Nick Kivlen (1995) is a songwriter, guitarist, producer, and DJ.

The New York native (now Los Angeles based) is the guitarist and co-lead vocalist for the acclaimed rock trio Sunflower Bean. Kivlen spent his teen years immersed in Brooklyn’s underground music scene—it was there that he formed Sunflower Bean with friends Olive Faber and Julia Cumming. The band’s glamorous mix of psychedelic rock and pop sensibilities quickly elevated them to international heights. After signing a record deal on his 20th birthday, Kivlen toured the world extensively, with multiple runs in Europe and Asia, as well as support shows stadiums with Beck, Cage the Elephant, the Strokes, Interpol, the Pixies, DIIV, Wolf Alice, and even Bernie Sanders.

Sunflower Bean has been featured in esteemed publications from The New York Times to Rolling Stone for their powerful live performances and compelling songwriting. For their 2022 record “Headful of Sugar,” the band recorded dozens of songs in their home studio before finishing the process at Electric Lady Studios. They performed their album release at New York’s iconic Webster Hall.

Kivlen’s songwriting often pulls from current events and culture, tying wide ranging topics back to personal experience. Citing Ramones as a formative inspiration, humor is an important element to his morally ambiguous storytelling. Kivlen has worked with many up-and-coming artists, along with co-writing every Sunflower Bean song. He is also a virtuosic guitarist who has been highlighted in notable guitar publications. Kivlen has been sponsored by Fender since 2017. His distinct playing is immediately recognizable on all the recordings he has been a part of.

A dynamic DJ, Kivlen made a name for himself at Home Sweet Home, an iconic Lower East Side club where he had a weekend residency. He spins an eclectic mix of electronic, hip hop and pop in the same shredding style that he plays guitar.