It's been a very promising couple of years for the Brussels based artist noc:turne. Since we were first introduced to his captivating music on a boat party in north London in the summer of 2022 he has gone on to play gigs across Europe, launch a record label 'Lost In Translation' and most recently release a stunning remix on the highly respected Swiss imprint 'Project Indigo'. We're not quite sure where doing an Oleeva Podcast lands on this scale of notable achievements, but he's done one nonetheless and its quite something. Dynamic, hypnotic house and techno full of direction and pace. Get to know the wonderful noc:turne below with our interview and podcast.
It's amazing to have you doing a podcast for us. We've been lucky enough to see in person (on the project indigo boat party) what a talented artist you are, and this podcast is definitely a testament to that. Tell us about how it came about, how you recorded it and whether it was planned or improvised?
Ahah cheers! Always grateful to hear that people enjoy what I make. It’s definitely not something I take for granted. For the mix I really wanted to take what I did for Far Blue and take it a step further: a hotpot of different styles and genres that hopefully tells an interesting story. I tend to be quite meticulous when putting together a mix, so this is definitely more planned than improvised.
Are there any of your own tracks, or tracks from your label in there?
There’s only one track from me and none for the label. Maybe a missed opportunity, but I think the music tends to pick itself and I can be quite a tough judge on the quality of my own productions so prefer not to mix the two so often.
Artwork from Short Stories Vol. I / Lost In Translation
We would love to know more about your label, Lost In Translation. We really enjoyed both releases so far and have played a bunch of the tunes in sets and radio shows. How did it begin life and what is the vision for it over the coming months and years?
Where to begin? If we had to pinpoint it to one moment, it would have to be during covid when we heard wanderwelle’s gathering of the ancient spirits. A true masterpiece in storytelling in our opinion. In reality, founding a label has been on the back of our minds for a long time already, but we wanted to bring something a bit different to the other great labels out there. Once we honed in on the theme, the rest fit into place quite seamlessly.
With the label, we simply want to use it as a platform to try new things and learn along the way. Since this began, we have both started new jobs and so the key will be finding the right balance between it all. Excited for what’s to come and look forward to sharing more when the time is right !
How has the last year been for you? What's a typical week in the life of noc:turne like?
This year has been a bit of a step back from the noc:turne project. Getting the rest of my life in order was key before moving forward. I am at my happiest in front of a new Ableton session, but there comes a time when you need to face the realities of daily life. After a challenging summer, it feels as though all the pieces have finally fallen into place. That said, I have still been working on lots of new material behind the scenes that should be coming out shortly :)
Away from music for a moment. What other things in life bring you happiness?
There are other things in life? That’s news to me. Will keep an eye out for it and get back to you on this.
We always love discovering new music. Please tell us about some of your favourite recent releases we need to check out.
Not a release per say, but would highly recommend going to check out the recent liveset’s from pango. He’s a part of the project indigo crew, and a good friend from back when this all started. I’m not sure noc:turne would exist today if we hadn’t crossed paths back in uni. He definitely was the catalyst in my addiction to vinyl.
Otherwise I couldn’t answer this without a mention to the label Casa Voyager. Ouf. Simply brilliant. Can always trust that when a new release is out, I’m gonna be bobbing my head for the following week.
What's around the corner for you musically? I'm sensing a debut release on Oleeva soon in the form of a very tasty remix...
Yes indeed, quite a club ready banger if I do say so myself. Can’t wait for people to hear it ! There is lots more to come in the next few months but in the meantime hopefully this mix can scratch the itch.
We'd love to know about your studio and your creative process. Do you have much hardware or is it all in the laptop?
That’s a good question. No idea ! There’s not much of a studio to talk about. I’m a bit lazy when it comes to producing, usually working on projects in my bed with a pair of headphones. The mixdowns might take a bit of a hit for it, but hey, it’s my escape so there are no rules !
The podcast has such amazing energy and direction. Are you happy with the end result? How and where do you hope people will enjoy this set? What would your recommendation be…
Yes, delighted with the result ! Would probably recommend listening to it on the morning commute. At least that’s when I find myself listening to it the most.
Where do you want to go with your music?
Are you trying to make it a full time job or is it a passion?
I could answer this differently from month to month, but now with my job now, I indirectly get to do this full time.
It's a win-win situation, where I can make music with no added pressure and still get to work with other talented people in the industry. It's not an obvious path to navigate, so I’m truly grateful to have been given this opportunity.
In an ideal world, what's the dream!? Where would you want to be in 10 years time?
The dream would be to run a musical hub here in Brussels. A café on the ground floor overlooked by a record store on the first, a club in the basement and a set of studios on the floors above. Why pick one when you can do them all. Let’s throw in a web radio for good measure :) It’s a bit of a pipe dream but hey, if someone reading this has a bit of money and wants to join me for the ride, hit me up. In the meantime though, I’m trying to learn anything and everything there is to know about the industry.
Finally, the most important one of all, the million dollar question... favourite Animal and why?
It’s got to be the sloth. What a chiller but also very dedicated to finding their partner. Lucky to have already found mine, but the dedication is still there !
Thanks again for such a lovely mix. We're really excited for what is around the corner to hear your new music. Big love!
I should thank you ! Delighted to share a new mix with everyone and on such a wonderfully curated series as yours. All the love from Brussels <3
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Lost In Translation: