Someone who I have been seeing and hearing a lot of lately in terms of sound design, creativity, and uniqueness is none other than NGHTMRE. His fantastic releases speak for his incredible talent to channel every type of sound into music that truly comes to life. NGHTMRE has been touring for the masses, so all can hear his well heard of sets filled with every possible emotion known to man. I decided to ask him some questions about his rising career, his relationships with other artists, and where he sees himself in 2016. This is what he had to say:
This entire year for you has been filled with track releases, tour dates, and incredible successes. What in this year has been your biggest victory for you as a person and a producer?
Well I just started touring this year and definitely am not one to put myself in front of a crowd usually. As a person that was probably one of my biggest victories is overcoming that fear/anxiety I used to get in front of others. As a producer just the support from all the artists I’ve looked up to for years is a great feeling.
It’s clear Slander and yourself have an incredible working relationship and friendship. How did you guys meet and what made you choose to work together?
We actually met at Icon Collective. As soon as we met each other we started chatting and became friends. We had similar music and production tastes and wanted to do a track together. Over Christmas Break ’13 we both send each other remixes of “we like to party” almost at the exact same time. We were digging the ideas we both made so we combined them and released to the track together about a week later. Things went so smoothly and after that we knew we wanted to do an EP. We managed to get the time earlier this year and released the Nuclear Bonds EP!
Moonrise has been an event that no one could stop talking about, and no one will ever forget. What was your fondest memory of your set at this festival, and how do you think the overall vibe of the event was?
It was great vibes there the whole weekend. Got to see so many good friends play. That was the first show my dad ever came to so that was pretty memorable for me.
One of my favorite releases by you is your rendition of Tep No’s “It’s Alright.” What was your inspiration behind remixing this track?
I actually was just talking to the Mr. Suicide Sheep guys thanking them for posting one of my other remixes. He sent me a couple tracks with a similar vibe vocal and I really liked the “It’s Alright” vocal so I agreed to remix it. Just tried to keep it very melodic but still with heavy drums!!
If you had any advice to provide to producers who are working hard towards living their musically driven dreams, what would you share with them?
Watch this video.
Your production style is so eclectic, which is a very amazing quality to have in this industry. What do you believe sets you apart from other artists in terms of your music making abilities?
Umm, well I grew up playing piano and drums mostly and I listened to tons of different types of music so my music background is a little all over the place. I love all types of music so its hard to pick one style to be yours. I try to keep certain characteristics in all of my songs so that no matter what tempo or drum structure it has, you can still tell its a NGHTMRE song.
If you could play at one festival or event anywhere in the world, what would it be and why? And who would you go back to back with if you had the opportunity?
Maybe Tomorrowland in Belgium. Would be amazing to see a bass act on the main stage there. Coachella would have to be a close second.
What do you do on your downtime, when you aren’t touring or hiding away making music? Do you have any hobbies you enjoy or places you go to unwind?
Honestly haven’t had much downtime in the last few months. If I have any I like to go down to my brothers house near Santa Monica and hang out. I really enjoy hiking and just going to the beach, really anything outside. I love cooking too but don’t get to do it as much as i’d like. I live with 4 other producers so just sitting at home and watching everyone work on music is always great. There’s always something new to learn.
What do you have planned for the remainder of the year in regards to track releases? Is there another EP possibly in the works?
Yep! Got a couple EPs in the works actually. One will be self-titled and one will just be a shorter collection of collaborations and other originals of mine.
Are there any other artists out there that inspire you or anyone that you look up to when it comes to your music?
Jack Ü is always pushing the boundaries. Love all the GTA, DJ Snake, RL Grime, Kill the Noise, Brillz, Flosstradamus, Bro Safari, stuff as well.
One last bonus question: Puppies or Kittens?
Puppies for sure. They’re a lil more work but very awesome. Kittens are amazing as well though, that’s a tough one…
NGHTMRE harnesses all of his energy in order to show us all so many amazing songs, and his presence on the stage and in person is a wonderful balance of humility and strength. I am so honored that I was able to interview this amazing person, and I wanted to share with you all someone who truly knows what it means to make music not only for others, but for themselves as well. I believe this proves to everyone that awesome music is alive and well, and that everyone deserves greatness. Thank you NGHTMRE, and I wish you nothing but the best on your journey!
Photo Credits:
Kourey Angel0
Oh Dag Yo Photo
Paparazzi Flash Photography