Dutch artist Nymfo has released music on some of the biggest labels in the scene, but one he keeps coming back to is Total Science’s CIA Records. Having recently released the “Stone Cold EP” on CIA, we hit him up to have a quick chat about it and also what he’s been up to the last year!
Hey man thanks for taking time out to talk to us today. How are you?
I am good! I just painted some easter eggs, so I think it’s time for a nap soon!
It’s been nearly 18 months since the start of the pandemic, and only now it looks like we are moving in the right direction, with raves being a rare occurrence (except if you are living in New Zealand). What have you been doing with your time?
I played in every outdoor playground in Amsterdam with my kids, started some new musical side projects, wrote a lot of drum and bass and missed my friends all over the world.
Personally I know quite a few artists have had no motivation at all for doing music because of what’s been going on, what’s been your way of keeping the motivation going?
My motivation was there with ups and downs. But one thing I see as a very positive thing is that I had a lot of time to think about future plans. Before the pandemic everything was going on 24/7 with almost no time to think. But sometimes you need a bit of a crisis to realise stuff and to be more creative again with new plans. So besides a lot of new drum and bass production I started some new initiatives in the music scene.
One thing I’ve found since the lockdown in the UK, drum & bass has been massive on live streaming with lots of new DJs and crews getting more exposure and filling the gap left by no raves. How’s it been in the Netherlands? Have you had an opportunity to get involved?
I am not super keen on the live streams tbh. I’ve done 2 of them, 1 for Beatport and 1 for DNB Arena. Both were fun to do, but I missed the crowd in front of me. When there is a live crowd, there is much more interaction and you make different choices as a DJ. I deffo do understand why people do it and I even watch some of the Doc Scott or Marky streams now and then. But for myself it’s not the one to do it that often. Or if there is an interesting concept around the stream, I would think about it.
I have noticed quite a lot DJs are diversifying their sets on streams, must be exciting as a producer to know your music is reaching more ears in these bleak times? Ive heard tunes off Stone Cold in so many streams already!
100% It’s always nice to hear other people playing your music. I also like how other DJs play it or find some great combos with it for example. That’s also the reason I still want to have some output with my productions. In the beginning I thought : what’s the point of releasing music when the clubs are closed. But then I also realised that I have a lot of hungry followers waiting for new music. And people listen to music at home as well of course.
You mention you have some new initiatives in music going forward, are you allowed to talk about these or is it top secret?
I have a musical side project called Road Kahan for more melodic house stuff. We released music on labels like Armada Music and Purified Records, so that’s a pretty fun project to do. And I am mentoring people via https://other-echo.com This is a great platform if you are searching for something specific, have a look I would say 🙂
Let’s talk about Stone Cold EP, yet another in a long line of releases for C.I.A. You seem to have a fantastic relationship with them and Total Science, must have been an easy choice to release it through them. What’s it like musically to have a such a good relationship with a label that believes in you as an artist?
I’ve always been a huge Total Science and CIA fan since day 1. I met them around 20 years ago and there was a great connection straight away. It has probably to do with their sense of humour haha! So I am honoured and pleased again to release my music on this beautiful label. Always when I write music for them, I go slightly oldskool with some elements in my tracks and less techy. I know they like it and I like it too, so that’s always a win win.
As we spoke before, the Stone Cold EP has been doing the rounds and getting a lot of airplay, can you talk a little bit about how long the process took to make it, plus the most challenging and enjoyable aspects?
Usually I know what they like and want for CIA and with my first 3 demos I hit the spot straight away. But it took a while for number 4 for the EP. And with number 4 I mean the track Stone Cold, that was the last track I finished for the EP. At some point we talked about release a 3 track EP and I think that was the kick under my ass to make Stone Cold 🙂
Thanks man, as we get ready to wrap things up, what does the rest of the year hold for you production wise? Have you got more music to come or is the focus going to be the mentoring you mentioned earlier?
I’ve got EP’s scheduled for Sofa Sound, Spearhead and Liquicity. So lots of music is getting released this year!
Lastly is there anything you would like share to your fans?
Keep it rolling!
You can grab the Stone Cold EP here!
Nymfo’s Bandcamp to grab any of his previous releases here!
To get mentored by Nymfo here!
CIA Records Bandcamp here!
