project fit into your artistic journey?
Before I became a visual artist, I studied music production. This collaboration feels like a full-circle moment—bringing my love for music and art together while contributing to something meaningful. It’s a testament to believing in the process and never giving up on your dreams.

Were there any challenges or surprises during this collaboration?
Painting on a smaller, unconventional surface was a challenge compared to my usual large-scale works. The surprise came when the parts were assembled, and I saw it all come to life—it was magical.

A Collaboration That Resonates Beyond Art

As the holiday season approaches, this project takes on even greater significance. It’s a reminder of the power of community and the lasting impact of creativity. For Dixon, this collaboration is not just about leaving his mark on a legendary instrument—it’s about giving back, inspiring others, and creating something timeless.

Whether you’re an artist, musician, or someone who believes in the transformative power of creativity, this collaboration is proof that art and music can change lives—one note and one brushstroke at a time.

Support the cause:

To learn more about Last Night a DJ Saved My Life, visit their website and discover how you can contribute to life-changing projects this season.