Copenhagen-based NILU has been creating quite a buzz of late, building on his already impressive list of key parties and clubs he’s graced over the last years.
Being a key part of Copenhagen clubs, Culture Box and Werkstatt, he also brought his signature deep, techy sounds to the likes of Sisyphos (Berlin), Sankeys (Ibiza), Trump Room (Tokyo), The Block (Tel Aviv) to name just a few.
Here he drops a killer three-track EP under the title ‘Fremtid’, showcasing his production chops and no doubt creating a slew of new admirers.
We had the chance to speak with him about the release, his work in Copenhagen, and more… Enjoy!
WWD: Thanks for talking to us at When We Dip. Where are you at the moment, how are you spending the day?
At the moment I’m in my studio preparing for a nice weekend out in Berlin with the team from Klub Werkstatt in Copenhagen. We are having an inspirational trip, getting new Ideas for the next season. And the we are hosting night at Klunkerkranich. And tonight I have a gig at the Wednesday club Im hosting with Ashibah at Arch CPH. We are trying to get Wednesdays going in Copenhagen, because people are used to only going out from Thursday to Saturday. It slowly starts to pay off.
WWD: What are your earliest memories of music?
I grew up in a home where we listened to a lot of music. I have a picture of me as a little boy in my diapers, sitting on my bed with a walkman and big headphones. It has always been about music for me, there are always sounds that can make your day better, no matter the mood.
WWD: What were the first records you can remember being into, the ones that really made an impression on you?
‘Depeche Mode – Somebody’ is for sure a song that left a mark in my soul. From early on music
that I could have a little cry to, attracted me a lot, the music with a soul, with feelings, that makes
you feel something.
Another piece of music that is truly special: ‘Keith Jarrett “Köln, January 24,1975, Pt.1 – Live’. An improvised piece of music that gives so many emotions. This piece of music for sure taught me that anything is possible if you want it enough and you are willing to put in the work.
In electronic music ‘Jos & Eli – Instrumental Odyssey (Finnebassen Remix)’ is for sure one of my all-time favorites.
WWD: Tell us about the inspiration behind your new EP. Is this your debut release?
“What you want with the future?” That is the lyric in the track ‘Fremtid’ which means future in Danish. We have all gone through a bit of a tough time the last few years. And this was a question I believe many of us asked ourselves. I was myself forced to look inside. What did I feel? Not only taking in consideration what worked in a nightclub. Therefore the music which is coming out now has a different feel to it.
‘Sigalle’ was made on a terrace in South of France while on vacation, with the sound of cicadas in the background. Totally relaxed in my chair I said to myself: lets make a club banger ;))) The atmosphere and the Provence vibe was the inspiration I used for that track.
WWD: How did you link up with Phonique and Zatar Music on this one? Must feel good to get the seal of approval from such an experienced producer!
Wow! Yes, it is an amazing feeling. Phonique and I met in Denmark a few years ago, we clicked together, became friends, and kept in contact ever since. He has always been very supportive of my DJ’ing and my music. When he told me that he was interested in 2 of my tracks for his new label Zatar, well, I was very excited.
WWD: When you’re not working on your music, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not working on my music I’m busy working with a few different night clubs in Copenhagen: Culture Box, Werkstatt 167, Arch. At these venues, I’m doing booking, production, logistics, and creative development. And when that is all done, I spend my evenings as a dance teacher for children and adults. I was once an elite dancer 🙂
WWD: What else do you have coming up this year we should be looking out for?
In November, I have my first vinyl release, can’t wait to have it in my hands. It will be a sampler, with a lot of cool artists on Fine Coincidence. I made the track together with danish artist “Braver” and the song is deeply inspired by Acid bass lines. In December, I have a 3 track EP coming out on Einmusika Recordings which is gonna be a big one for me. Having released on Ein2 earlier this year, and then getting the support from the main label to release a 3-track EP is huge for me.
In January 2023 I have a collab EP with Phonique and Kaimo with amazing remixes from Fairplay and Sous Sol on the very nice Klau:elle. I can’t wait to share it all with you.
WWD: Finally, for you, which new artist have you discovered this year that’s really blown you away?
I didn’t discover him recently but his music really caught my attention the last year. Azpecialguest from Copenhagen is for sure somebody to look out for. A very talented DJ and producer with a deep passion for music like me. We connected strongly over the last few years and he has been a big inspiration and a good friend.