New on Zatar is a three tracker from NIIXII, the DJ and producer based in Barcelona. Her Magia cut is deep, melodic tech house track with a bewitching melodic flourish re- ferencing middle eastern roots. It’s hypnotic and affecting and the perfect calling card for NIIXII’s distinct take on house.
Hi NIIXII! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today! How has the year been treating you? Where do you think the impulse to create music comes from for you?
Hello, it’s my pleasure indeed. I’m doing well and happy to be chatting with you. This year has been great so far. I released my first EP, followed by two more, with “Magia” being the third EP of the year.
I guess, like many other artists, being able to share your sound with the world and having your track played by different artists, and most importantly yourself.
In your music creation, you’ve mentioned that experiences and everyday impressions can translate directly into your tracks. Could you share a specific instance or story where a real-life experience directly influenced one of your recent tracks?
Yes, definitely. When I was working on the second track of my EP “Magia”, for example, I was also grieving the loss of my father and had just ended a long-term relationship. That’s how the track “One Last Dance” was born, out of grief, loss, and cherishing memories. A deep, melancholic, beautiful track was created. I just let my feelings lead me through the process.
Your sets often blend melodic techno with progressive house. Could you talk about artists or specific tracks that have significantly influenced your musical style?
My taste in music can vary from organic to Afro, indie, and melodic house. I enjoy different artists a lot, but the ones who have influenced my style that I can think of are Bedouin, Adam Ten, Mita Gami, Gab Rhome, Monkey Safari, and Damian Lazarus.
“Magia” features a deep, melodic tech-house sound with a unique Middle Eastern melodic flair. Can you describe the creative process behind blending these cultural sounds with modern tech-house?
While working on “Magia”, I was very much inspired by Persian scale music. I tried improvising different grooves and rhythms until I got to this melody that was stuck in my head for a long time. I also added various percussions to transmit a fusion kind of vibe. I added some Spanish vocals as a test, and I felt like it was a good fit. I would love to make more music that comes from my roots and background, to give my tracks a little Middle Eastern flavor, probably working with a Persian singer and vocalist.
Electronic music continuously evolves with new trends and styles. From your perspective, what are the most exciting changes happening in the techno scene today, and how do you see them influencing your work?
The techno scene is continually pushing boundaries, with exciting changes like the merging of traditional instruments with electronic elements, the rise of modular synthesis, and increased experimentation with spatial audio techniques. These developments inspire me to explore new sounds and techniques, enhancing my ability to create innovative and immersive electronic compositions.
Looking to the future, are there any new projects or directions you’re excited to explore in your career? What should we expect from you for the rest of 2024?
I will continue to push boundaries and try to make something unique that represents me and my background but at the same time my love for electronic music. On the other hand, I plan to play in different cities and hope to expand my fan base.