Interview Exclusive: Nebbra

As many of you know, we here at CasaSwoop have been huge fans of Nebbra. Our first review was back in May with Nebbra's remix of Phantogram's "Fall in Love." We were blown away by Nebbra's seeming effortlessness at completely molding a track to his sound. As impressed as we were then, I can't say we're surprised with how much Nebbra has improved in 6 short months. Our latest review of his work, his wonderful remix of Adventure Club's "Gold," highlighted our appreciation for his growth. The main differences we noticed were how refined his style has become and just how powerful his patented synth rhythms could be. You don't need any more evidence than what he did with Odesza's "Say My Name" a few months ago to confirm that point. Yet another example of his fantastic production style. So, without further ado, we bring to you, Nebbra.

I think in France, especially in the electronic underground music scene (not commercial), artists give themselves a lot of freedom and imagination.

CasaSwoop (CS): When did you first get interested in making electronic music? What music did you listen to when you were younger and how has that influenced where you are
today?

Nebbra (N): When I was younger I used to listen to a lot of Hip Hop, Soul and I used to like the "old" electronic style such as Electro (Techno). When I was listening to those kind of music, I used to focus a lot on the production behind it: the track itself. And I guess that's where my interest in making electro music came from.

CS: Where does the name Nebbra come from?

N: To find this name I put together all the letters from my first and last name. I mixed them all together and I tried to find the best combination of letters. Many words came, but Nebbra really caught my attention. Of course, not all the letters are used in it, but I loved the sound of it.

CS: All of your remixes have a very unique sound that we’ve described on CasaSwoop as “glossy” music. They all have really strong, bouncy chords. What about your sound do you think makes you unique and where does it come from?

N: Thanks a lot for this description of my "sound". I really appreciate it. I've always wanted to mix many styles in my music: some electronic sounds and some more acoustique. But what I was really looking for was to find a unique "touch" so that people can identify my sound whenever they hear it , whether it comes from the mix or from the original composition, even though I don't want to be categorized in a particular style.

CS: What is the first thing you listen for when you’re deciding to remix a track? Are there certain elements in the music that you listen for in order to be
interested in remixing it?

N: It's quite simple for me. I only listen to the vocal for a remix. If the voice is inspiring and great, then I will definately make a remix of it. I hardly ever listen to the original track because I don't want to be influenced by it when I work on the remix.

CS: When you’re building a remix, what comes first the melody or the beat? What’s the most important part to figure out in your process?

N: I don't have a particular method, it really depends on the inspiration I have. But most of the time I look for the melody and then the beats comes next, but it's not always the case. Each remix is different and I would identify my working method as "messy".

CS: What current producers or artists inspire you in your mixes today? Which artists do you think you’re most similar too in terms of style?

N: To be honest, I don't really get inspiration for the tracks I make. But there are many electronic artists that I really like . If I should compare myself to a current artist I would say Flume, not because I try to sound like him but because people tell me I do.

CS: We love the electronic music scene in Paris. What do you think makes the music coming out of Paris different from what’s coming out of Australia and California today?

N: I think in France, especially in the electronic underground music scene (not commercial), artists give themself a lot of freedom and imagination. They don't get stuck in a particular style. Maybe that's why the French electronic music scene is well considered.

CS: Have you considered collaborating with any other artists on a remix or original track?

N: I would really love to collaborate with some artists. I won't give any name away. Let's just say that if it will happen, you guys will hear about it.

CS: When do you think you’ll make the jump into producing original music? I know all of us are excited with the idea of your sound in an original track.

N: A little exclusive info, I got an EP preparing. I don't have a precise release date. All I can say is that I'm really working hard on it.

CS: Finally, when will you do an American tour and if you do, will you please come to Chicago? I’m sure all of our fans would love to see your perform here!

N: I really hope doing an American tour maybe in the months to come. It is my goal to go there and to stop there in Chicago, and maybe do another interview but in person this time.

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Thank you everyone for taking the time to read this exclusive interview with Nebbra! Keep an eye out for more exclusive interviews in the coming weeks. We'll post a few of our favorite Nebbra tracks below to listen to along with the interview. Thank you so much to Nebbra for answering our questions!

NEBBRA · Odesza - Say My Name Ft. Zyra (Nebbra Remix)