With her intricate and evolving sound, Nej!las has immediately turned heads in the Techno scene.
A scene which is now, with her help, thriving once again, and innovating in to a new brand of special, dark music. Her latest release ‘Event Horizon’ is her foray in to this new sound, and it has received great reviews already.
We caught up with the US based artist to find out more about her influences and what goes in to the sounds behind her tracks. Enjoy!
1. Take it Back by Layton Giordani.
This is my favourite track at this moment. Layton took a simple bass line and made it a masterful centrepiece of the entire track. Definitely inspiring!
2. Nostalgia Drive by No Mana.
No Mana is one of my biggest inspirations; his music carries a lot of movement and has a very “live” feel to it. You can tell there is some kind of emotional story to this production, which drops into Techno brilliance.
3. Reach For the Dead by Boards of Canada.
This song also heavily resonates with me. It comes with a deep solemn feeling. The bass kick can alone move a person by itself. It is a perfect example of how a producer doesn’t need many tracks to make a deeply moving and emotional song.
4. No World Order by Boxia.
The elements of this song are really creative; Boxia manages to make unitary sounds that one wouldn’t think, “belong” together, fit and vibe perfectly together. The acid-like bass, which filters out into pure percussion, is genius.
5. As Tave Myliu by Enzo Bennet.
Enzo Bennet is going places. He creatively combines Electro harmonies with minimalistic Techno beats that create a creative, original crossover of genres.
6. Glasswerk by Wehbba
In the best way possible – what exactly is the main bass in this track? Is it a bass with a very strong pluck or a combination of a bass and a xylophone? Very original, very cool. The little subtle changes in the note structure keep the listener glued to this track all throughout.
7. Neverdeader (feat. Brooks) by BlackGummy.
I think this song is genius. The BPM change in the middle moves one to the core. It’s very cool. A creative way of changing up a song.
8. Community Nap/Telemiscommnications by deadmau5.
I challenge everyone to listen to the song, Telemiscommnications, stripped of the lyrics (known as “community nap” and is unreleased, but can be found on YouTube). The drive of the synth and the chord progression are completely moving by itself. I dare anyone to listen to the song without feeling some type of emotion. A brilliant example of making an entire song out-of-the-box, completely original, and heavy on simple piano progression, yet; so powerful.
9. The Dansant by ANNA.
Anna has been killing it recently with The Dansant, Hidden Beauties and Suzi in Transe (she seems to be releasing a track at least once a month!) She’s an inspiration in herself, always working and releasing music. I chose this particular track of hers for the main melody, shockingly creepy – and once the envelope opens on the bass, I get goose bumps every time.
10. Regal by Fenix (Amelie Lens Remix)
Amelie Lens did a great job with this remix. I think the entire song is carried out and centered by the percussion, and that kick, which is definitely original and different.
