Taiki Nulight’s latest release, The Box, continues his trajectory of melting UK dancefloor sounds with bass, garage, and house blending seamlessly together. He’s had support from Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Mistajam to date and is fortunate enough never to have had a “real” job. We put him to task in our QnA.
Why music?
The only language that really makes sense to me.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
I was studying to be an architect, so probably that!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Comparison is the thief of joy.
What inspires you?
A never-ending need to want to learn.
What’s the next big thing?
More music. Better music.
Best club experience?
My first time ever at a club. It was at Audio in Brighton to see Joker.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
I’ve never actually had a job. I went straight from college to playing shows/touring.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
I guess when there are no more flaws. So never.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
N/A!
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Almost every track by J.Dilla.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
I don’t think there is one. Everyone’s “made it” situation is different. Just be yourself.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
‘To You’. I wouldn’t say this is my worst, but it’s a track I am least satisfied with purely because I felt as if it was rushed. I overthought the entire process and handled the project in an extremely naive manner.
Recommend us a film.
Interstellar.
What or who is underrated?
Cesco. Probably my favourite producer at the moment.
What or who is overrated?
Guinness.
What are you addicted to?
Most types of cheese.
What do you lust over?
Not having to travel or go to airports.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t regret anything in my life
What one thing would most improve your life?
More sleep.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
My very first international show. It was in Paris and it was in a restaurant, while people were eating.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Depends on the person. Have had plenty of both.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Good monitoring.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Pharcyde – ‘Runnin’.
How do you relax?
With my headphones on.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
My SSL Fusion hardware unit. I run most of my mixes through there to add depth. Something people will probably never notice or care about, but I hear it.
Art or money?
Art.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Not a huge football fan, so neither. I’m more of a Kobe Bryant and Lewis Hamilton kind of guy/
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
I wrote my TAKA remix in the green room of my music video shoot for ‘Style’.
Must-visit record store?
GAK in Brighton.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Social media.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Night Bass. The first label to embrace me like family.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
No sleep.
What’s your motto?
Hits vape.
Name something timeless
A literal black hole is timeless.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Stop comparing yourself to others around you. Learn your tools. Learn your theory. Practice every day. Don’t cut corners.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a frustrated …
…person who is never satisfied with my mixdowns.
Can music change the world?
Yes. For better and for worse.
What are you listening to right now?
What should you do before you die? Travel more and more and more
Live.
Taiki Nulight’s latest project, ‘The Box,’ is out now on Zeds Dead’s Deadbeats label. Listen on Spotify.
Find Taiki Nulight on Instagram. Catch Taiki at Headlines Elsewhere in Brooklyn this Friday and the following dates in North America:
- July 26 | Salmo, BC | Shambhala Music Festival
- August 15 | Denver, CO | Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
- August 17 | Nashville, TN | Deep Tropics