Marcus Brown, the artist better known as Nourished by Time, knows how to stay the course. The 30-year-old, known for his synthy, punchy blend of post-punk and R&B, has been putting out music for nearly a decade, releasing earlier projects under names like Riley with Fire and Mother Marcus. The work released under this latest moniker, however, is what’s finally clicked with both critics and audiences, with his music now getting the hype it deserves. Since releasing his second album, Passionate Ones, last August, the songwriter has criss-crossed the country on a 38-date headline tour, received a co-sign from Tyler, the Creator, and most recently been named a member of the adidas SS26 Creative Class, joining the likes of other rising artists like Fcukers and Halima.

Brown grew up in Baltimore, where, while working odd jobs and living in his parents’ house, he crafted his breakthrough project: the critically acclaimed EP Erotic Probiotic 2. The era that followed saw him sign to XL Recordings, release the 2024 EP Catching Chickens, and finally find solid footing after years of balancing making art with making a living. “Going from living in my parents’ basement to being able to move to New York and support myself is really the biggest accomplishment for me,” Brown said when we caught up at the Creative Class unveiling in SoHo. “That’s what I care about most and what I’m most proud of.”

The idea of the come-up is well documented in Brown’s discography, which is chock-full of references to the drudgery of life under capitalism. There are tracks like “Worker’s Interlude”, which nod to America’s exploitative beginnings (“I still can feel the cotton / And the heat from the fields”), and singles like “925”, which capture the struggling artist’s plight (“Working restaurants by day / Writing love songs every night”). His lyrics say the quiet part out loud: finding your way in this country can be exhausting, unforgiving work – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth the effort. Brown’s writing, combined with his boundless, unrestrained sound, makes for music that’s startlingly honest while still maintaining a rare sense of hope.

Below, we chatted with Brown about moving to New York, writing about the world and workers’ rights.

First, congrats on being a part of the adidas Creative Class. How does it feel to be recognised in this way?

Nourished by Time: Thank you. It feels pretty insane. It’s hard to know where you are in the world or in the music industry, so it's pretty cool to know that the music is reaching this far. I'm a big fan of vintage Adidas, and have always been a fan, so it was pretty easy to say yes. 

It’s been about half a year since Passionate Ones came out. How has your life changed since then? 

Nourished by Time: Everything is a lot easier. I think a lot of people just know who I am now. I’m getting all these text messages from friends and family saying that they’re hearing my music in places, and that friends of theirs are asking about the music. I’ve been able to move to New York, and I’m a lot more financially stable, which is nice. This year, I’ve been focusing on just relaxing and taking it easy. We did almost 60 shows last year, so [now] just chilling. But it feels good to know that the hard work paid off.

Workers’ rights, labour and capitalism are all really big themes in your music. What’s your relationship to work like these days? 

Nourished by Time: I think that’s what I was trying to tackle on “925”. That was me realising, I’m not working the same physical jobs that I used to work. But I still am an ally to the movement. I still care about workers’ rights, and it’s very important for me not to cosplay, because I always wanna be honest about where I am in the movement, as long as I’m helping others, speaking up when I want to speak up. I’m always gonna be pro-worker, always. 

It’s also been a charged few months politically, both here and abroad. How does what’s happening in the world influence your work as an artist? 

Nourished by Time: The same way it always has, honestly. I’m never afraid to speak about it. In “BABY BABY”, we talk about Palestine, and we’re drawing comparisons to Baltimore. I think it’s always something that’s going to be in my music in some way, shape or form. You have to talk about these things. I never wanna be boxed in as ‘I only talk about social issues’, because at the end of the day, music should be fun, but it can’t be fun all the time. I’m pretty sure my next album’s gonna be a lot about what is happening in the world, but at the same time, things are always happening in the world. I’m always inspired to talk, but also to learn. I think things are getting more layered, and I want to know the nuance, to be able to explain the nuance. So I think I’m at a place now where I’m just learning a lot.

Outside of music, what else are you into? 

Nourished by Time: I’m really into conceptual art, and I’m slowly buying paintings. I bought a bunch of Frank Dory pieces of work, so I’m really excited about that. I was really into chess for a little bit, which is not super creative, but it’s really relaxing. I also like jogging a lot, and I’m really into sculpting. I don’t do it, but I love sculptures. Me and [my friend] are also gonna try to make a movie. I just had a really funny movie idea that I wanted to try and make into a real thing. 

What’s the idea? 

Nourished by Time: I can’t say it. I’ll tell you later. 

When or where do you feel the most at peace these days?

Nourished by Time: I haven’t been feeling much peace, unfortunately. But I think when I go on vacation, like when I’m somewhere else and not in my regular mode. I can be so habitual sometimes, and I think that kind of drains a certain level of whimsy from real life. Like, I went to Vegas two weeks ago, and that was really fun. It’s so awful there, but it’s so great. I also like to go on walks, which really helps. I love big bodies of water – that’s probably my favourite, easiest way to feel relief. 

Do you have a favourite body of water?

Nourished by Time: I used to go to the Charles River a lot when I was in Boston. I would skate up and down the river, but now I just go around the Whitney Museum to the Hudson.

What’s inspiring you right now?

Nourished by Time: I think just time and freedom, not having anything to do. This year has been so nice. I’ve been writing so much music, feeling out what I want to do and what I want to write about next. I’m blessed not to have to force it. I’ve been inspired by just living in this city. It’s so humbling and really puts you in your place and makes you realise how small you really are.

What’s next for Nourished by Time?

Nourished by Time: I’m gonna try to put out a record in 2027. That would be amazing. But again, I don’t wanna rush it. I really take pride in crafting albums, and I really want to compete with my heroes, and they didn’t rush their work.