Since his very first steps in electronic music, Nicolás’ productions have received support from the likes of Nick Warren, Hernán Cattaneo, John Digweed and many more as he released on labels such as The Soundgarden, Sudbeat, Balance, Chapter24, Sincopat, DAYS Like NIGHTS, Hoomidaas and Proton. His rising career as DJ has taken him to fly around the globe to participate in many festivals and to present his shows in venues from countries like Netherlands, Hungry, Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Sri Lanka. DMCWORLD decided it was the perfect time to check in with this exciting producer as he collaborates with Nick Warren on their new Nātiv Records release…
Hi Nicolas, thanks for taking the time to speak to us today! How are you and where are you based at the moment?
Hi DMC, I’m very grateful for this interview! I’m in Miami at this moment, I’m giving a show here.
The past year has been a strange one for everyone. How have you been finding it and what have you been doing to keep busy?
It was something unexpected for everyone, but very hard for our industry, for sure. At the beginning, I think we all thought it was going to be some days or at least one month, and our routine would be back soon.
But as time went by and that lack of routine became a routine itself, and we realized what was really happening, I felt sad and shocked. I forced myself to sit at the studio without the incentive to have a show or to travel, but it was hard to make music.
But then I tried not to overthink, I put my energy in some other things like cooking, arrange some house stuff, go flying (I fly as a hobby), watch some movies and series with my girlfriend. All those things helped me to focus my mind on producing again. And, as a great result, I achieved some really good things during quarantine, that you Will know during this year.
We are finding that the whole pandemic has affected people in so many ways, has it affected your music productions or outlook on the music industry?
As I told you before, at the beginning it was hard. Music is closely related to your emotional state, and emotions at that point were super intense. My mind could not get relaxed. But when I finally could connect myself with music due to my persistence, I created lovely things.
You have a collaboration coming out with Nick Warren on Nātiv Records. Can you tell us a bit about it and your relationship with Nick?
Nick has always been a referent for me, and fortunately he is now a friend and a really good partner. I’m very respectful of his ideas. This Project emerged from an Australian band that Nick likes, he got the sounds and we made the track. We keep an easy relationship when working, we send sounds and ideas if we are not nearby, or If Nick has some time to come to my studio, we listen together. The main rule is that we both have to like the track, that’s our goal.
You also feature as a remixer on the release. Can you explain to us how you approached the remix process for this one?
It wasn’t planned to make a remix. But one day, I was at home playing with the original Project and my synthesizer (Virus Ti2), I liked the arpeggios I found, then I looked for a groove, I shaped it along the days and then I finished it. I showed it to Nick, he loved it and suggested editing it together with the original track. So there you have it.
Which are the artists that inspire you most and why?
Lately, I was keeping an eye on artists like Monolink, WhoMadeWho… paying a lot of attention to them. They are born musicians and I think we should learn from them, how they manage the tracks, the melodies, the harmonies. They have a high quality level, and take electronic music to new standards and new sounds. They are a great inspiration for me.
I made a remix from Monolink together with Nick. It was an accomplished dream and the track worked amazingly. I hope it is released soon.
I’m sure our readers would love to hear more about the music scene in Argentina. Can you tell us about it, what makes it special and where are your favorite places to play?
I always repeat the same: Argentina has a very special energy, because in my opinion people channel many things through music, as happens with sports or other entertainments.
So, any show in Argentina is a show to be remembered. Many artists that came to give a show to Argentina felt that sensation and that’s why they come back.The energy and admiration expressed to the artist is unique and difficult to find in other countries.
Can you tell us one track that never leaves your record bag and explain why you love to play it so much?
Cut Copy – Free Your Mind (Fort Romeau Remix)
I think that I have no definitive reason, but since I first heard this track, I loved it. It was during an incredible Danny Howells’ set in 2014. Minute 40. I still remember. The environment that he created was amazing. Beyond it is an excellent track, the moment and the way he read the dance floor was to be remembered. And that’s the power a DJ has, not only to have a masterpiece, but to know how to put it. The precise moment.
I always have that in mind.
Thanks for talking to us today Nicolas, it’s been a pleasure!
Thank you for this great interview!
*****
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