NICOLAS, a trailblazing force in electronic music, seamlessly blends the chaotic rhythms of the digital era with profound introspection. Born from the relentless pace of technological evolution, NICOLAS crafts genre-defying soundscapes that invite listeners into an immersive experience.

His latest release, "INCOMPLETE," serves as a sonic journey, urging audiences to navigate the complexities of their own narratives. Beyond beats and melodies, NICOLAS encourages self-discovery, inviting listeners to embrace the incomplete aspects of themselves for profound truths.

With an enigmatic persona and music that transcends conventions, NICOLAS stands as a guiding force in exploring the evolving relationship between humanity and technology, offering a glimpse into the future of music in the digital age.

In an exclusive interview with NICOLAS, Coeval reveal more about his musical journey, his connection with the digital age and deep dive into the latest release "INCOMPLETE".

Hey NICOLAS! Your latest track, "INCOMPLETE," is quite a journey. Can you take us back to the beginning of your musical journey? What sparked your passion for creating electronic sounds?

Glad you’re enjoying 'INCOMPLETE'! I delved into music production at 13 out of sheer curiosity. Hearing songs on the radio intrigued me; I questioned their creation, realizing they didn't rely on conventional instruments. That curiosity led me to download a cracked version of a music production software. Then, I spent my time scouring tutorials and devouring blog articles to grasp the craft. That initial spark still drives me today; now, it's about crafting unique, unheard sounds. 'INCOMPLETE' took form from a percussion loop I created on my Moog DFAM. I find that modular synthesizers fit quite well into my workflow and emphasize sound exploration.

"INCOMPLETE" seems to tap into the pulse of our digital age. Did your childhood experiences shape the way you approach music, especially in navigating the balance between the chaotic digital realm and profound human emotion?

Absolutely. Born in 2000, I've grown up steeped in this digital age. I still remember having one family computer at home that I could only use for half an hour a day or something like that. However I quickly got my own computer and that allowed me to produce music quite early on. Social media, YouTube, Twitch livestreams, and Reddit became part of my everyday life. These experiences deeply influence both my music and my identity. 'INCOMPLETE' is no exception, it encapsulates the tug between craving connection and embracing freedom, reflecting my navigation through the digital and emotional realms.

The blend of high BPM rhythms and introspective pauses in "INCOMPLETE" is fascinating. How do you find the sweet spot between the energetic beats and the deeper, introspective moments? Is it a reflection of your own rhythm of life?

Finding the balance between high BPM rhythms and introspective pauses in 'INCOMPLETE' is an organic process for me. It mirrors the ebbs and flows of life itself. There's an inherent dance between the energetic beats, reflecting the fast-paced and aggressive nature of our digital world, and the deeper, introspective moments that echo other moments of my personal life. It's a reflection of navigating through both the external frenetic tempo and the internal contemplative spaces, seeking equilibrium between the two dynamics. In the end, it’s all about making people feel and not only dance, which I believe is quite hard to do in electronic music.

Can you share a personal moment of self-discovery that inspired your approach to creating such a resonant and introspective track?

The genesis of 'INCOMPLETE' stems from a pivotal moment of self-realization, a moment where I grasped the profound connection between music and my life's journey. I wrote most of my upcoming songs after having my first anxiety attack. It made me realize that music would forever be intertwined with my existence. The lyrics of the track aren't tethered to a specific individual but rather encapsulate my deep affection for music. It wasn't a conscious choice but an organic revelation—a clarity about my identity and the enduring role music plays in shaping who I am.

"INCOMPLETE" captures the duality of our time. How do you see your music contributing to the ongoing conversation about the search for authentic connections in the midst of our fast-paced, digital existence?

When I create music, I don't dwell too much on this aspect consciously. I strive to keep the process organic, avoiding overthinking. Nearly all of the songs I released are a product of my solo efforts: producing, writing, and singing. The authenticity of the process matters most to me. It's about crafting music that resonates deeply with me, stirring emotions within. Every chord progression I compose reflects my life's essence, encapsulating who I am as an individual. It’s not to say I don’t enjoy collaborations, it’s just that I want things to happen organically. I believe that this process naturally adds to the discourse on seeking genuine connections in our fast-paced, digital world.

The digital age can often feel overwhelming and disconnected. How do you want your audience to feel when they listen to "INCOMPLETE," and what emotions or connections do you hope they discover?

When someone listens to 'INCOMPLETE,' I aim for them to experience a moment of introspection amidst the chaos. Picture this as a momentary hiatus, where time seems to freeze during a rave, offering a breath in the midst of our fast-paced digital world that can speed up our understanding of who we are and what truly matters to us. My hope is that within this pause, listeners find a connection to their own emotions, a space to explore their inner thoughts.

As a musician navigating the digital landscape, how do you use technology to enhance your creative process while maintaining a sense of authenticity and connection in your music?

I always made most of my music using a laptop, a pair of speakers and various plugins. As I’ve been producing for about 10 years now, using FL Studio has become second nature, effortlessly translating the ideas I have in mind into tangible sounds. Later on, I introduced hardware synths like the Prophet Rev2 and Moog Subsequent 37 into my process. Today, I find myself favoring live play on the Prophet for most of my chord compositions, fostering a deeper connection with my music. Additionally, I developed a passion for modular synthesizers and started building my own about 2 years ago. This venture sparked unconventional inspirations in my creative process. But to be honest, the tools you use don’t matter that much as long as you have fun using them : as Rick Rubin says, you are the instrument.

Can you share a memorable experience or encounter that left a lasting impact on your own narrative and, subsequently, influenced your music?

Certainly! Attending live performances by electronic acts significantly shaped my music journey. One standout experience was witnessing the Madeon x Porter Robinson Shelter Tour in Paris back in 2017. Their performance notably inspired me to begin singing on my own tracks. More recently, I've had the privilege of seeing acts like Overmono, James Blake, Flume, and Kaytranada live, each leaving a distinct impression on me. Observing how these artists curated their sets, engaged with their equipment, and connected with the audience deeply impacted my approach to music production and live performance.
In fact, drawing inspiration from these experiences, I'm gearing up to launch a monthly DJ show recorded live in Paris in the coming weeks.

Looking ahead, what exciting plans do you have for the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're particularly thrilled about, and how do you see your musical journey evolving in the next chapter?

I've got more songs ready to share, and I'm especially excited about upcoming collaborations, particularly those involving other vocalists. It's an exciting direction for me, exploring and incorporating diverse voices into my music. There's one more track set to release this year, and I'm eager for everyone to hear it. Right now, I'm deeply intrigued by diving into even more of a rave sound—it's currently inspiring and guiding my creative journey.