NLI (pronounced Nellie) produces what she calls “Fractal techno”. What’s that? Well, we asked her to introduce herself to find out.
Who are you?
I’m a techno artist, producer and label executive! I run my own imprint called Adhesive, which is a techno label and platform showcasing some of the most cutting-edge artists out there.
Where are you from?
I’m currently living in London.
What do you sound like?
I often joke that my music sounds like the soundtrack to the end of the world! I’m obsessed with dystopian fiction, apocalyptic novels and anything that’s dark and moody. I’ve pioneered a unique type of techno called fractal techno, which is like the postmodernism of techno.
Why should we follow what you’re doing?
Honestly, if you’re starting to get bored of the commodification of techno that’s currently going on in the scene and you like techno that’s more on the intellectual side, I think you’d really like my work! I like to think of my music as a rejection of established norms and conventions, it departs from what we know techno to be and sound like – it deconstructs it as a genre and encourages you to think.
Which of your tracks sums you up? Why?
I wouldn’t say there’s one specific track that sums me up, all my tracks contain a part of me both as an artist and a person. Each track explores a different side to me and tell their own story.
What have you got coming out in the near future?
My debut album Initiation will be out with Adhesive on Nov 6, which is really exciting! It’s a very personal album and I see it as a sonic autobiography. I think a lot of themes that I explore in it are relatable to my listeners and hope that it can offer reflection, reassurance and strength to audiences.
What or who is your biggest influence and why?
I find a lot of inspiration in the world around me, mainly in the people who I’m surrounded with, my fans and supporters. I’ve always been better at expressing myself through music rather than words and most of my compositions actually reflect on the interactions I’ve had.
How did you get into DJing/producing to begin with?
I began as a composer/producer and have been creating music for most of my life. I was a concert pianist before I became a techno artist; it was quite a cathartic moment when I discovered synthesisers (and Ableton) because it felt like I had finally found an instrument that was much more aligned with my musical vision than the piano.
What are three things on your studio shopping list?
My list is really long but I would love to get a Moog Grandmother, Arturia MiniFreak and I love AIAIAI studio headphones!
Who or what have you sacrificed for your art?
I’ve sacrificed everything for my music. I work pretty much around the clock; if I’m not on stage, I’m in the studio. It gets pretty exhausting at times, but I wouldn’t change it for the world!
What’s been your favourite place to play so far?
I’m a huge fan of The Cause and Venue MOT in London, where I’m actually playing this weekend! I’ve also played a few times at a club in Birmingham called Suki10c, which is incredible. It’s this incredibly underground, intimate, yet gritty venue that is truly incredible.
Where can we hear your music?
From November 6th, you’ll be able to hear it everywhere….! So
What one song would feature on the soundtrack to your life?
Currently, it’s definitely my track, “Burnout”. It explores the pressure of being an artist in an age of social media. It’s definitely rewarding to have reach as an artist but it also trains you to be hyperaware (sometimes a bit too much) of everything you do and say in the public eye.
[quote align=right text=”It was quite a cathartic moment when I discovered synthesisers (and Ableton) because it felt like I had finally found an instrument that was much more aligned with my musical vision than the piano.”]
What motivates you?
My biggest source of motivation is my fans. The support I’ve received since day one is just incredible, and every time I feel like my workload is too much, knowing that so many people appreciate what I do gets me back on track. It really means the world to me.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I’m very weird when it comes to days when I have a show in the evening; I like to fast, I don’t drink alcohol and don’t let my partner come anywhere near me(!) I think it’s my trying to subconsciously cleanse my energy before performing, so that I can give my best and most authentic version of myself to my audience.
Complete this sentence: At heart, I’m just a…
nerd, definitely.
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve received?
Never rely on others. If you want something done, then do it yourself, and as an artist, always make sure you put yourself in a position where you are in control of yourself and your music. It’s easy to lose touch with yourself in this industry.
Where will you be in five years’ time?
On a stage near you! I would like to visit as many countries as possible, meet my fans abroad and make my shows accessible to as many as possible!
Find NLI on Instagram. Find Adhesive on Instagram.
Listen to NLI – Initiation on Soundcloud.
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