Nick Wilson, 2024

about us

Paper Hat Records is more of a delusion than a record label, a fictitious music scene living inside Texas native Nick Wilson's scattered brain. Founded in 2004 by Wilson and his compatriot Laura Ruach Johnson as college students at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC, pathetically it has persisted in concept if not execution for 20 years. Currently based in rural Miyagi, Japan, Wilson continues driving down the artistic road to nowhere.

active projects

carrot eaters

Carrot Eaters are a collaboration between Laura Johnson (vocals/lyrics) and Nick Wilson (music/arrangements/backing vox). Founded as college students at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, NC back in 2004, the bulk of their activity was from 2004-2007. In 2024, the project was resurrected to complete their 80% done debut album.

Carrot Eaters, 2007

casual agents

Casual Agents is the first active solo project of Nick Wilson. Started in 2015, this project is heavily inspired by 1970s and 1980s new wave, post-punk, funk, disco and Bowie.

coaxing

Coaxing is the second active solo project of Nick Wilson. Started in 2008 initially various names including Shadow Divers and The Aberrants, this project takes inspiration from the melancholic sounds of a generation of mid-80s guitar pop bands.

exploding objects

Exploding Objects is the third active solo project of Nick Wilson. Originally called Exploding Schoolgirls until 2014, with two mostly completed but unreleased albums, this project has been re-activated and covers any sound or style that doesn't fit any of the other projects, historically with a heavily til towards psychedelia, glam rock and experimental new wave.

instant darlings

Instant Darlings is the fourth active solo project of Nick Wilson. Started in 2020, this project is inspired by late 80s and 90s indie and alternative rock.

past projects

Mongolia, 2008

Warm Erasers, 2006

mongolia

Active 2005-2009. originally a Nick Wilson solo project, Mongolia became a band for a handful of gigs in Dallas in 2008 with David Shackleford (guitar), Bradford Jackson (drums), Hayley Young (keyboards). Melancholic post-punk and slowcore.

warm erasers

An indie rock band active 2005-2007 in Swannanoa, NC. Members included Nick Wilson (vocals, guitar), Matt Piedl (guitar), Jade Snow (bass), Brian Hedgepeth (drums), Laura Johnson (keyboards), Brian Jones (keyboards), Shaina Kapeluck (violin) and more.

shoesies

A one-off e.p. with a live show I think. Active 2007.

lemon brigade

The original Nick Wilson solo project, born with a Tascam cassette four track as a Christmas present. Active 2000-2003.

scalping party

Shockingly, another Nick Wilson solo project. Active 2002-2003.

war of nerves

Yes, yet another Nick Wilson solo project. Active 2003-2005. Dark experimental post-punk. A full album "Disequilibrium" was recorded, and a half-completed follow-up "Heaven is Electric."

decapitated stork

A one-off improvised band of Matt Piedl (vocals, guitar), Nick Wilson (drums/bass/backing vox), Laura Johnson (sampling keyboard) active 2007.