After making the most of the global coronavirus lockdowns making her presence felt with a number of live-stream sets and working on a boatload of new music, Nostalgix hit the ground running once things began to get back to “normal” with clubs and festivals returning to capacity.
Already making waves throughout the house scene with releases on esteemed imprints such as AC Slater’s Night Bass and Tchami’s Confession, the Vancouver native has quickly become one of the most promising, fresh faces in the scene popping up on some of the biggest lineups out there such as making her United States festival debut at HARD Summer, EDC Orlando, Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge and more.
For all those who haven’t been tapped into the house scene or a simply new to the name, we caught up with Nostalgix to get to know her a little better!
DJ Life: When were you first introduced to electronic dance music and when did you decide to start producing?
Nostalgix: When I was going into my final year of high school in 2014, one of my friends said “hey, let’s go to this rave.” Hardwell was performing at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, and two of my good friends were going. I’d never been to a big show yet, and had no idea what a rave or electronic music even was. But, I decided it would be fun to go. I went, and that night absolutely changed my entire life.
I went to the show that night not knowing what to expect, and I completely fell in love with electronic music. I fell in love with the freedom, acceptance, love, and culture. I’d never been somewhere before where I’d felt so accepted and okay to just be myself. I was standing in the crowd that night and everything just clicked and I felt like I finally belonged somewhere and that I could be my authentic self. After that, I tried to see as many artists as I could and started going to a bunch of events. From there, I became a promoter in Vancouver while I was still in high school. I would host underage club nights and book out clubs and either throw big parties or sell tickets. Then a year after that, when I started University I decided I wanted to learn the art of DJing.
I was DJing a lot for fun at the time and I got to play at all of my favorite venues in Vancouver. Every show and every night just made me fall more and more in love with what I was doing. In 2016, I decided I wanted to really go after my dream and start learning music production.
DJ Life: When you were getting started, which artists influenced or inspired you most?
Nostalgix: Some of my biggest influences early on were Tchami, Jauz, AC Slater, Dr. Fresch, BIJOU, Alison Wonderland and Zeds Dead. I absolutely loved the energy of all of these artists, they made me fall in love with the world of electronic music and really inspired me to start producing. For me, it’s all about the energy and the music. All of these artists are constantly making such incredible and unique records that I really look up to. Not to mention that they’re all really cool people as well which is even more inspiring.
DJ Life: What is it that made you fall in love with house music?
Nostalgix: I love sharing this story haha. In 2016, I saw Dr. Fresch performing at Life In Colour in Vancouver. I didn’t know who he was at the time, but when I saw him performing it blew my mind. I’d never experienced such a cool party or such incredible energy like that before. It was my first time hearing a bass house set and I FELL IN LOVE. He was having so much fun on the decks and living his best life, throwing down the sickest beats. His energy was so infectious. It got me hooked. I went home and from the very next day I started teaching myself music production. I have never looked back since.
DJ Life: What was one piece of equipment that helped define your sound early on?
Nostalgix: I’ve always had a fairly simple setup, no fancy equipment. I worked on solely my laptop and headphones for the first few years I was producing. Early on, I used to go to different coffee shops and sit for hours on end and just create using my headphones (I still do this haha.) For me, the best tool that helped define my sound was the fact that I always showed up and kept trying daily. If one thing didn’t feel right, I would keep trying until it did. That really helped me define my sound as an artist. It was the practice of trial and error and patience that really led me to where I am today. I would show up every day and try no matter the outcome.
DJ Life: What does your studio setup look like these days?
Nostalgix: I recently moved to Los Angeles from Vancouver, Canada. So, I haven’t been able to set up a proper studio since I’m on the road a lot these days. For the time being, my studio setup consists of my laptop with Ableton and my headphones. It gets the job done and it keeps me happy. Really going back to my roots right now.
DJ Life: What’s your creative process in the studio?
Nostalgix: When I get into the studio, I, first of all, make sure to turn off my phone and wifi, so I can allow myself to be in the moment and be present. Nothing else matters when I have time blocked out to make music. I love turning on candles or incense and taking deep breaths. It helps take off any unnecessary energy or pressure. I like to sit down with no expectations and no limitations and let myself be me and create what I feel is right in the moment. Whatever I’m feeling I will channel in the moment. No idea is bad. From there I will start producing a beat or start free-styling on some vocals to get an idea flowing. Once the idea is there, and I get into a good state of flow, it’s just creation doing its work.
DJ Life: When you have a tough week or hit a wall creatively, how do you get yourself back on track?
Nostalgix: I show up. If I’m having a tough week, the best thing I can do is just show up anyway, and keep trying. I’ll try out different ideas until something sparks a light in me. Once I have an idea that I’m excited about, it really just takes off and shifts my energy completely. There’s nothing more inspiring than walking into a studio not feeling 100% and leaving being proud of what you just created. Sometimes going to the gym helps as well. Taking an hour to do a workout will always reset how I’m feeling and leave me feeling more inspired. I also love listening to mindset podcasts to shift my perspective and have a more positive daily outlook.
DJ Life: What does Nostalgix have in store for the remainder of 2021 and beyond?
Nostalgix: I’m finishing up a big tour around the US and Canada. I’ve got to play a lot of incredible festivals including HARD Summer, EDC Orlando, Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge, Family Reunion, ÎLESONIQ Redux and more. I’m also played some shows with Deadbeats on The Revival Tour. Outside of touring, I’ll be working on a ton of new music. Lots to look forward to, so many amazing things coming and I’m grateful and excited for all of it! Be on the lookout, cause 2022 is gonna be next level!
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