My “cool” uncle gave me these huge headphones and put this record on. From there I fell in love with the idea of buying vinyl and DJing. Noha talks us through his formative musical moments.
The first time you remember hearing electronic music?
Craig David ft. Artful Dodger – ‘Re-Rewind’
I perfectly remember how this record changed everything for me. I was so surprised by these sounds, especially the glass crack 1 minute in.
It was so random (but so perfect!) and apart from being a proper introduction to garage, this track made me curious about producing music and being able to make these sounds myself. My “cool” uncle gave me these huge headphones and put this record on. I must have been around 15. And from there I fell in love with the idea of buying vinyl and DJing. And I’ve been obsessed since!
The guilty pleasure?
Britney Spears – ‘Toxic’
I can’t believe I am sharing this! For so many years I didn’t even share this guilty pleasure with my closest friends. Until I finally did — and then discovered that most of my producer and DJ friends love it too. The video is so tacky and terrible, impossible not to feel guilty. But also impossible not to like it!
The best chillout record?
Morcheeba – ‘The Sea’
I actually re-discovered this one very recently. As soon as I hear it, it brings me back to being a teenager. In general the entire album, Big Calm is amazing, but this one always stood out for me. I can’t really explain why… I think it’s just one of those tracks that you grow up with and because of that, it’s always special.
The record that saves the day?
Stevie Wonder – ‘As’
This is the track I used to listen to every day while walking from home to my office, back when I was working as a graphic designer a few years ago. I used to live so close that the journey took exactly 7 minutes door-to-door. I felt, and was, very lucky. It’s my positive vibe kinda piece of music. It makes me feel better – no matter how shitty my day was.
The soundtrack to a lazy Sunday afternoon?
Özdemir Erdoğan – ‘Gurbet’
A few months ago I relocated to Berlin, and as my best friend needed a place to stay for one month, he moved to my place. One day he played this track to me and I was shocked. We kept on listening to it over and over again – every day, to this day, we still do, Sometimes you listen to something for the first time and you can already tell that it will stay with your forever.
The last track of the night?
NDF – ‘Since We Last Met’
This one makes me cry every time. And I want the last track to make everyone cry. And when something makes you cry you don’t have to explain why.
The record you’re proudest of?
Persimmon Ep – ‘VisRevSet’
It feels really weird to try and explain what I like about something I did. I think I just simply see myself in this track. From a technical point of view, this one is definitely unusual for me. It evolves slowly and steady. It has a story, a theme and many instruments. Compared to what I usually do, this was extremely complex for me to arrange. It took me over a year until I felt it was ready to be released. Nowadays I go for more simplicity, with a more straight-to-the-point approach. But still, every time I listen to it I’m like “wow, I should do something like this again” which of course, is the worst thing to think before doing anything in life.
Noha’s ‘Tartouffe Vol. 10’ is out November 30th via Yoyaku sublabel, Tartouffe. Keep up with Noha on Facebook, Instagram and Soundcloud.