INTERVIEW: NEO 10Y talks new single ASCETIC HEDONIST, Jimmy Carr and world peace

Meet London-based artist, activist, and self-described astral being, Nik Thakkar aka NEO 10Y who has been bending genres and minds since 2016, crafting sonic landscapes that feel like spiritual downloads from a protopian future. With their new single ASCETIC HEDONIST, NEO 10Y invites us into a paradoxical realm where pleasure meets discipline, and love becomes a revolutionary act.

Fresh off a magnetic performance at Heaven (literally less than 24 hours ago), they’re not just making music-they’re manifesting peace, challenging binaries, and helping us all stan ourselves a little harder. In this interview, we dive head first into the philosophy behind the music, the energy of the live show, and what it means to create art that’s raw and meaningful.

How are you?! And for our readers who might not know you yet, could you share a bit about who you are and what do you do?

Hey Dale! I am really great, thank you for asking! I am NEO 10Y, a recording artist and spiritual revolutionary from London, my purpose on planet Earth is to help manifest a protopian dimension of peace through the expansion of love energy.

What inspired the name NEO 10Y, and how does it reflect your artistic philosophy or personal evolution?

NEO 10Y comes from the word 'neoteny' in zoology and biology-it means the retention of child-like characteristics-spiritually connecting with the voice of your inner child and physically maintaining a youthful demeanour!

NEO is an anagram for ONE and 10 is complete binary code-my name in Sanskrit is Nikhil, which means ONENESS or COMPLETE. So it is the same name in different dimensions!

For me, it is the embodiment of who I am, and my message. It's true to my reality, and probably the highest concept artist name in music and human history-so we have to stan!

Your new single ASCETIC HEDONIST is such a vibey paradox-the lyrics feel cosmic, cerebral, and deeply personal. Can you walk us through your favourite lyric that holds the most meaning for you right now?

Thank you so much! The song is quintessential NEO 10Y-it is about understanding that the true root to long term hedonism is through asceticism, but it is also badass, hypnotic and trippy. My favourite lyric from the song is the mini hook, "Do you want me to feel like this this this this?" which has been getting a lot of traction on TikTok, but also the lyric, "I'm the designer of my life...". I think it is important for us to remember that we are all the creative directors and movie producers of our own reality.

You released the track on 09.09.25 - a date aligning with the powerful numerology of angel number 999, which symbolises completion, transformation and higher calling right? How does spiritual alignment play into your creative process?

I am such a geek for numerology, so thank you for picking up on that! Yes! 999 signifies completion, spiritual awakening, and the closing of one chapter to begin a higher purpose. This is really my modus operandi! I write and produce my songs with the intention to help us all vibrate on a higher frequency, it's the core roots of this project and linked to my purpose. 

What was the energy like premiering the single at Heaven last night?

Performing at Heaven was a dream! I feel so grateful that the stars aligned to make it happen on the exact date that the single came out. So many amazing people came-hotties, baddies, vegans, celebrities. The stage is so iconic and has hosted so many incredible people, so I am very honoured to be part of that legacy!

Do you have a ritual before a performance?

Push ups and some yoga usually! I went to a hot vinyasa class yesterday and the spa. I love taking my time to get ready before a show too-not rushing-it is very therapeutic.

I also love fasting, so I don't usually eat before performing-helps with the dancing and abdominals! Last night at Heaven, they had a gym backstage, so that was fun for me, but not every venue has that!

You’ve spoken about your commitment to conscious living-how does being vegan align with your spiritual and artistic philosophy, and has it influenced the way you approach your music or activism?

Being vegan aligns with my spiritual and artistic philosophy because it’s about honouring all life and living consciously, which deepens my connection to the world and fuels my creativity; it influences my music by inspiring lyrics and sounds that reflect empathy and harmony and it shapes my activism by making me advocate for compassion, sustainability, and mindful choices in everything I do.

When it comes to dating, what are a few green flags that tell you someone’s a keeper?

I am very lucky to be in a long-term relationship with someone who is extremely compassionate, intelligent, empathetic, funny, and insanely hot. I think that green flags in people come in all shades-we are all on a journey towards higher consciousness so I see the potential in everyone!

And how about red flags?

Not really a fan of "negging" or toxic negativity with someone. I feel like there is already so much harm in the world, why manifest more? 

What else do you get up to in London when you're not working?

I spend a lot of time doing yoga-my preferred is vinyasa-ashtanga-rocket, hot or room temperature! I love the gym, swimming, spa and travelling. I am also very dedicated to getting at least 10k in a day-my average is over 13k, so lots of long walks and adventures with my boyfriend and dog! 

What's your star sign?

Amazing question-this is where we can go deep! In summary, I am a Sagittarius sun with a double stellium-that's six Sagittarius placements-so I am the eternal optimist. I am a Cancer moon, hence the emotive songwriting and a Leo rising-hence the performer baddie. I also relate to my Gemini Chiron and North Node, as well as my Scorpio Vedic sun, and my balance comes from my Libra Mars and Venus!

As a non-binary artist, how do you navigate visibility in an industry that still leans heavily on binary norms?

I feel like I am post-gender in a lot of ways.

I believe in expressions of oneness, and I think the fastest way that we reduce and eliminate violence towards non-gender conforming people is to keep reminding the world that we all embody all of the energies that the universe has to offer.

Let's keep breaking the binaries! 

You’ve never shied away from political commentary-how do you balance activism with artistry in a way that feels authentic?

I balance activism with artistry by letting my values naturally guide my music, using my platform to speak on issues I care about without forcing it, so my art stays authentic and my voice stays true to who I am. I am an advocate for world peace, and try to help people understand that peace starts on our plates, and that speciesism is the root of all oppression. I have a very silly activism episode coming out with Jimmy Carr this Autumn, so stay tuned to Paramount Plus Comedy Central, airing globally!

Can you tell us more about GODDEX?

Ooooooh, yes! GODDEX is my vegan, cruelty-free and alcohol-free luxury cult fragrance, with bold top notes of rosewood, cardamom, and pepper, heart notes of oud, sandalwood, and vetiver, and warm base notes of tonka bean, vanilla, and amber-all made to feel empowering and magical.

@neo10y the reviews are INCREDIBLE - check the website! AND Goddex makes for THE perfect gift - ILY! #Goddex #Fragrance #NEO10Y #loveenergy #spiritual #gift ♬ NEO 10Y Spiritual Viagra music video - NEO 10Y

It is also the name of one of my songs, and my philosophy that God is oneness-ergo, not solely God or Goddess, but GODDEX!

Will you be performing in Brighton any time soon?

I love performing in Brighton and have performed at Trans Pride before-it is SUCH an amazing vibe and the vegan food is incredible! Hopefully I will be there again soon. Brighton Pride, hit me up!

📸 Euvn

ASCETIC HEDONIST is on all streaming platforms now. Share your thoughts in the comments section below and start or join the convo!🗣️👇🏻

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