Interview: NIIXII on her latest EP on Zatar Music

Niixii’s artistic journey is a testament to how creativity can flourish in the face of conflict. Raised in Iran, a region steeped in historical tumult, she has never let her challenging surroundings stifle her musical ambitions. After relocating to Barcelona to pursue a master’s degree in Law, Niixii discovered an invigorating new world of music and rave culture. This environment felt like home instantly, sparking the beginning of her significant career.

Niixii’s music captivates audiences, taking them on magical and unforgettable journeys with each performance. Her work resonates deeply, earning her recognition and the opportunity to release tracks with notable labels such as Radiant, trndmsk, and Hoomidaas. As she continues to evolve and impact the electronic music scene, Niixii remains a compelling example of how personal resilience can merge with artistic expression to create truly outstanding music.

How did your early life experiences shape your initial interest in music and eventually lead you to become a DJ and producer?

Actually, in my case, it was not my early life experience. I was born and raised in Iran and grew up with a lot of restrictions. There are no clubs or bars; only traditional music is allowed in concerts. I played the piano, though, and was quite good at it.

What were the first steps you took towards a career in music? Were there any pivotal moments or influential figures that encouraged you to pursue music professionally?

Yes, when I moved to Spain 8 years ago, I was exposed to a totally different world. I started going out to festivals and clubs and fell in love with electronic music. I then did a DJ course at Plastic Academy in Barcelona. My first aim was just to learn a bit and looked at it as a hobby. Little did I know that my life was about to change. Since then, I haven’t stopped learning, and now I can’t imagine doing anything else but this!

Can you share some insight into the specific production tools and techniques you used to craft the melodic lines in “Magia”? How do these tools help in achieving your signature sound?

I was pretty much inspired by Persian scale music. I tried improvising different rhythms and grooves until I got to this melody, adding various percussions to give it a fusion vibe.

You’ve drawn inspiration from Middle Eastern music for your latest track. Are there other genres or music cultures you’re interested in exploring in your future projects?

Yes, I also love indie dance and definitely going to produce something in that genre. I really enjoy the indie dance from artists like Mita Gami and Adam Ten.

How do you choose collaborators for your projects? Is there a particular artist or producer you are keen to work with in the tech-house genre?

I don’t see this as tech house because tech house is not this melodic. I’m very keen to work with Organism and Alexey Union. So far, my remixers have been recommendations from the label, all great artists.

How do you translate the deep and melodic elements of your studio tracks like “Magia” into a live performance setting?

My goal was to make something oriental but also club-oriented, something organic but not downtempo. A track for the dance floor but also deep and organic.

What was the biggest challenge you faced while producing “Magia,” and how did you overcome it?

I think the biggest challenge was with the melody. It took a lot of improvising and testing until I got to this melody, but after that, everything just flowed easily.

Each track tells a story. What story were you aiming to tell with “Magia”? How does this track fit into the narrative of the overall album or EP?

In some way, it relates to my own personal story and background: a girl from Iran sharing the melodies of home in my new home, Barcelona.

How has feedback from this release influenced your thoughts on future productions? Are there elements you would tweak or expand upon based on listener reactions?

The feedback has been great, even though it hasn’t been released yet. But a lot of people have commented about how they love the groove and the melody. The melody is one that stays in your head for a long time!

Reflecting on your career so far, how do you think your music has evolved since you first started producing?

Like many artists, my sound has been evolving a lot. My older tracks are not this hype. The progress has opened my ears and eyes, and now I’m more clear about what I want to produce.

Looking forward, what are some long-term goals you have for your music career? How do you plan to achieve these goals in the coming years?

I would like to work with a Persian vocalist this year and also do an indie track with my special touch on it.

Magia is out now on Zatar Music: https://zatarmusic.lnk.to/Magia

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