NLI is set to release her debut record, ‘Initiation’This 12-track project marks the fast-rising British DJ’s first venture into production, arriving 6th November on her techno imprint, Adhesive. ‘Initiation’ is equal parts swirling and storming, building on the gritty ‘fractal techno’ sound which characterised her recent DJ sets at London’s Venue MOT, Suki10c in Birmingham and Brighton’s Volks.
Buy on Beatport : https://www.beatport.com/release/initiation/5502003
There’s also plenty going on beneath the surface, as NLI – pronounced Nellie – finds inspiration in the obstacles she’s overcome during her rise onto the UK techno stage. The incisive ‘Riot’ takes aim at systemic sexism in the industry through punishing BPMs and psyched-out field recordings, while ‘Burnout’ plays with distortion and repetition to highlight the pressures of balancing music creation with social media demands.
Elsewhere, ‘Girlhood’ – premiering below – deals with the “grief and hopelessness surrounding the loss of a loved one” through live-recorded bells contrasted with her signature dark, driving kicks.
“‘Girlhood’ is one of the emotionally heavier tracks on this album,” NLI shared. “I made it in the aftermath of my grandfather passing away, who I remained very close to my whole life. The track itself was made entirely in his study, where I set up all my hardware and laptop as I wished to feel close to him.
“[He] was an inspiring figure to me in my life, offering support, wisdom, mentorship and help when I needed it,” she added. “No one believed in me as much as my grandfather and I continue to cherish my memory of him as he lives on in my music.”
Speaking on the album as a whole, NLI continued: “‘Initiation’ is a very personal recount of my journey. Each track tells a story about my initiation into techno and music in general, but also shines a light on the struggles many young artists face entering the industry. It’s my sonic autobiography.”