Nuage takes us through the – quite addictive and consuming – ride that is Prints of You, The Remixes.
Nuage hi how are you. What are you doing today?
Hey Damian, nice to meet you again. I’m in the studio working on a submission for Project Mooncircle’s 15 year anniversary compilation. Also looking forward to a trip out to the sea and mountains later this month – a little travel would be really nice for some studio inspiration.
When it it come to you to do a remix project?
After the Prints of You LP was released, I got into talking about doing a remixes project with the folks at Translation.
Having done remixes for Blu Mar Ten and The Levels, and recorded for Bop’s label Microfunk, we thought it would be great to get them involved – and it was really a natural progression from there.
I also remixed ‘Waterfalls’ from a slow and deep 130 BPM track, into a more melodic drum & bass track, which was really fun to re-imagine.
Bop is here as you mention, how was it to work together?
We’ve been roomates for some time now and have recently started collaborating more and more. I love working on a Microfunk project where there’s room for experimentation in the the more eclectic and minimal drum & bass field. Bop said he enjoyed working on ‘Overseas’ and I think he turned out a really brilliant two-steppy, ‘microfunky’ vibe.
Take us into The Levels’ remix?
The Levels are one of my favourites at the moment and I’m really excited to see what they’re going to do next. They have an innovative approach to the music and the quality is top notch as they’re all not newcomers to the game…
I’ve played their remix over and over; for me, it’s more of a rework or a jam, where Alia Fresco’s lyrics incorporate the main ‘idea’ of the original – that you keep shining.
What do you feel that the artists have done/brought to your work? Was it interesting to hear it the first time, their interpretations?
The idea of turning downtempo/house into a drum & bass is refreshing to me, so I was really excited to hear Blu Mar Ten’s interpretation of ‘Colors’ – a chill track turned into a powerful, uplifting roller. I also really love how the ‘Shining’ and ‘Overseas’ remixes captured the signature sound of the producers involved.
What spots do you personally love to hit live… where is receptive to your sound?
I love festivals and open-air venues. I’ve played daytime sets in Mexico and a few places here in Russia recently, and it’s a different experience when the sun is shining and everyone’s out on the floor chilling.
I especially like the more intimate places where the crowd may be smaller, but you really get the emotion and feedback of the people as opposed to the larger venues where the DJ is located far from the crowd and high above the floor.
What new work are you doing right now?
I’m working on an LP for Project Mooncircle as mentioned and a sample pack coming early next year.
What visual art inspires you?
In trying to catch the parallels of sound and visual imagination in my music. Each release reminds me a picture or story where the listener can find not only the sounds but also thoughts or emotions.
I prefer reading for inspiration, but when it comes to my music, each release is reminiscent of a ‘story’ and I try to capture the listener’s visual imagination.
What is the one thing in your studio you could not live without?
Hmmm.
Definitely my ears.
Prints of You, The Remixes